“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Amber Cove?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. As cruisers, there are some ports where you absolutely want to book an excursion to really get the best out of your day in port. On the other hand, there are some ports where you can totally get away with not booking an excursion. If you’re visiting Amber Cove and you’re on a budget, you’re in luck! You absolutely do not need to book an excursion in Amber Cove! However, there are lots of really great options available if you decide you want to venture out.
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What is an Excursion?
An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.
Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Amber Cove?
Amber Cove is one of the ports designed specifically for cruisers by the Carnival Corporation. Ports like Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk were built as havens for cruisers. They each include shops, restaurants, bars, beaches and/or pools, and other fun things for you to do while you’re in port for the day.
Amber Cove offers bars, restaurants, shops, a resort style swimming pool, a lazy river, water slides and a splash area. Oh, and the best part? It’s totally free! There’s also zip lining available for just a small fee.
Check out our article on 12 Things to Know About Amber Cove for more information on these amazing amenities! With all of these wonderful features, it’s easy to see why you don’t need to book an excursion in Amber Cove!
Nearby Beaches
Since Amber Cove and Puerto Plata are situated on the Atlantic, the waters can be rather choppy. In fact, Amber Cove itself doesn’t have beach access for this reason. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t great beaches in the area, however! In fact, there are lovely golden sand beaches lined dotted with palm trees all along the coast. If you want to plan a beach day here, you’ll definitely want to look into booking an excursion or hiring a taxi.
Maimón Beach
The closest beach to the cruise port Maimón Beach. It is about 15-20 minute walk (or 1/2 a mile) from the cruise terminal. The beach has loungers available for rent and is located near bars and restaurants.
2. Playa Cofresi
Playa Cofresi is about a 10 minute cab ride from the cruise port. The beach has gentle waves and plenty of lounge chairs in the shade that are available for rent. Like many of the beaches in this area, there is lots of seaweed.
3. Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a 15 minute cab ride from the cruise port. This golden beach is known for its swells, which are great for those who enjoy water sports.
4. Playa Bachata
Another option is to get a day pass for Playa Bachata Resort. The resorts offers a day pass where you can take advantage of their bars, restaurants, pools, beach, and more. It’s located about 1/2 a mile from the cruise port and is accessible by foot or by cab.
Recommended Excursions in Amber Cove
The port offers some of the best excursions in the region. Visit the majestic waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua, zip line, take in the historic sights, hit the beach, swim with dolphins, go on an ATV adventure, or try your hand at watersports. Whatever you’re into- there’s plenty to do in Amber Cove.
Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-road Buggy Combo
This exhilarating tour starts with a 2-hour Polaris buggy ride through the local villages and out into the jungle. You’ll cross the river multiple times, so plan on getting wet!
Next, take a 40-minute somewhat strenuous hike through the stunning Dominican landscape before cooling off in a waterfall. If you dare, slide into a fresh, cool pool of mountain water. Be sure to bring a towel, water shoes, and a couple of bottles of water.
Although the Carnival website doesn’t list it as a requirement, participants must be able to swim.
This is many people’s favorite excursion in Amber cove.
Minimum Age: 8-years-old
Tour Length: 6 hours
Link: Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-road Buggy Combo
Damajagua Waterfalls & Monkeyland
Start off in the tropical jungle where you’ll get a chance to visit with super-friendly squirrel monkeys! Don’t be surprised if they hop on to your shoulder and request a treat.
Next, take an adventurous 40-minute hike through the jungle to the breathtaking waterfalls of Damajagua. Here you’ll slide down a natural waterslide into a pool of cool, fresh, mountain water.
Although the Carnival website doesn’t list it as a requirement, participants must be able to swim.
This is probably the best excursion in Amber Cove as it combines 2 fan favorites!
Mega Truck Country Ride & Culture with Lunch
Want to get a snapshot of Dominican life, history, and culture? Climb abord an open-air safari truck to explore Puerto Plata. You’ll get a glimpse of important landmarks such as Independence Square, Felipe Cathedral, and more. You’ll even get a chance to experience the streams, sugarcane fields, and villages of the countryside.
Visit a ranch where you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch.
Minimum Age: 6-years-old
Tour Length: 5.5 hours
Link: Mega Truck Country Ride & Culture with Lunch
Power Snorkel Adventure
This tour shows you a whole different side of the Dominican Republic…underwater! You’ll start with a 45 minute off-road adventure in an open air safari truck. After traveling through the countryside, you’ll arrive at a stunning bay surrounded by a reef. A SeaScooter will help you explore the reef system with ease.
Minimum Age: 10-years-old
Tour length: 4 hours
Link: Power Snorkel Adventure
Triple Adventure: Zip, Buggy & Power Snorkel
This tour allows you to experience the Dominican Republic from the air, sea, and land! Begin with a trek to the Ocean Outpost in a safari style truck. At the outpost, prepare to fly across the Atlantic on the Adrenaline High Wire Zip.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Next, hop in a dune buggy to the waterfront where you’ll use a sea scooter to explore the stunning emerald water.
Minimum Age: 12-years-old
Tour length: 5.5 hours
Link: Triple Adventure: Zip, Buggy & Power Snorkel
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