Hi, we’re Crystal and Marshall, and welcome or welcome back to our channel! If you’re new here or haven’t subscribed yet, please do so. Today, we’re taking you along on our adventure in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where we explored this vibrant city for just $22 per person. Let’s dive in!
First Stop: The Cruise Port Experience
Disembarking from the ship, we made our way through the port, which we believe is called Taino Bay. This port has been beautifully developed with a variety of attractions, including a Lazy River, a large swimming pool, shopping options, and even a DJ setting up a fun party atmosphere. If you don’t want to venture far, staying within the port is a great option!
Venturing into Downtown Puerto Plata
We decided to explore beyond the port. A short five-minute walk brought us into downtown, where our first stop was the Chocolateria Tour. This free tour walked us through the seven steps of chocolate making, from harvesting cacao to processing and forming chocolate. It was an educational and delicious experience, and we purchased some cocoa tea for $12.
Colorful Streets: Umbrella Street & Pink Street
Next, we made our way to the famous Umbrella Street, a vibrant and popular spot for photos. Unlike similar locations in other cities, this one is lined with eateries and shops, making it a lively area. Just beyond it, we found Pink Street, a stunning hot-pink-painted road that makes for another fantastic photo opportunity. Here, we tipped a local photographer $3 for some great shots.
A Refreshing Coconut Stop at Independence Square
Walking towards Independence Square, we found a street vendor selling fresh coconuts for just $2 each—a much better deal than the $7 price tag inside the port! Watching him slice open coconuts at lightning speed was impressive, and enjoying fresh coconut water was a perfect way to cool down.
Nearby, we visited St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral, a breathtaking church with intricate stained glass and beautiful architecture. Admission was free, making it a must-see historical site.
Discovering History at the Amber Museum
Our next stop was the Amber Museum, famous for its connection to Jurassic Park. The museum lent an amber stone to the movie production, and in return, they were allowed to use the Jurassic Park logo in their branding—smart marketing! Inside, we saw stunning amber specimens, and for just $2 per person, we also got an unexpected bonus: a personal tour of the Tobacco Making Process, where we learned that premium cigars take years to produce.
A Local Lunch Break
Hungry from all the walking, we returned to Umbrella Street for some local empanadas, which cost $3 each. Paired with a bottle of water and a Mountain Dew from a nearby shop ($3 total), our quick meal was both tasty and affordable.
Scenic Walk to Fort San Felipe
As we continued, we noticed how safe and welcoming Puerto Plata felt. However, those with mobility issues should be aware of uneven sidewalks. Making our way through a scenic park, which was once a port, we reached Fort San Felipe, a historic fortress with incredible views of the ocean and cruise port. Admission was just $2 per person, and although filming was limited inside, we captured some amazing shots of the fort’s cannons overlooking the bay.
Wrapping Up: Taxi Ride Back to the Port
After hours of walking, we opted for a taxi ride back to the port for $5 per person. It was well worth the cost after a full day of exploring!
Final Thoughts: A Budget-Friendly Excursion
In total, we spent about five to six hours exploring Puerto Plata and spent only $44 for both of us ($22 per person). Here’s a quick breakdown:
Chocolate Tour: Free
Cocoa Tea Purchase: $12
Photographer Tip: $3
Fresh Coconut: $2 per person
Amber Museum & Tobacco Tour: $2 per person
Empanadas: $3 each ($6 total)
Drinks: $3 total
Fort San Felipe Entry: $2 per person
Taxi Back to Port: $5 per person
If you’re visiting Puerto Plata on a cruise and want a DIY adventure, we highly recommend following this guide for an affordable, fun, and immersive experience. Have you visited Puerto Plata? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments!
Stay tuned for more travel adventures, ship tours, and excursion guides from Cruising with Crystal and Marshall! Safe travels!