Puerto Plata

Travel Guide
Puerto Plata showing a beach as well as a small group of people
Discover the beautiful windswept northern coast of the Dominican Republic, where fishing villages and luxury resorts coexist along interminable sandy beaches.

Puerto Plata translates to mean Silver Port, and today the region is affectionately known as the “Silver Coast.” Its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cordillera Septentrional mountains have given it a warm, dry climate, with winds perfect for watersports, as well as an unhurried atmosphere, which lingers from its days as a small fishing province. Come here today to discover plush resorts alongside quaint seaside villages.

The province’s capital is San Felipe de Puerto Plata, or just simply Puerto Plata. This city is renowned for its beautiful urban beaches, notably the long Playa Dorada, which is fronted by luxury resorts and the acclaimed 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Amble along the Malecón seafront promenade and hop in the Teleférico cable car to zip up to the flat-topped Pico Isabel de Torres for far-reaching views. See remnants of colonial times at the imposing 16th-century Fort San Felipe, which now hosts a military museum and offers incredible sea views.

Outside of the city, life in Puerto Plata revolves around the beach. Outdoor activities abound the region is one of the best in the country for scuba diving. Sosua is famed for its reefs, canyons and shipwrecks. Try snorkeling in the idyllic Playa Grande and the Gri Gri Lagoon, both of which are found in the tranquil fishing village of Río San Juan.

The former fishing hamlet of Cabarete is now the region’s adventure sports capital. Venture to this modern, upmarket resort for ideal windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing conditions. Shops, hotels and restaurants line the resort’s only street and a relaxed yet cosmopolitan vibe pervades.

For a different experience, head to the town of Monte Cristi, one of the oldest European cities in the New World. Explore the local beaches and the Parque Nacional Monte Cristi’s wildlife-filled mangrove coast.

Gregorio Luperón International Airport, also known as Puerto Plata Airport, serves the northern part of the country. Many resorts offer airport transfers for their guests. Taxis and buses are available, but more remote destinations can be difficult to access via public transportation so rent a car to properly explore.

Where to stay in Puerto Plata

Iberostar Costa Dorada - All Inclusive
Iberostar Costa Dorada - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Luperon Km 2.5, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000
The price is CA $229 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $229
per night
Jun. 9 - Jun. 10
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Puerto Plata. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,169 reviews)
"Bery good"

Reviewed on May 27, 2023

Iberostar Costa Dorada - All Inclusive
Playabachata Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Playabachata Spa Resort - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Bahia de Maimon, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000
The price is CA $252 per night from May 29 to May 30
CA $252
per night
May 29 - May 30
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Puerto Plata. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,269 reviews)
"I arrived with lovely welcomes on May 23. Such a beautiful place. The staff is very friendly and helping. I spoke little to no Spanish but they still accommodated me. I did however had to change my first room because i noticed minor flaws. They quickly changed my room to suite my comfort. The food ..."

Reviewed on May 27, 2023

Playabachata Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort All Inclusive
Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Bahía de Maimon, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000
The price is CA $447 per night from Jun. 23 to Jun. 24
CA $447
per night
Jun. 23 - Jun. 24
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Puerto Plata. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (528 reviews)
"Everything was just how I like it"

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Costambar
Costambar
2.5 out of 5
8 Rey Fernando, Costambar, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Puerto Plata. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (232 reviews)
"Great stay great staff"

Reviewed on May 18, 2023

Costambar
 Xeliter Green One Playa Dorada
Xeliter Green One Playa Dorada
3.5 out of 5
Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata Province, 57000
Stay at this 3.5-star golf apartment in Puerto Plata. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Playa Dorada and Playa Dorada Golf ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
"Property condition is excellent but in this particular one sun tocuh in front and felleing was hot even with air conditioning. A perma (exterior blackout) curtain is needed. Also, many furniture inside the studio and balcony. Not easy to walk and move inside. Coffee maker not working... Service from ..."

Reviewed on May 2, 2023

Xeliter Green One Playa Dorada
Luxury Apartments - VIP All-inclusive
Luxury Apartments - VIP All-inclusive
3.5 out of 5
San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000
Stay at this 3.5-star spa property in Puerto Plata. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Cofresi Beach and Los Mangos ...
Luxury Apartments - VIP All-inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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