Puerto Plata: Damajagua Waterfalls Adventure & Rum Party

Summary

Jump, slide, and laugh through 12 wild waterfalls near Amber Cove

You’ll climb through forest trails near Amber Cove, leap and slide down 12 waterfalls at Damajagua with a local guide by your side, then celebrate with fresh rum punch and music on the ride back. Expect laughter, soaked clothes, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost chickened out at the first jump. Standing above that clear pool at Damajagua Waterfalls—well, it looked higher than I expected. Our guide, Luis, just grinned and said “trust me, you’ll want to go again.” He was right. The water hit cold and sharp and tasted a little like rain on stone. My heart was racing but in a good way. We’d left Amber Cove about forty minutes earlier in a van with windows down, passing fields where kids waved and roosters crowed louder than our driver’s playlist.

The hike up is no joke if you’re not used to humidity—my shirt stuck to my back before we even saw the first waterfall. But Luis kept us moving with stories about his childhood here (he pointed out a mango tree he used to raid). At one point I could smell something sweet—maybe guava?—and the river sounded close but hidden behind thick green leaves. There’s this moment before each slide where everyone goes quiet except for the water rushing below. It’s kind of addictive.

Sliding down those rocks felt smoother than I expected—like nature made its own playground out of limestone. Some folks in our group counted all twelve falls out loud; I lost track after eight because I was too busy laughing (and trying not to swallow too much river water). By the time we got back to base camp, shoes full of gravel and hair dripping everywhere, Luis handed out rum punch like some kind of reward. Dominican music started up on the speakers—one woman tried to get us all dancing but my legs were jelly from hiking so I mostly just watched and sipped.

I still think about that first jump sometimes—how scared I was for two seconds, then how free it felt right after. If you’re anywhere near Puerto Plata or Amber Cove, this day trip to Damajagua Waterfalls is worth every muddy step. Just bring shoes you don’t mind ruining and maybe an extra towel… mine never really dried off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Damajagua Waterfalls Adventure and Party

• Meet outside Amber Cove port gates
• Enjoy narrated countryside drive
• Hike uphill to waterfalls base camp
• Jump and slide down 12 waterfalls
• Return with party, rum punch, and music

Top questions

How long does the Damajagua Waterfalls tour take?

The whole adventure lasts about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off at Amber Cove or Taino Bay.

Is pickup included from Amber Cove cruise port?

Yes, pickup is included just outside the main gates of Amber Cove port in Puerto Plata.

How many waterfalls do you visit on this tour?

You’ll jump or slide down 12 waterfalls at Damajagua during this day trip.

Are drinks or snacks provided on the tour?

Yes, bottled water, snacks, and complimentary rum punch are included after the adventure.

Is there an age or weight limit for participants?

The minimum age is 10 years old; there’s a 250 lb weight limit (or proportionate fitness required).

What should I wear for the Damajagua Waterfalls tour?

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring heavy-duty water shoes or sandals with a backstrap plus a towel.

Is lunch included in this excursion?

No full lunch is mentioned; snacks are provided along with drinks after the waterfalls portion.

Can people with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health or mobility aids like canes or walkers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup just outside Amber Cove port gates in Puerto Plata, entry fees for Damajagua Waterfalls park, bottled water throughout your hike and adventure, snacks when you return to base camp, plus as much rum punch as you care for while local music plays on the ride home—and if your ship cancels last minute, they’ll refund everything without hassle.