Our Guide to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the Taino Bay Cruise Port

 Puerto Plata and Taino Bay are two ports of call in one. If your cruise ship is stopping here, you’re in for a dynamic day that blends resort-style relaxation with old-world charm. In this guide, we’re sharing our experience navigating both the Taino Bay cruise port and the historic city of Puerto Plata—plus our best tips for making the most of your time ashore.


Have you ever seen the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? If you have, you might remember the scene when Eddie Valiant leaves the gritty streets of Los Angeles and suddenly steps into the vibrant, cartoonish world of Toontown.

Honestly, the transition from the sleek Taino Bay Cruise Port to the colorful, colonial streets of historic Puerto Plata felt just like that.

Taino Bay feels like a modern beachfront resort, while Puerto Plata feels like stepping back in time to a city shaped by decades of Caribbean-European influence.

We decided to explore both areas on our own without a formal excursion. If you’re thinking of doing the same, read on—we’ve got plenty of tips, highlights, and photos to share.

What Is Taino Bay?




Taino Bay is a relatively new cruise port on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, just outside the city of San Felipe de Puerto Plata. Completed in 2021, this facility has berths for up to three cruise ships and can host as many as 14,000 visitors per day.

What makes it special is the design—it’s modeled after a beachfront resort. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Sandy areas with beach chairs

  • Multiple restaurants and bars

  • A relaxing lazy river

  • A swimming pool

  • Plenty of shops

  • And most importantly: coffee!

Taino Bay also offers its own set of shore excursions, separate from your cruise line’s options. You can check them out at the excursion booths just before the duty-free shop.

But as impressive as this modern port is, it’s a stark contrast to what lies just beyond the gates—historic Puerto Plata.

Exploring Historic Puerto Plata

When you leave the Taino Bay port and head into the city, you’re greeted by 19th-century architecture painted in a rainbow of Caribbean colors. It feels like a European city collided with a tropical island—and it’s stunning.

Here are a few of our favorite spots:

Calle de las Sombrillas (Umbrella Street)



One of the most Instagrammable spots in town.

  • Colorful umbrellas hang above the street, casting bright, playful shadows.

  • Lined with souvenir shops and street vendors.

  • We even spotted some vintage cars parked along the curb—perfect for photos.

  • Photographers roam the area with parrots, offering to snap a photo of you (for a small tip, of course).

Paseo de Doña Blanca (Pink Alley)




Just a short walk from Umbrella Street, you’ll stumble upon The Pink Alley—and when we say pink, we mean really pink.

  • The entire alleyway, from the pavement to the walls, is drenched in pink.

  • It was dedicated in 2019 to Bianca Franceschini, an Italian woman who promoted tourism here in the early 1900s.

  • It’s a bold and beautiful backdrop for photos—and if you’re lucky, you’ll have it all to yourself.

Independence Square

At the heart of the city lies Independence Square (Parque Independencia):

  • A large, two-story tower rises at the center.

  • A statue of General Luperón pays tribute to one of the Dominican Republic’s national heroes.

  • The Cathedral San Felipe Apostol anchors one end of the square—definitely worth a quick visit.

We didn’t linger too long in the city, but these three locations made for great sightseeing and even better photo ops.

Navigating Between Taino Bay and Puerto Plata

If you're planning to explore the city, don’t forget these essentials:

  • Bring your stateroom key AND a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license). You’ll need both to get back into the Taino Bay cruise area.

  • Taxis and guides are available as soon as you exit the port. Guides in polos and baseball caps will offer to show you around for tips. It's optional. (Sorry, Aurelio.)

  • Wear comfortable shoes. The city was designed long before cars, so you’ll be walking on narrow streets and uneven sidewalks.

  • Charge your phone or camera—there’s a ton to photograph.

  • Bring cash for tips, snacks, and souvenirs.

Our Best Advice for Enjoying Taino Bay

If you’re excited about resort-style relaxation—do it early.

When we got back from our walk through Puerto Plata, Taino Bay was packed.

  • The beach chairs? First come, first served.

  • The pool? First come, first served.

  • The lazy river? You guessed it—first come, first served.

We didn’t see any lockers for personal belongings, so we recommend bringing a waterproof pouch for your stateroom key, ID, cash, or cards. If you plan to use a chair, leave your towel on it to reserve your spot.

When we couldn’t find available chairs, we pivoted—grabbed a few souvenirs and sat down for drinks. Not a bad backup plan, honestly!

Want to Book a Shore Excursion in Puerto Plata?

If you're ready to explore Puerto Plata for yourself, check out our link to Expedia below.
Full disclosure: It’s an affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you book through it.

👉 Book a Cruise on Expedia NOW!

Thanks for supporting our adventures, and we hope your day in Puerto Plata is as unforgettable as ours!