Puerto Plata: Damajagua Waterfalls Tour & Lunch from Taino Bay

Summary

Jump swim and laugh through Damajagua’s waterfalls with lunch

You’ll hike through lush jungle from Taino Bay or Amber Cove to reach Damajagua’s 7 waterfalls near Puerto Plata, jumping and sliding into cool pools with a local guide leading every step. Afterward you’ll change clothes and share a Dominican buffet lunch (plus mamajuana), finishing with fresh coffee and chocolate before heading back—still buzzing from all that river energy.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the air changed when we left Taino Bay — humid but fresh, that green smell you only get in the Dominican jungle. Our guide, Miguel, grinned as he handed out helmets and life jackets (“You’ll thank me later,” he said). The hike up to the 7th Damajagua waterfall wasn’t easy — I was sweating by waterfall three, honestly — but it felt good to move. You could hear water crashing somewhere above us, mixed with birds and someone’s salsa ringtone echoing through the trees.

At the top, I hesitated for a second before jumping. The pool below looked deeper than I expected (Miguel promised it was safe — “Mi abuela can do this one!”). The water hit cold and sharp on my skin, then we were sliding down rocks slick as glass, laughing so hard I swallowed half the river. There’s something wild about trusting gravity like that. Some of the falls have old Taino stories behind them — Miguel tried to explain one about spirits living in the stones but I was too busy catching my breath to ask more.

After all that adrenaline, changing into dry clothes felt almost luxurious. Lunch was a buffet: white rice, red beans, fried chicken that reminded me of street stalls in Santo Domingo, grilled pork. Someone poured shots of mamajuana (I won’t lie — it burns a little going down). We finished with thick local coffee and hot chocolate; both smelled earthy-sweet in the shade. On the way back to Puerto Plata we stopped for organic chocolate — I bought a bar for my sister but ended up eating most of it myself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike, waterfall fun, and lunch

• Pass Maimon without stopping
• Extreme uphill hike through jungle
• Reach 7 waterfalls for activities
• Jump, slide, swim with guide
• Stop to eat organic chocolate
• Change clothes at visitor center
• Enjoy Dominican lunch buffet

Top questions

How long is the hike to Damajagua waterfalls?

The uphill hike takes around 40-50 minutes to reach the 7th waterfall from the visitor center.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes, a Dominican buffet lunch is included after the waterfall activities.

Are port pickups available for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports.

What should I bring for the Damajagua Waterfalls tour?

Bring swimwear, water shoes or sturdy sandals, dry clothes for after swimming, sunscreen, and a towel.

Is this excursion suitable for kids?

No, children under 8 years old are not allowed on this tour.

Do I need to be physically fit?

You should have at least moderate fitness; there’s an uphill hike and some climbing involved.

Are life jackets and helmets provided?

Yes, all safety gear including helmets and life jackets are provided for adults and kids.

How many people join this tour?

The tour is shared with up to 70 people maximum per group.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with pickup from Amber Cove or Taino Bay cruise ports, entry admission to 7 Damajagua Waterfalls with all safety gear (helmet and life jacket), guidance from a local expert throughout every jump or slide, bottled water for your hike, a Dominican buffet lunch with rice, beans, fried chicken and grilled pork plus a mamajuana shot at lunchtime. You’ll also enjoy local coffee or hot chocolate after swimming—and there’s even an organic chocolate tasting stop on your way back.