Damajagua waterfalls shore excursion: 7 or 12 falls from Amber Cove

Jump, slide and swim down 7 or 12 waterfalls in one port day

You get picked up at the cruise terminal, hike through jungle to Damajagua Waterfalls, then jump, slide and swim back down through 7 or 12 falls depending on river conditions and your ship's port time. Lunch and rum drinks are included, and the guides time everything so you're back before departure. Bring old running shoes and a towel. The tour is moderate to strenuous depending on which falls option you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Damajagua Waterfalls adventure and lunch

• Meet guides outside Amber Cove Terminal
• Board air-conditioned vehicle to falls
• Receive safety briefing and local info
• Arrive at 27 Falls of Damajagua Park
• Store valuables and get gear
• Hike uphill to waterfall start point
• Jump, slide, and swim through waterfalls
• Relax in azure waters at first fall
• Hike back to visitor center
• Enjoy Dominican buffet lunch with drinks
• Return to Amber Cove by transport

The experience

The guides are running late. You're standing outside Amber Cove with thirty other passengers, checking your watch, wondering if you've already missed half the tour, and then the air-conditioned van pulls up and someone laughs because of course it does. Twenty-five minutes later you're at the base of Damajagua Waterfalls in Puerto Plata, helmet on, life jacket fitted, and the real problem becomes clear: you have to hike uphill through jungle for forty minutes before you even get to jump off anything. Most people choose the 12 Falls option when the ship is in port less than seven hours, which means you'll climb to the midway point, then spend the next couple hours working your way back down by jumping, sliding and swimming through a series of pools and canyons. The jumps go up to 25 feet, but there's always a way around if you're not feeling it.

The hike itself isn't casual. The path is uneven, wet, and you're carrying a water bottle while wearing a helmet that keeps sliding. Your guide (a local who knows every rock and root) points out where people slip most often and tells you to watch your footing. Once you reach the 12th waterfall and turn around, the mood shifts completely. You're not hiking anymore. You're playing. The first jump feels impossible until you're in the air, and then it's just cold water and the sound of everyone screaming. Between jumps there are moments where you float in pools so clear and blue they don't look real, and your guide is already pointing to the next slide or the next jump, keeping the pace moving so you're back at the visitor center by early afternoon.

After you've changed into dry clothes, there's a Dominican buffet lunch waiting (barbecued chicken and pork, rice, stews, salads), and local rum drinks are included. Beer costs extra, but the rum and coke is free and tastes like you've earned it. You eat with the other passengers, most of them still buzzing from the jumps, and then it's the 25-minute ride back to Amber Cove. The tour is built around cruise schedules, so you'll be back at least an hour before your ship leaves. If your ship is in port eight hours or longer, there's an option to add five zip lines to the waterfall tour, but most people stick with the falls alone. It's already a full morning.

What’s included

Port pickup and drop-off at Amber Cove Cruise Terminal, bottled water on the van, professional local guides, helmet and life jacket, a moderate 40-minute jungle hike to the midway falls (or longer if you choose the full 27), jumps and slides through multiple waterfalls and pools, a 15-minute hike back down, Dominican buffet lunch with barbecued chicken, pork, rice, stews and salads, and local rum drinks. The tour is timed to get you back to the ship at least one hour before departure.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

Guide in English or SpanishNo fixed time

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Iguana Mama Shore Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this if you're on a cruise and want a single adventure that doesn't require arranging your own transport or timing: the pickup, lunch, guides and return are all coordinated around your ship's schedule, which is what makes a full waterfall tour possible in a short port day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

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 24h before the start.

How long is the whole tour from pickup to drop-off?

Roughly 4 to 5 hours total, including the 25-minute drive each way, the hike, the waterfall section, lunch and the return to Amber Cove.

Can I do the 12 Falls if my ship is in port for 7 hours?

Yes, the 12 Falls option is designed for ships in port 7 hours or less. The 27 Falls (full hike) requires more time and is only offered when conditions allow and your ship is in port longer.

What if I don't want to jump?

There's always an alternative way down for the bigger jumps. You can slide or swim instead, and the guides will show you the route.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Dominican buffet with chicken, pork, rice, stews and salads is included. Local rum drinks are included. Beer is not.

What should I bring?

Old running shoes, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof camera if you want photos. Leave valuables, dry clothes and flip-flops in a bag at the visitor center.

What's the minimum age?

Children must be at least 8 years old. Kids aged 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the river is too high or the weather is bad?

River conditions can change overnight. If too many falls are closed, the tour may be adjusted to fewer falls. If conditions are dangerous, the tour is cancelled and you get a full refund.

Can I add zip lines to the waterfall tour?

Yes, if your ship is in port at least 8 hours. The combo includes 5 zip lines plus the waterfall section.