Taino Bay (Puerto Plata) – Dominican Republic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.