Puerto Plata City Tour and Monkey Sanctuary: History and Wildlife

Colonial streets and playful monkeys in one morning

A guided tour of Puerto Plata combines the city's colonial landmarks (the San Felipe Fortress overlooking the sea and the Cathedral of San Felipe Apóstol in the center) with a close encounter with squirrel monkeys in a sanctuary. The guide leads both the walking portion through the boardwalk and vibrant streets and the wildlife segment, where you observe the monkeys' natural behavior and learn about them from an expert. The tour runs four to five hours and includes entry, transport and water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Puerto Plata and meet monkeys

• Guided tour of Puerto Plata city
• Visit San Felipe Fortress
• Stroll city center and boardwalk
• See Cathedral of San Felipe Apóstol
• Encounter squirrel monkeys at sanctuary

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• entrance fees to the fortress and sanctuary.
• guided city tour of Puerto Plata's colonial center.
• guided encounter with squirrel monkeys.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• hotel pickup.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Before you book

Group Up to 200

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Ages Adult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Jonathan Tours

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

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The experience

San Felipe Fortress anchors the first half of the day. Built in the 16th century, it sits overlooking the sea and forms the starting point for a walk through Puerto Plata's center. From there, the route moves through the city streets to the Cathedral of San Felipe Apóstol, where the colonial architecture frames the stops, then down to the boardwalk where the sea breeze and the rhythm of the waterfront close out the history portion. An air-conditioned vehicle carries the group between these points.

The second half shifts to the squirrel monkeys in their natural sanctuary. This is not a zoo pass or a distant viewing: the guide positions you for close observation of their behavior, their curious faces and the antics that make them engaging to watch. The expert guide explains what you are seeing and creates space for interactive moments with the animals. The sanctuary itself is designed around their well-being, so the encounter balances access with respect for the creatures.

The whole day runs between four and five hours. Pickup is included, and the vehicle stays air-conditioned throughout. Bottled water comes with the tour. Food and drinks beyond that are on you, as are any tips for the guide.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What is the San Felipe Fortress and why does it matter to Puerto Plata's history?

San Felipe Fortress is a 16th-century military bastion built to defend the coast, and it sits prominently overlooking the sea from the city center. It is the most imposing landmark on the walking portion of the tour and represents the colonial period that shaped Puerto Plata's architecture and layout.

Can I get close to the squirrel monkeys, or do I watch them from a distance?

The squirrel monkeys are in a natural sanctuary designed for their well-being, and the tour includes close, interactive moments with them. The guide positions you to observe their natural behavior and curious antics up close while explaining what you are seeing.

Is the guide fluent in English, or only Spanish?

The guide is live and speaks both English and Spanish, so language is not a barrier on either the city walking portion or the sanctuary segment.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

Entry to both the city landmarks and the monkey sanctuary, guided tours of each, bottled water and air-conditioned transport are all included. Food and drinks beyond the water, personal expenses and gratuities are separate.