Amber Cove & Taino Bay: Damajagua 7 Waterfalls with Lunch

Summary

Jungle hikes, cool river jumps and local flavors near Puerto Plata

You’ll hike through lush Dominican jungle near Puerto Plata with a local guide, jump and slide down seven Damajagua waterfalls into cool river pools, then refuel with homemade Dominican lunch and fresh chocolate tastings before heading back to your cruise ship—expect laughter, good food, and memories that stick around longer than wet socks.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — not just water, but laughter echoing somewhere up the trail. We’d barely started from Amber Cove when our guide, Roberto, pointed out a tree with these wild red flowers (he called them flamboyán). The air was thick and green. I kept brushing my hand along the leaves as we hiked — not sure why, maybe just to feel grounded. The walk up to Damajagua’s waterfalls took us about 25 minutes, but it felt like less because everyone was swapping stories or trying to pronounce “Damajagua” right (Li laughed when I tried — probably butchered it).

Standing at the top of the seventh waterfall, I hesitated. It’s not huge but something about the blue-green pool below made my stomach flutter. Roberto grinned and jumped first — splash! — then waved me over. You can use stairs if you want, but honestly sliding down felt like being a kid again. Cold water in your nose, sun on your face, people cheering you on from below. There’s this moment after you hit the pool where everything goes quiet except for birds and your own heartbeat. I still think about that view — sunlight through mist and all those shades of green.

Afterwards we dried off (sort of) and followed Roberto back through the jungle to a little open-air spot for lunch. Rice with beans sauce, fried chicken that tasted like someone’s grandma made it, plantains crisp at the edges. Beer if you wanted or soda if you didn’t. Then a quick ride to a chocolate factory nearby — smelled like roasted cacao as soon as we walked in. We tried hot chocolate (so rich), mamajuana shots (stronger than I expected), even some dragon fruit and coffee. The lady running the tasting joked that their cacao could fix any bad mood — might be true.

I’m not really a “tour person,” but this day trip from Amber Cove & Taino Bay felt more like hanging out with locals who actually wanted to show us their place. Even now when I hear running water or smell cocoa powder, I go right back there for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Damajagua Waterfalls and Chocolate Tour

• Walk 30 minutes through jungle
• See tropical plants and mountains
• Stop at 7th waterfall and fun star
• Slide, jump, swim down waterfalls
• Visit chocolate factory tour
• Taste hot chocolate and local shots
• Shop Dominican coffee and products

Top questions

How long does it take to hike to Damajagua waterfalls?

The hike takes about 25-30 minutes each way through jungle trails.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Children 7 years or older can do all 7 waterfalls; infants may only do waterfall number 1 with family supervision.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

A Dominican buffet: white rice with red beans sauce, fried plantains, pasta in red sauce, fried chicken, grilled pork, salads.

Are drinks included?

Yes—soda/pop, bottled water at lunch; beer at lunch; mamajuana shots and rum tasting during plantation visit.

Does this tour include pickup from Amber Cove or Taino Bay?

Yes—pickup and drop-off are included at both cruise ship ports.

What should I bring for the waterfalls?

You’ll need swimwear under your clothes; helmets and life vests are provided on site.

Is there a chocolate factory visit included?

Yes—a mini tour of a cacao plantation with hot chocolate tasting plus coffee and liqueur samples is part of the day.

How physically demanding is this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is needed due to hiking and climbing stairs by waterfalls; not recommended for those with mobility issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Amber Cove or Taino Bay cruise ports in an air-conditioned vehicle; entry fees; helmets and life vests for safety; guided hike to Damajagua’s seven waterfalls; chances to jump or slide into natural river pools; a full Dominican buffet lunch with beer or soda; plus visits to a local chocolate factory for tastings of hot chocolate, mamajuana shots, fruit samples, rum tasting and Dominican coffee before heading back relaxed—and probably still damp—to your ship.