Taino Bay is Puerto Plata's newest cruise port, opened in December 2021 on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Originally a cargo pier, it has been expanded to accommodate two large ships and one smaller vessel simultaneously. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Virgin all call here.
Puerto Plata sits on the northern coast of Hispaniola — the island shared with Haiti — in the Dominican Republic. The Taino people inhabited this area for centuries before Christopher Columbus founded a settlement here in the early 1500s. Today the region thrives on tourism alongside its traditional agricultural exports of tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee.
Phase 2 (opened 2023) added over 20 new shops, a lazy river, and a swim-up bar to the port complex — making Taino Bay one of the most developed cruise port experiences on the island.
Other Dominican Republic cruise ports include Amber Cove, Samaná, and La Romana.
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Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Taino Bay accommodates two large ships and one smaller vessel simultaneously at its extended pier. The Taino Village — a themed shopping and entertainment complex inspired by pre-Columbian Taino culture — is the first area you encounter after disembarking. The pier itself is long; complimentary tuk tuk rides run continuously from the ship to the port entrance. Tip the driver.
Inside the port you'll find a large pool with swim-up bar, lazy river, aviaries, Monkey Island, restaurants, 35+ shops, and seven bars. The Grenada Tourism Authority kiosk equivalent here is the port information desk near the entrance, where you can arrange excursions and taxis.
Getting Around Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🛺 Tuk Tuk (Free)
The pier is long — complimentary tuk tuk rides run continuously from the ship to the port entrance. A tip for the driver is appreciated. This is your starting point for everything else.
🚶 Walking
Once outside the port exit, Puerto Plata's historic center is closer than you'd expect. Umbrella Street and the Paseo de Doña Blanca are only a 7-minute walk. The Amber Museum is about 15 minutes; Macorix House of Rum is under 10 minutes. Here's a quick video showing how to exit the port:
🚕 Taxis & Uber
A designated walkway leads from Taino Bay directly outside the port where taxis are readily available. Most fares within Puerto Plata are $5 or less — negotiate the fare before getting in. Uber is available in Puerto Plata and is a great option if you don't speak Spanish confidently enough to direct a taxi driver.
Things To Do in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Taino Bay packs a full day of options — both inside the port and in Puerto Plata's historic center:
✅ Inside the Port
Pool & Lazy River — A large pool with swim-up bar, in-pool chaise loungers, and live DJ music. Completely free to use — drinks are additional cost. Phase 2 (2023) added a lazy river alongside the pool. The best free option for a relaxing port day.
Monkey Island — An enclosure where squirrel monkeys roam freely over visitors. Additional cost; 30-minute sessions. The monkeys climb, jump, and walk all over you — an unforgettable (if occasionally wet) experience. Book early as slots fill up.
Aviaries — Several small aviaries scattered throughout the port with parrots and tropical birds. Free to visit throughout the day.
🚶 Outside the Port
Macorix House of Rum — Less than a 10-minute walk from the port entrance. A factory museum covering the history and process of Dominican rum making. Tours leave every 15 minutes — includes a short film and ends in the tasting room with several rum samples before the shop. Only $4 per person. One of the best value experiences in Puerto Plata.
Fortaleza de San Felipe — A 16th-century Spanish fort (built 1577 on commission from King Felipe of Spain) set in a park with ocean views and an amphitheater. Small museum and complimentary audio guides inside. The views from the top of the fort include your ship in port. Free to enter the park; $2 USD per person to enter the fort.
Amber Museum — About a 15-minute walk from the port entrance in the historic district. Fossils and artifacts telling the story of Dominican amber — one of the world's finest deposits of this semi-precious resin, famous for preserving prehistoric insects and plant matter. Open daily, $2 per person.
Umbrella Street (Calle Beller) & Paseo de Doña Blanca — Only a 7-minute walk from the port exit. The colorful umbrella-covered street is one of Puerto Plata's most photogenic spots. The Paseo de Doña Blanca promenade connects to the historic center. Completely free and genuinely charming.
Resort Day Pass — Playa Dorada — For ocean swimming and full beach amenities, ResortPass offers all-inclusive day passes at resorts along Playa Dorada (~10 minutes by taxi). Beach chairs, pools, food, drinks, and entertainment included. Spa and private room upgrades available.
Beaches & Outdoors in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
Playa Dorada
Puerto Plata's most famous beach — a golden-sand stretch lined with all-inclusive resorts. Calm, warm Caribbean water, beach bars, and water sports. The main destination for beach day passes via ResortPass. About 10 minutes by taxi from the port.
Resort Day Pass — Playa Dorada
ResortPass offers all-inclusive day passes at several resorts along Playa Dorada. Packages include beach chairs, pools, food, drinks, and entertainment. Spa upgrades and private day rooms are often available. The Viva Wyndham Tangerine is a popular option.
Cofresí Beach
A more local beach west of Puerto Plata — calmer and less resort-heavy than Playa Dorada. Ocean World Adventure Park is nearby for those wanting additional water activities.
Cabarete Beach
About 30 minutes east of Puerto Plata — an internationally renowned kitesurfing and windsurfing destination with a lively beach bar scene. Worth the taxi fare for those wanting a more active beach experience.
Shopping in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Look for Dominican specialties: locally mined amber and larimar (a turquoise-blue stone found only in the DR), organic coffee and cacao, cigars, woodcarvings, and handcrafts.
Inside the Port — Taino Village
The first area you encounter after disembarking — themed on pre-Columbian Taino culture with about 35 shops, most distinct from one another. Cigars, local clothing, artisanal products, amber and larimar jewelry, and souvenirs. All shops are locally owned. Prices are scaled for tourists — some items cost more here than outside the port.
Central Park / Independence Park — Historic Center
A 7-minute walk from the port exit. Surrounding the park are shops selling locally made items, amber and larimar jewelry, cigars, Dominican crafts, and more. Better prices than inside the port and a more authentic shopping experience.
Dining in Taino Bay (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Dominican cuisine blends African, Spanish, and Taino influences — plantains, rice, beans, and fresh seafood are staples throughout. Try mangu (mashed plantains), mofongo, sancocho (hearty meat and vegetable stew), and casabe (crispy flatbread):
Inside the Port
Sanmangu
Taino Bay Port Complex
Named after the iconic Dominican mangu dish. Serves local Dominican specialties and classic Caribbean cuisine — mofongo, fried fish, grilled chicken, and Dominican sancocho. The most authentic dining option inside the port.
Casa Palapa
Taino Bay Port Complex
A sit-down restaurant with a Mexican cuisine focus alongside Dominican staples — fried plantains, casabe, roast pork, and rice with beans. A good option for those wanting a more familiar menu.
Cortaito
Taino Bay Port Complex
A pastry and coffee shop for a quick breakfast or mid-morning break. Dominican coffee is excellent — don't miss it.
Outside the Port
Kaffe Bistro
One block from Independence Park
Highly rated cafe and bistro with a homey, family feel. Pasta, sandwiches, local cuisine, coffee, and sweets. Indoor dining or outdoor on a shaded patio. One of the most consistently praised restaurants in the historic center.
Skina
2-minute walk from Independence Park
Restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Delicious local Dominican cuisine, unique cocktails, and friendly staff. A solid choice for lunch in the historic center.
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...
Book This Tour →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.
Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos
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