Puerto Plata: 7 Waterfalls Adventure & Dominican Lunch

Summary

Jumping, sliding & sharing lunch above Puerto Plata’s wild hills

You’ll hike through lush forest near Puerto Plata to reach Damajagua’s 7 waterfalls—jumping, sliding, swimming your way down each level with a local guide by your side. Afterward, recharge over a Dominican buffet lunch with mountain views before heading back (pickup included). Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and memories that stick around longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

Hands outstretched, our guide—Miguel—handed me a helmet that still felt damp from the last group. He grinned and told us, “Don’t worry, it’s just river water.” I could smell the faint mix of wet leaves and sunblock as we started up the trail. The air was thick but not suffocating, kind of how you’d expect in the hills outside Puerto Plata. We heard birds I couldn’t name and the occasional shout from another group echoing somewhere above us—probably already jumping off one of the seven waterfalls of Damajagua.

The climb wasn’t easy but not brutal either—just enough to make you wonder if you should’ve skipped that second helping at breakfast. At one point, Miguel stopped to point out a tree with glossy red seeds; he called it “mamón,” and tried to explain its uses in Spanish before switching to English with a laugh. The path got rockier as we got closer to the top, and I kept thinking about how these falls are just tucked away up here, almost secret if you didn’t know where to look. It’s funny—I didn’t expect the water to be so clear or cold when we finally reached the first fall.

I hesitated before my first jump (it looked higher from up there), but Miguel counted down for me and everyone cheered when I finally splashed in. The water tasted like stone and moss—refreshing in a way bottled stuff never is. We slid down natural chutes slick with algae, bumped into each other in the pools below, and laughed every time someone landed awkwardly (me, mostly). It was loud and bright and kind of chaotic but in a good way. You don’t really get silence here—just rushing water and voices bouncing off rock walls.

By the time we reached the bottom again, soaked through and starving, lunch was waiting at this open-air spot overlooking green hills I still can’t quite describe right. Fried plantains steaming on big platters next to grilled pork and rice with beans—the kind of food that feels earned after all that jumping around. Someone poured me passionfruit juice that tasted like sun-warmed fruit straight from a stand. And yeah… I still think about that view sometimes when things get too quiet back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and slide down waterfalls

• Arrive at visitor center
• Enjoy traditional Dominican food
• Pick up gear and life jacket
• Hike through forest and cross footbridges
• Climb to the 7th waterfall
• Slide, jump, and swim down waterfalls

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you visit on this tour?

You visit 7 waterfalls at Damajagua due to current rainfall levels; other falls are closed.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a traditional Dominican buffet lunch is included after the adventure.

Are hotel or cruise port pickups available?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided for Amber Cove-Taino Bay cruise ports & local hotels.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are helmets and life jackets provided?

Yes, helmets and life jackets are included for safety during the waterfall activities.

How long does it take to reach Damajagua from Puerto Plata?

The drive from Puerto Plata to Damajagua is short; exact times may vary based on pickup location.

What should I bring on this tour?

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet; bring dry clothes for after the activity.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with pickup from Amber Cove-Taino Bay cruise ports or hotels, all safety gear like helmets and life jackets for exploring Damajagua’s 7 waterfalls near Puerto Plata, plus bottled water throughout. Afterward you’ll sit down for a Dominican buffet lunch—think fried plantain, rice with beans, grilled meats—and then return comfortably back to your starting point.