Puerto Plata: Damajagua Waterfalls Cruise Shore Excursion

Summary

Jump, swim & laugh through Damajagua’s wild waterfalls near Amber Cove

You’ll hike through lush jungle near Puerto Plata with local guides before jumping, sliding, and swimming down Damajagua Waterfalls—up to 12 falls depending on your cruise schedule. Expect laughter, cold splashes, a hearty Dominican buffet lunch (with rum!), plus easy port pickup and drop-off so you never worry about timing.

What’s the experience like?

We were still shaking off the salt from the ship when we piled into the van outside Amber Cove—air conditioning blasting, our guide cracking jokes in that easy Dominican way. Twenty-five minutes inland and the sea breeze swapped for thick green air, all wet leaves and distant birds. I kept fiddling with my helmet strap as we got our safety talk; everyone else seemed just as nervous-excited. The local guides handed out life jackets and water bottles, grinning like they’d seen this mix of anticipation and mild terror a thousand times.

The hike up to the falls was... well, sweaty. Not brutal, but enough to make you feel alive. Our guide pointed out a tree with bark that smelled like cinnamon if you scratched it—I tried, but maybe my nose isn’t sensitive enough. By the time we reached the first waterfall (we did 12 falls since our ship wasn’t in port long), I could hear water slapping rock before I saw it. The first jump looked higher than I expected—someone behind me muttered “oh boy” under their breath. I hesitated for a second, then just went for it. Cold splash, river taste in my mouth, everyone cheering. It’s funny how fast you start trusting total strangers when you’re all sliding down rocks together.

Sliding through narrow chutes and dropping into blue pools felt half wild and half like being a kid again. One of the guides—Miguel?—showed us how to sit just right so your shorts don’t ride up (I still did it wrong). There was this moment after one of the jumps where everything got quiet except for water echoing off stone walls. Sunlight flickered through leaves overhead—it’s hard to describe but I keep replaying that bit in my head.

Back at the visitor center, dripping wet and grinning like idiots, we changed into dry clothes for lunch. The smell of barbecued chicken hit me first—smoky and sweet—and someone handed me a rum and coke before I even sat down. The buffet had more food than I could try: rice, pork stew, salads… My hands were still shaking from adrenaline or maybe just from laughing so much during the last jump. Afterward we said goodbye to the guides (lots of fist bumps) and piled back into the van for Amber Cove. The whole thing felt both quick and huge somehow—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 waterfalls
• Jump, slide, and swim through falls
• Relax in azure waters at first fall
• Hike back to visitor center
• Enjoy Dominican buffet lunch with drinks
• Board transport back to Amber Cove

Top questions

How far is Damajagua Waterfalls from Amber Cove cruise port?

It’s about a 25-minute drive from Amber Cove cruise terminal to Damajagua Waterfalls.

Is lunch included on this Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion?

Yes, a Dominican buffet lunch with barbecued meats and salads is included after your tour.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for this day trip?

You should be comfortable in water but life jackets are provided; strong swimming skills aren’t required.

How many waterfalls do we do on this tour?

You’ll usually do 12 waterfalls if your ship is in port less than 8 hours; sometimes up to 27 if conditions allow.

What should I wear for Damajagua Waterfalls?

Wear old running shoes or sturdy sandals (they’ll get soaked), swimwear under shorts, and bring a towel for after.

Is this excursion suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 8 years old; kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back or knee problems or poor cardiovascular health.

Can I bring my camera on the waterfalls tour?

You can only bring waterproof cameras; everything gets wet during the activity.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right at Amber Cove cruise terminal, air-conditioned transport to Damajagua Falls with snacks and iced towels onboard, all safety gear (helmet and life jacket), bottled water for your hike up through the jungle trails, local waterfall guides throughout the adventure itself, plus a full Dominican buffet lunch with sodas and local rum before heading back to port in time for your ship’s departure.