Dear NEXT TRAVELER to the Dominican Republic!
Highlights/Recommendations:
1. Damajagua Waterfalls
2. Beach & Cabanas at Taino Bay
My husband and I traveled to the Dominican Republic and it would be fine with children but I would make sure you are with a reputable tour group.
NEXT TIME:
1. Mount Isabel de Torres-large Christ the Redeemer statue
2. Cayo Arena-snorkeling and sand bar
From our cruise ship, the view of the Dominican Republic was beautiful. We were amazed at how mountainous the area was. At the end of the pier there were dancers singing Feliz Navidad. It was a great party atmosphere. We gathered in the center of the port area and met with our excursion group. We walked as a tour group through the gates to the port and onto the big charter bus.
The drive from the port to where we were going to slide down the Damajagua Waterfalls was about 30 min. We were able to see a lot of the area, and we noticed a lot of poverty. Our hearts hurt for the people. There were a lot of people riding motorcycles. There were roadside stands everywhere, selling fresh fruit.
When we arrived at the waterfalls area, our group leader took us to a building to get our lifejackets and helmets. We also had the option to rent a locker to put our belongings in. Our group walked to the start of the hiking trail, which had a couple souvenir shops and a dining and bar area.
The hiking trail was intense. It was 45 minutes and a huge majority of it was a steep hill. It was definitely not an easy climb. There were actually several women in our group that started up the hike, but quickly realized they were not going to be able to do it and walked back down. Our group leader provided water bottles for us and we were happy to have them. At the end of the hiking trail, we were able to rest at the top before we started jumping and sliding down the waterfalls.
Our excursion was for 7 waterfalls, but there are a total of 27 waterfalls on that mountain. We walked down a platform and then jumped into the first waterfall. The water was cold but the rush of the jump and the cool water was exhilarating. We jumped or slid down 6 more waterfalls – such an incredible outdoor experience. Our group then hiked back down the rest of the mountain to the bus. At the bus area we got our things out of the locker and changed into dry clothes to ride back to the port.
they could fit on a motorcycle.
At the port, there was a fantastic designed beach area with a pool and live music. We found us a private little cabana.
We loved our time in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic! We felt safe with our excursion group and they took excellent care of the entire group. The cabana beach time was the perfect relaxing end to an adventurous day.
Next Traveler 