A Day in Port: Amber Cove
Amber Cove:
Amber Cove is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a 25-acre cruise center complex that opened in 2015. Carnival Corporation built the complex. It can host two cruise ships at a time. The name comes from the nearby region known as Ambar Stone, undoubtedly for the rare amber stone that is found in this area.
For a map of Amber Cove, click here.
For a map of the Dominican Republic, click here.
Things to do:
Aqua Zone: This is a popular port that offers either adventure or the chance to rest by a lovely pool with an excellent view. The pool area, called The Aqua Zone, is free to use. Further, you can relax in a lounge chair, rent an umbrella for your lounge chair, or rent a private, air-conditioned cabana (includes wi-fi, unlimited zip-line passes for everyone registered in the cabana, a television and a small refrigerator with soft drinks and water, and also snacks). The cabanas are poolside, hillside and over the water.
In the Zone, you will find a small kids area, a swim-up bar, ‘sky bar’, volleyball court, waterslides, as well as a zip-line. The 650-foot zip-line runs across the Aqua Zone. There is a charge of $20 per person to ride the zip-line and also includes unlimited rides that day. The food is good. The sky bar gives a 360-degree view of the port area. It’s a beautiful view!
You can rent lockers on site for a small fee that is refunded when you return the lock. You’ll want to rent a locker if you plan on doing the zip line.
You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, aqua bikes, and other sporting equipment for an additional charge.
Damajagua Waterfalls: These 27 beautiful waterfalls are only a 20-minute drive from the cruise port. They are located in the amazingly beautiful rain forest. All visitors need to have a guide to visit the waterfalls, no matter how experienced. Minimum age to participate is 8, maximum weight is 275 lbs. If you have had recent surgery (less than 6 months), are pregnant, have heart or respiratory conditions, back, neck or knee problems, including those using any medication that carries a warning of any mental or physical impairment, you will not be permitted on this excursion.
Ocean World Adventure Park: This is one of the most popular excursions. It is a 10 – 15 minute drive from the cruise port. Many go there to swim with the dolphins, but there is so much more to do. You can snorkel in the tropical reef aquarium, or visit the bird exhibit where you walk among the birds and watch them eat right out of your hand, go to the dolphin, sea lion, and shark shows, and even relax at the beach or pool area.
RePapel: If you’re cruising to the Dominican Republic with Princess, Holland America, or P & O, you may get a chance to visit RePapel. The factory, actually a small house, is a short bus ride from Amber Cove. You can spend the day volunteering at this recycling paper and craft initiative. It is a very small association of women who recycle paper and turn it into beautiful handcrafted objects. The women who work there want to make a better life for their families as well as the
You can watch vloggers (video bloggers) Sean and Stef on their excursion to RePapel by clicking Paper with a purpose Consider subscribing to them.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling on the north coast of the Dominican Republic may not be as impressive as on the south side of the island, but there are some wonderful places to snorkel. If you do not have your own equipment you can rent from one of many beach shops along the way. Some suggestions are Playa Dorada, Cofresi, and Sosua Beach. Also if you are willing to make the 30-minute ride, check out Sosua Beach with its clear, placid waters backed by high cliffs. It is beautiful!
Beaches: The nearest beach is Maimon, about a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier. Besides Maimon, the most popular beach is Cabarete, about a 90-minute drive from the pier.
Puerto Plata: This is the nearest city to the cruise port. It is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic. There are many tours available either through your cruise ship or online. One thing that should not be missed is the cable car, called TELEFERICO. The views are breath-taking. Equally as impressive is the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress. There is also a cigar factory and a rum distillery.
Food and drink:
Local cuisine in the Dominican Republic is a combination of Spanish, Taino, and African influences. Popular food
The Dominican Republic is the largest producer of cocoa in the Caribbean. In addition, they are one of the top producers and exporters of organic cocoa in the world. Be sure to try some of this wonderful cocoa while you are there!
‘Mamajuana‘ is a popular island drink made with rum, red wine, honey, herbs, and (get this) tree bark. Warning, it is indeed very potent!
Presidente is the national Dominican beer, made by Cervecería Nacional Dominicana since 1935. It is a light lager and
Dominican coffee is excellent and for the most part, is served very strong. Gente de la Isla, Santo Domingo, and Café Induban are three great coffees produced in the Dominican Republic.
Transportation:
Local taxis are available at the cruise port. It is about a 15 – 20-minute drive to Puerto Plata.
Shopping:
The Dominican Republic is known for two semi-precious stones. Larimar is an exquisite blue stone only found on the island, and Dominican amber is famous
The shops at Amber Cove are open whenever there are cruise ships in port. You can find locally made souvenirs in the market here. They even sell items from RePapal, as previously mentioned above.
Golf:
Playa Dorada Golf This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Golf enthusiasts should certainly try out this course.
Climate:
Winters are mild with an average daily high temperature of 83 degrees F. In the summer the days are hot with average temperatures of about 91 degrees F.
To find weather in nearby Puerto Plata, click here.
1 thought on “A Day in Port: Amber Cove”