Amber Cove/Taino Bay: 7 Waterfall Tour with Swimming & Lunch

If you’re visiting Puerto Plata and craving an adrenaline-filled day surrounded by nature, the 7 Waterfalls of Damajagua tour might just be your perfect adventure. While we haven’t personally done it, reviews highlight this experience as an exciting, scenic, and well-organized escape into the Dominican Republic’s lush landscape.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the expert guides ensure safety and fun, the natural waterfalls are breathtaking, and the local Dominican lunch adds a delicious cultural touch. Plus, the tour’s flexible pickup options and value for money make it accessible for many travelers.

On the flip side, some caution that the hiking can be challenging, especially for those with mobility issues, and crowds can get a bit thick at peak times. Still, this adventure suits active travelers and water lovers wanting a true taste of Dominican nature and culture.

Good To Know

• Inclusive pickups outside both Amber Cove and Taino Bay ports make logistics simple.
• Shared tour with small group safety and camaraderie.
• Hiking, swimming, sliding—a full day of active fun in nature.
• Authentic Dominican buffet provides a satisfying local meal.
• Guides are highly praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and support.
• Suitable for ages 8 and up but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility or health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Plata

This tour promises a 4-hour journey into one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful natural sights—the 7 waterfalls of Damajagua. Located in a tropical canyon within protected natural areas, these waterfalls are a recent discovery that offers an exhilarating mix of hiking, swimming, sliding, and jumping.

What makes this experience appealing? It’s a chance to explore unspoiled nature with guides who know the terrain intimately—ensuring you stay safe while having a blast. From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides, like Mara, Justin, and Felix, bring energy, patience, and a genuine passion for sharing this hidden gem.

How the Tour Unfolds: A Journey into Nature

Pickup and Transportation

Starting the day, you’ll be picked up outside your cruise port—either Taino Bay or Amber Cove. The pickup process is straightforward: the tour company offers 12-minute walks outside the ports, making it easy to disembark and hop on the comfortable coach. The drive to Damajagua is about 26 minutes, giving you plenty of time to get excited as you leave the city behind.

The Hike to the Waterfalls

Once at the site, you’ll begin with a moderate hike—some reviews mention around 45 minutes, with breaks and rocky terrain. Guides like Mara emphasize the importance of sturdy water shoes or sneakers; many reviewers recommend sandals or waterproof shoes as ideal, since the path involves stepping on small rocks and streams.

As one reviewer noted, “Wearing water shoes, it’s like walking barefoot on rocks,” and they appreciated the support guides offered. The hike is mostly shaded, which helps on hot days, but be prepared for some physical exertion, especially if you’re not used to walking on uneven terrain.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Waterfalls

The main draw is the series of seven waterfalls, each offering different ways to interact with nature. Expect to slide down natural waterslides, jump into pools from varying heights, and swim through clear cascades. Multiple reviews praise the fun and adrenaline of jumping from the top or sliding down the smooth rock slides, while others mention the crystal-clear waters that make every dip refreshing.

Some guests, like Brittany, mention the importance of sturdy water shoes for safety and comfort. The guides are attentive, especially to those who are less confident swimmers or nervous about jumping. One reviewer shared that the guides, such as Felix, and Justin, were high energy and very supportive, encouraging even the most hesitant to give it a try.

The Lunch Break

After the waterfall adventures, a local Dominican buffet awaits. The reviews highlight how surprisingly tasty the food is—think hearty, flavorful dishes like beans, rice, and perhaps a delicious soup. One guest was especially impressed with the quality, calling it “amazing,” and noted that the meal added a satisfying end to the active morning.

Additional Stops and Shopping

Post-lunch, there’s a brief shopping stop, giving you a chance to pick up souvenirs or local products. It’s a quick 20-minute visit, enough to browse but not linger too long before heading back.

Drop-off and Close

The tour wraps up with drop-offs at your original pickup points, making the logistics smooth. The entire experience, from hotel pickup to return, takes around 4 hours, fitting well into a cruise day or a short excursion.

What the Experience Feels Like

Participants consistently describe the tour as well-organized, fun, and authentic. The guides, like Mara, are described as “fantastic,” “enthusiastic,” and “supportive,” often taking photos along the way. One reviewer expressed appreciation for how guides “held their hand” and supported them through the water jumps, which is reassuring if you’re worried about safety or your swimming skills.

The hike is about 30-45 minutes, mostly shaded, with some small challenges like uneven rocks and stream crossings. Many find that water shoes make a big difference, providing both grip and comfort.

Authenticity and Cultural Touches

Adding to the charm, the lunch features traditional Dominican flavors, and the guides sometimes share insights into local flora or even a bit of culture, like dancing merengue at the end. Some reviews mention tasting coffee, fresh chocolate, or mangoes from roadside stalls, making it more than just a physical adventure.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day

• Bring swimwear, towels, waterproof bags, and water shoes. Waterproof shoes or sneakers are highly recommended.
• Pack sunscreen, a change of clothes, and cash for souvenirs or extras.
• The tour is shared, so expect some crowding during peak times, but guides do their best to keep everyone organized.
• It’s not suitable if you’re pregnant, have mobility issues, or health concerns like back or heart problems.
• Disembark quickly upon cruise arrival to maximize your time because the tour starts with a 10-minute walk outside the port.

Authentic Experience and Value

Reviewers consistently praise the value for money—the tour includes transportation, the waterfall activities, lunch, and some shopping, all within a comfortable four hours. Many mention the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience both fun and educational. The photos taken during the trip are a bonus, with some reviewers happily paying extra for keepsakes of their adventure.

The fact that this is a shared tour keeps costs reasonable, but it doesn’t detract from the personalized feel, thanks largely to the guides’ attentiveness and friendliness. Several guests mention how much they appreciated the local, small-business vibe compared to larger cruise line excursions.

This tour is perfect for adventurers and water lovers who want to experience the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or safety. It offers a great balance of physical activity, culture, and delicious local food, all in a well-organized package.

While it involves some hiking and jumping, the presence of experienced guides ensures a safe and supportive atmosphere. It’s especially suited for active families, couples, and groups of friends wanting a memorable, authentic day outside the usual tourist spots.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and engaging nature trip, this is a fantastic choice. Just remember to come prepared with appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure!

How do I get picked up for the tour?
Pickup is included outside the cruise ports—Taino Bay and Amber Cove. It’s typically a short 12-minute walk from each terminal, and the company provides clear instructions.

How long is the drive to the waterfalls?
The journey from the port to Damajagua takes about 26 minutes by coach, allowing you to relax and get ready for the day ahead.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, waterproof shoes or sneakers, cash, and a waterproof bag for your valuables.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 8 years old can participate. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or health problems like heart or back conditions.

What is the physical difficulty level?
The hike involves some rocky terrain and stream crossings, so moderate fitness helps. Guides suggest sturdy water shoes for safety and comfort.

Can I buy photos of my trip?
Yes, professional photos are taken during the tour, and you can purchase these afterward. Reviews show that many guests find them worthwhile.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, including transportation, water activities, lunch, and a shopping stop.

Is there an opportunity for shopping or souvenirs?
Yes, a brief shopping stop is included, offering local products and souvenirs to remember your trip.

This tour offers a fantastic mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty—great for active travelers wanting a true taste of the Dominican Republic’s wild side.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby