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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations › Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic Cruise Port Guide

Located in San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, this spot is the second port in Puerto Plata in the Caribbean. 

A relatively new port, Taino Bay cruise port in Puerto Plata opened in December of 2021. Located in San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, this spot is the second cruise port in Puerto Plata in the Caribbean. Taino Bay was originally a cargo pier, and has been extended to accommodate two large and one small ships at the same time. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent and Virgin have stops at Taino Bay. The Dominican Republic is on the eastern side of Hispaniola, an island that the Republic shares with Haiti. The D.R. comprises about two-thirds of the island and has the West Indies highest mountain peak of over 10,000 feet. Puerto Plata was inhabited by the Taino people for centuries. Christopher Columbus paid a visit in the early 1500s and founded a city here. Agricultural products such as tobacco, sugar cane and coffee are the main products. There are a couple of other ports in the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove, Samana and La Romana.  Drawn map of Taino Bay cruise port. NEW FOR 2023! Phase 2 at Taino Bay has opened with more than 20 new shops, a lazy river and a swim-up bar!
Good To Know
The Dominican Republic as a whole has a problem with crime. As with any unfamiliar location, be aware of your surroundings and don’t stray too far off the beaten path. Leave valuables on the ship and only carry the amount of cash you will need. If you stay in the newly developed area around the port, you should not have any problems. As always in tropical settings, take along sunscreen and bug spray when visiting the island. There are tropical forests on this peninsula, so the mosquitoes can be fierce.

Click here for Taino Bay excursions.

Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic – Quick Facts

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CurrencyThe Dominican Peso is legal tender in the Dominican. Both US dollars and the Euro are often accepted in tourist areas. For the most part, major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas. You will find an ATM at the cruise terminal.Check exchange rates here:<a href="https://www.xe.com/">https://www.xe.com/</a>
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LanguageSpanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. In the tourist areas you will find some English being spoken.
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WiFi & PhoneThe area where you get off the ship at the port is newly built and opened in December of 2021. You will be able to find free Wifi in many areas around the port. The above map shows where these spots are located with a little wifi sign.
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Where You DockTaino Bay Cruise Terminal, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WEATHER

Where You Dock in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

This port includes a welcome area and a transportation hub. There are a variety of shops, a place where you can sunbathe on the sand (there is no beach for swimming), large shallow pool, entertainment at the port including an aviary and Monkey Island. There are also a number of places to get food and beverages. As of early 2023, Phase 2 has opened with more restaurants, more than 20 new shops, a lazy river and swim-up bar! Up to three ships can be in port at one time, and the walk from the ship down the pier to the terminal area can be a long one. Because of this, the cruise port offers complimentary tuk tuk rides from the pier to the entrance of the port. While the ride is free, please remember to tip the driver. Puerto Plata's city center is about a kilometer's walk from the port gates, which is great if you want to experience local Dominican culture and see the historic area. Amber Cove is nearby, but it is not within walking distance of Taino Bay. Aerial view of two ships docked at the long pier at Taino Bay. Taino Bay Facebook

Getting Around Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Transportation options once you're ashore.

If you are staying in the cruise port area, it is compact and easy to get around. The ground is flat, although can be bumpy if using a wheelchair. The pier itself is long, so the cruise port offers complimentary tuk tuk rides from the pier to the entrance of the port. While the ride is free, please remember to tip the driver.
Walking
Puerto Plata itself is not a far walk. For example, the famed Umbrella Street and the historical Paseo de Dona Blanca are only a 7 minute walk. Here's a quick video showing you the way to exit the port:
Taxis/Uber
You will find a designated walkway in Taino Bay cruise port that will take you directly outside of the cruise port area (see above video). At this spot you will have no problem finding taxi drivers that you can hire to take you to Puerto Plata. Taxis are also readily available in the historic center and most fares will cost you $5 or less, but it's best to negotiate the fare prior to getting in the taxi. Uber is also available in Puerto Plata, and this can be a great tool to use especially if you don't speak Spanish well enough to explain where you want to go.

Things To Do in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Make the most of your time ashore.

Inside the Port

The Taino Bay cruise port does not have beach access for swimming. There is an area where you can sit in beach chairs near the pier, but swimming is not allowed in this area. If you want to swim in the ocean, spending the day at an all-inclusive beach resort with ResortPass can be a great option.
Visit The Pool
Taino Bay cruise port has a large swimming pool with a swim-up bar. There are in-pool chaise lounge chairs and live DJ music. There are also beach beds and chairs around the pool. Using the pool is complimentary, but the drinks are an additional cost.
Monkey Island
This spot (not really an island) is an enclosure where you would be able to interact with squirrel monkeys. There is an additional cost, and you will be allowed to spend 30 minutes with the monkeys. Be aware that the monkeys will climb, jump and walk all over you. Remember too, that these are animals. So don’t be surprised or upset if they urinate on you.
The Aviaries
There are several small aviaries that are located throughout the Taino Bay port. Parrots and other birds can be seen here throughout the day. There is no cost to see the birds. This video doesn't contain information on Phase 2, but is a concise overview of the port area:

Outside the Port

Beaches
As mentioned above, there is a beach inside the port, but no opportunity to get in the water. Having an all-inclusive beach day pass at a resort can be a great way to spend the day in port. ResortPass offers a few different all-inclusive options, located mainly along the famed Playa Dorada beach.  The all-inclusive package have activities and entertainment for both adults and the kids, pools, beach access with chairs, drinks and food. Upgrades are often available for spa passes or private day rooms. Check out the options here.   Aerial view of long, curvy pool surrounded by palm trees, separating it from the white sand beach. Viva Wyndham Tangerine, Puerto Plata - ResortPass

Amber Museum

Located in the historic district, about a 15 minute walk from the port entrance, this museum has fossils and artifacts where you'll learn about the history and characteristics of this semi-precious stone and the lives of the people who mined them. Admission is only $2 per person and they are open daily.
Macorix House of Rum
Visit this factory museum which is less than a 10 minute walk from the port entrance, to learn about the history and process of making rum and the development of the Macorix brand. The tour leaves every 15 minutes and includes a short film and ends in the tasting room where you can taste several different flavors before having the opportunity to purchase your own bottle to take home in their shop. All this for $4 per person. Inside of the Macorix House of Rum museum. An exhibit with plaques and photos.
Fortaleza de San Felipe
Located in a park with lovely ocean views and amphitheater, you'll find the San Felipe fort. Built in 1577 upon commission from the King Felipe of Spain, there is a small museum and complimentary audio guides. Bring your cameras because the views from the top of the fort are fantastic, and you'll be able to see your ship in port. There is no cost to enter the park, but it is $2 USD pp to enter the fort. 16th Century stone fort with blue skies and green grass.

Shopping in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Where to shop and what to look for.

The Dominican Republic is known for jewelry with locally-mined amber and larimar (turquoise-colored stone), as well as organic coffee and cacao. Woodcarvings and handicrafts are also popular souvenir items in the D.R.

Inside the Port

There are duty free shops and quite a number of shops at the port in Taino Bay. The Taino Village, the first shops you will encounter once off the ship, are theme-based on the culture of the pre-Columbian Taino people. There are about 35 shops, most of them different from one another. You will find cigars, local clothing, artisanal products, souvenirs and cigars. Prices will be scaled for tourists and some items will be more expensive inside the port than outside the port. All of the shops are owned/rented by locals. The cruise ship port does not own any of the facilities.

Outside the Port

When most tourists visit Puerto Plata, they head to the the historical center and Central Park of Independence. Surrounding the park are a number of shops selling locally made items, jewelry, cigars and much more.

Dining in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Where to eat and drink ashore.

Inside the Port

Two restaurants in the Taino Bay cruise port are Sanmagu and Casa Palapa. There is also Cortaito, which is a pastry and coffee shop and a total of seven bars.
Sanmangu
The name of the restaurant comes from “mangu”, a dish of mashed plantains that is served with fried white rice and salami. The Sanmangu serves local Dominican cuisine specialities and classic Caribbean dishes. You will find mofongo, fried fish, and grilled chicken. Dominican sancocho is a meat and vegetable stew that is popular in the Dominican Republic.
Casa Palapa
There is a focus on Mexican Cuisine in this sit-down restaurant. There will be the ever-present fried plantains and casabe. Casabe is a thin, flatbread that is similar to crackers and served with many of the dishes. Roast pork and rice with beans is another staple.

Outside the Port

Kaffe 
Located one block from Independence Park, this highly rated cafe and bistro is known for its homey family feel and tasty, diverse menu. Pasta, sandwiches, local cuisine, coffee and sweets are just some of the stand-out items. Dine in or outside on the treed patio.
Skina
This restaurant and bar is located a 2 minute walk from Independence Park and has indoor and outdoor seating. You'll find tasty, unique beverages, delicious local Dominican cuisine and friendly staff.

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Explore Best of Puerto Plata

Discover Puerto Plata's colonial charm and natural beauty on this guided tour from Taino Bay — from amber museums to mou...

Book This Tour →

Playa Dorada Beach Day

Relax on the golden shores of Playa Dorada — one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches — just a short transfer from ...

Book This Tour →

Damajagua Waterfalls Adventure

Hike to and slide through the incredible Damajagua waterfalls — 27 natural water slides through lush Dominican jungle. T...

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Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Taino Bay?

Taino Bay is a newer cruise terminal that opened in 2021 near Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic's north coast. It's used by cruise lines that don't call at the nearby Amber Cove terminal, including MSC, Celebrity, and others.

What are the Damajagua Waterfalls?

The 27 Charcos de Damajagua (27 Waterfalls) are a series of turquoise cascades in the mountains above Puerto Plata. Visitors climb, slide, and jump through the waterfalls with a guide — it's one of the most exhilarating excursions in the Caribbean.

How far is Taino Bay from Amber Cove?

The two terminals are just a few kilometers apart on the same stretch of coast near Puerto Plata. The attractions and excursions available from both ports are essentially the same.

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