Frequently Asked Questions

What makes you different from other Puerto Plata tour companies?

We’re more specialized in Amber Cove shore excursions than 99% of Puerto Plata tour operators. Most of them serve every kind of visitor; we only serve cruise passengers at Amber Cove and Taíno Bay. All 16 of our tours start and end inside the cruise terminal, and we’re rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3,202 Tripadvisor reviews.

How do I book an excursion?

Choose a tour, select your cruise date and group size, and complete secure checkout. For a custom excursion, contact us to request a quote.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book up to 12 hours before your excursion, subject to availability.

What emails will I receive after booking?

First, we email your reservation confirmation. Before your tour, we send a separate email with your exact meeting point (inside the port for port pickups), a photo of your assigned driver's ID badge, and the driver's contact number. Keep both emails handy on your cruise day.

How can I tell if a Puerto Plata tour operator is reliable?

Check five things before you book: where pickup is, whether round-trip transportation is included, how long before all-aboard you’ll be back, what happens if your ship skips the port, and reviews you can verify. With us, pickup and return are inside the cruise terminal, all 16 tours include round-trip transportation, we plan your return for at least 90 minutes before your ship’s departure, you get a full refund if your ship doesn’t dock, and we’re rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3,202 Tripadvisor reviews.

How to find reliable Puerto Plata tours near the cruise port →

Do you offer private or small-group tours?

Yes, on request. Contact us with your interests, group size and date, and we’ll quote a private or custom tour. The 7 Waterfalls + Zip Line + Lunch tour already includes private transportation from Amber Cove, and on our double buggy and ATV tours two guests share each vehicle. The Damajagua Waterfalls + Monkey Park + Dominican Lunch excursion is shared, with private transportation available for an additional charge quoted by group.

Do you offer a discount for larger groups?

Yes. On every excursion, groups of 6 or more guests get 5% off the whole booking, and groups of 11 or more get 10% off, applied automatically at checkout.

Is it cheaper to book with you than on Viator?

On most of our popular tours, yes. On November 9, 2026, we compared our 5 most popular excursions with the same kinds of tours on Viator: booking direct with us was cheaper on 4 of the 5, and about the same on the city tour, which costs less with us for groups of 6 or more. Booking direct also gets you pickup inside the terminal and a full refund if your ship doesn’t dock.

Amber Cove Excursions vs Viator: real prices compared →

Is there a minimum group size?

Group requirements depend on the excursion and vehicle. Select your number of travelers on the tour page to check the available booking options, or contact us before booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 25 hours before your scheduled excursion start time for a full refund. If you need to cancel closer to departure, contact us as soon as possible.

What if my cruise ship changes itinerary or skips the port?

If your ship was scheduled to visit the port you booked but does not dock there, you will receive a full refund. Notify us as soon as the cruise line confirms the change. This policy does not cover an unreported booking mistake by the guest.

What if my cruise ship arrives late?

We adjust the excursion schedule to your ship’s actual arrival. Please notify us as soon as your cruise line announces a delay.

What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?

If we cancel a tour due to unsafe weather conditions, you'll receive a full refund or the option to switch to an alternative excursion.

Is round-trip transportation included?

Yes. Every excursion includes round-trip transportation for cruise guests, with pickup and return inside the cruise port terminal. We email your exact meeting point and driver details after your reservation confirmation.

Where do I meet my driver?

For Amber Cove pickup, your driver meets you inside the port. After your reservation confirmation, we email the exact meeting point, a photo of your assigned driver's ID badge, and the driver's contact number. If you booked pickup elsewhere, follow the location in that email.

Will I get back to my ship on time?

Yes. Every excursion is covered by our On-Time Return Guarantee. We plan your return for at least 90 minutes before your ship’s departure, about an hour before a typical all-aboard, and we have never caused a passenger to miss their ship.

Which excursions are best for a short port stop?

Our shortest excursions take 2½ hours: the Single Buggy Ride and the Double ATV Adventure. Six more take about 3 hours: Damajagua Waterfalls + Dominican Lunch, Damajagua Waterfalls, Monkey Home + Butterflies + Birds, Monkey Home Adventure, Double Buggy Adventure and Single ATV Ride. Even the shortest ship calls on our cruise schedule, 7 hours, leave about 5 hours for a tour once you allow 30 minutes to meet your guide and a 90-minute buffer before departure. Your ship’s day on our cruise schedule lists the tours that fit its hours.

Find your ship’s day at Amber Cove →

Are your guides local and bilingual?

Yes. We’re a Puerto Plata company, and all of our local guides speak both English and Spanish fluently. Some also speak French, German, or Italian.

What should I bring on my excursion?

We recommend comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimsuit (for water excursions), cash for tips and personal purchases, and a camera. Check your tour listing for any activity-specific items.

Are excursions suitable for children?

Yes, with age limits by activity. Monkey Home, Monkey Home + Butterflies + Birds and the Puerto Plata City Tour welcome all ages. The Monkey Home + Double Buggy combo starts at age 6 and the Damajagua waterfalls at age 7; the other buggy and ATV tours, and any other combo that includes the waterfalls, a buggy or an ATV, start at age 8. Each tour page lists its minimum age.

What is the most affordable excursion with transportation included?

Our lowest prices are the Damajagua Waterfalls (US$39 per guest), the Puerto Plata City Tour (US$44.55 per guest) and the Double ATV Adventure (US$45 per person, 2 sharing). The Damajagua Waterfalls price does not include lunch; with a Dominican lunch it is US$49. Every excursion includes round-trip transportation from inside the cruise terminal, so there’s no taxi fare to add. Groups of 6 or more save 5%, and groups of 11 or more save 10%, applied automatically at checkout.

Compare all tours with prices →

Can I reserve without paying the full price now?

Yes. You can pay in full, reserve with a 30% deposit, or reserve with just US$1 and pay the rest on arrival. The US$1 payment confirms a real person is booking; it counts toward your total and is non-refundable.

What currency do you accept?

All tours are priced in US Dollars (USD). We accept major credit cards through our online booking system. Tips are best given in cash (USD is widely accepted locally).

Are tips included in the tour price?

Tips are not included in the tour price. If you enjoyed your experience, tipping your guide is customary and appreciated. A typical tip is $5-10 USD per person.

Do children receive a discount?

Prices and age limits vary by excursion. On Monkey Home + Butterflies + Birds, children ages 3–11 are US$39 and infants ages 0–2 join free. Check each tour page for its exact prices and minimum age.