Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata

 
Hero Image

Vacation Packages

Explore the Northern Coast

Click for Deals

Puerto Plata is the place to go if you're looking to explore the rich history and culture of the Dominican Republic. Enjoy the vibrant and charming region, and the third-largest city in the Dominican Republic, the vast landscape unites the beaches, mountains, valleys, rivers and sea to create a darling place to adventure. This exotic paradise is an ideal place to relax, sunbathe and swim in crystal-clear water or venture into the city to admire Victorian-style architecture and museums.

Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata Hotels

Costco Member Reviews

Featured Deals

More About Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata

Overview

Puerto Plata’s natural bounty continues to astound those who lay eyes on The Bride of the Atlantic, or as locals call it, La Novia del Atlántico. A bird’s eye view from the cable car–the only one in the Caribbean, taking passengers to Mount Isabel de Torres and its lush botanical gardens–reveals part of an Atlantic coastline with more than 62 miles of beaches gracing multiple coastal villages and inland farming communities replete with rivers and falls. Puerto Plata is a colorful town known for its Victorian-style architecture, historical sites, museums, vibrant nightlife, and seemingly some of the best seafood in the Caribbean. Nearby Cabarete is a world-famous hub for windsurfing, surfing, and kiteboarding. Playa Dorada is for those who want to relax in style on golden stretches, with seaside activities near the city, from canyoning at 27 Charcos of Damajagua waterfalls to snorkeling at Cayo Arena and relaxing at Ocean World Marina. This charming destination has it all.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Before You Go

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and three hours prior to departure for international flights.

Required Documents: For Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport or other government-issued photo identification (such as an enhanced driver’s license). For all other islands, U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport and a ticket for return or onward travel. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as inoculations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens might be different, and visitors are encouraged to verify the documentation/visa requirements with the nearest consulate or embassy. Rules are subject to change at any time, without notice. For the most current information, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require you to present a marriage certificate or license for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring your marriage documentation with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling, please provide the appropriate travel documents for the trip. Review required documents here, https://www.dhs.gov/travel-overseas.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.com/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to the U.S., the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens for information regarding U.S. Customs and more.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or the official website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636. You’ll find information on recent outbreaks, required vaccinations, insect protection, illness and injury abroad, and more.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation, you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.
  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Climate:
Average Fahrenheit Temperature:
  • December through February: 83° to 82° (Winter)
  • March through May: 83° to 86° (Spring)
  • June through August: 89° to 89° (Summer)
  • September through November: 89° to 85° (Autumn)

Tropical Storm Season from June to November

Water Safety: Bottled water is recommended.

Local Currency: Dominican Peso

Currency Information: U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time. Dominican Republic does not observe daylight saving time.

Local Language: Spanish | English

Transportation: Public transportation and taxis are available.

Planner

Sargassum/Seaweed Advisory

Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed that is especially prolific in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. While beneficial to ocean life, these large free-floating seaweed mats often wash up on beaches. The amount of seaweed on the beaches fluctuates based on the time of year and ocean currents. While resorts do their best to maintain the beaches for their guests, you may experience some inconvenience during your stay.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Top Experiences

  • Del Oro Chocolate Factory : Take a tour to witness the chocolate making process from bean-to-bar and sample organic Dominican cocoa chocolate.

  • Taino Bay : A recently built cruise port with direct access to the historic center of Puerto Plata, offering an ecological park, restaurants, shops, water slides and wildlife encounters.

  • The Cable Car Puerto Plata : A 10-minute ride by cable car takes you 2,625 feet above the magical landscape with unparalleled views of the sea and verdant plains that lead to Mount Isabel de Torres.

  • Umbrella Street : A colorful string of umbrellas hang above the promenade, featuring an assortment of cafés, bars, gift shops, restaurants and a swimwear shop offering a selection of accessories and beachwear, including hats, jewelry, tote bags, shoes and more.

  • Amber Museum : Learn about the famous Dominican Amber at the Amber Museum. The museum also houses some of the world's oldest amber fossils.

  • Fortaleza San Felipe : A historical fortress built by the Spanish in the 16th century. It was considered one of the most important military structures in the Caribbean.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Transfers

Region: Puerto Plata
Transfer Company: Destination Services
Telephone: 1-829-946-3825 (24 hours)

Instructions: Upon arrival at the airport, please claim your luggage and proceed through Immigration and Customs. Then, look for the Costco Travel sign at the Destination Services counter. There, you'll meet the representative who will confirm the pickup location and time for your departure transfer.