Damajagua Waterfalls & Buggy Tour: Puerto Plata Shore Excursion

Hike to Damajagua's natural slides, then ride buggies through Puerto Plata's backcountry

A shore excursion from Taíno Bay or Amber Cove combining two activities: a guided hike to Damajagua Waterfalls where you swim and slide down natural rock formations into pools, followed by a buggy tour through off-road trails and villages. The tour includes lunch, transportation, water and drinks, and runs about five and a half hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Damajagua Waterfalls and Buggy Tour

• Pickup at Taino Bay or Amber Cove
• Head to Damajagua Park
• Safety briefing and gear up
• Guided hike through tropical forest
• Swim, jump, and slide at waterfalls
• Lunch with Dominican dishes
• Buggy tour through Puerto Plata fields

The experience

Pickup happens at your cruise port (either Taíno Bay or Amber Cove), and the guide waits 40 minutes after the ship docks, so head to the meeting point as soon as you're cleared. From there, transportation takes you to Damajagua Park, where the morning centers on the waterfalls. After a safety briefing, you hike through the forest for roughly 35 to 45 minutes with a guide who points out local plants and wildlife, then reach a series of cascades where the real activity begins: you swim in the pools, jump from rocks, and slide down natural formations worn smooth by water.

Lunch at the on-site restaurant follows, with a spread of Dominican dishes to refuel before the second half. The buggy tour starts after, and these are shared two-person all-terrain vehicles that handle the rough terrain. Your guide leads the convoy along dusty off-road trails, past small villages and through the landscape around Puerto Plata, moving at a pace that lets you feel the ride without rushing through the scenery.

The whole excursion is built around the ship's schedule: you're back in time for departure. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and water shoes or running shoes that can handle wet rock and mud. Kids under eight can join the hike but only reach the first waterfall, and buggies are shared, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with a partner.

What’s included

• Private transportation from the cruise port.
• a guided hike with safety briefing.
• lunch with Dominican dishes.
• bottled water and alcoholic beverages after the buggy activity.
• WiFi on board the transport vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 75 years) · Youth (5 to 12 years) · Child (under 5)

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Anddy tours aventure

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks at Taíno Bay or Amber Cove. Pickups start directly from these ports, so you won't need to arrange separate transport to the meeting point.

Traveler reviews

4.13★★★★★★★★★★

76 verified traveler reviews

5 ★48

4 ★8

3 ★9

2 ★4

1 ★7

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 12 years); Child (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the hike to Damajagua Waterfalls actually like?

The hike takes 35 to 45 minutes through tropical forest with a guide, and it ends at a series of waterfalls where you can swim in pools and slide down natural rock formations. It's not a long trek, but you'll be on uneven ground and getting wet, so water shoes help.

How does the buggy tour work, and will I be driving?

Buggies are shared two-person vehicles, so you ride as a passenger while an experienced guide leads the convoy. You travel along off-road trails through villages and natural areas around Puerto Plata, but you're not operating the vehicle yourself.

Will I have time to get back to the ship before it leaves?

Yes. The tour is timed to fit within a port call, and the return is scheduled so you're back at your cruise port in time for departure. The 40-minute wait at pickup is firm, so arrive promptly when your ship docks.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Lunch, transportation, bottled water, and drinks after the buggy activity are included. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and water shoes or running shoes. The operator does not provide water shoes or face bandanas.

Are there restrictions on who can do this tour?

The hike and buggies involve physical activity and aren't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. You'll need at least moderate fitness. Children under eight can hike to the first waterfall only, and infants can ride in a stroller or specialized seat.