Destinations Directory

Flight Deals to Puerto Plata

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Puerto Plata Beach Hotels

Hotel Galsi
$1+ per night Swimming pool Pet Friendly View Deals
Be Live Collection Marien
$2+ per night High-speed Internet Restaurant Swimming pool Non-Smoking Rooms Kitchen Microwave Private beach View Deals
Lifestyle Crown Residence Suites
$2+ per night High-speed Internet Restaurant Non-Smoking Rooms Kitchen Microwave Private beach View Deals
Blue JackTar
$2+ per night Restaurant Kitchen View Deals
Riu Merengue
$2+ per night High-speed Internet Restaurant Pet Friendly Microwave Private beach View Deals
Iberostar Costa Dorada
$3+ per night High-speed Internet Restaurant Swimming pool Pet Friendly Microwave View Deals
Viva Wyndham V Heavens - Adults Only - All Inclusive
$4+ per night High-speed Internet Pet Friendly Non-Smoking Rooms Kitchen Microwave Private beach View Deals
Emotions by Hodelpa - Playa Dorada
$4+ per night Restaurant Swimming pool Kitchen Microwave Private beach View Deals
Presidential Suites by Lifestyle - All Inclusive
$4+ per night High-speed Internet Restaurant Swimming pool Non-Smoking Rooms Kitchen Microwave View Deals
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa
$11+ per night Restaurant Pet Friendly Non-Smoking Rooms Kitchen Microwave View Deals
Sunrise Suites 1 BR - All Inclusive
$15+ per night High-speed Internet Non-Smoking Rooms Microwave View Deals
Sunrise Suites 2 BR - All Inclusive
$15+ per night High-speed Internet Non-Smoking Rooms Microwave View Deals
Crown Villas 4 bdrm - All Inclusive
$25+ per night High-speed Internet Non-Smoking Rooms Microwave View Deals
Royal Villas Cofresi 4 - All Inclusive
$28+ per night High-speed Internet Non-Smoking Rooms Microwave View Deals
Crown Villas 5 bdrm - All Inclusive
$37+ per night High-speed Internet Non-Smoking Rooms Microwave View Deals
Crown Villas 6 bdrm - All Inclusive
$37+ per night High-speed Internet Non-Smoking Rooms Microwave View Deals

Best Beaches in Puerto Plata

1. Cayo Paraiso

Mini Beach Escape

Though it may be one of the tiniest beaches you ever set foot on, Cayo Paraiso (also known as Cayo Arena or Paradise Cay) is nonetheless a must-see attraction on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

Boasting just a few thatched-roof huts to shade visitors from the sun, the coral island is little more than a bump of sand amid shallow, clear waters. A popular excursion from the mainland, Cayo Paraiso is visited by many tourists on the average day, so don't count on having the place to yourself.

Clear, Calm Water

In order to get to Cayo Paraiso, you'll need to book a short boat trip from one of the small towns on the mainland, such as Punta Rucia, or from major tourists spots around Puerto Plata. Choose from catamaran excursions or a private speedboat tours.

When you arrive, the island will likely be teeming with other tourists taking in the sun and sand, so rent snorkel gear and wade out a few yards into the water. You'll get amazing views of tropical fish swarming about.

Nearby Attractions

Not far from Cayo Paraiso are beautiful mangrove forests that operators navigate through on the boat trip to or from the mainland. Watch for manatees, known to visit the area.

When you return, consider checking out some of the other renowned beach destinations not far from here, such as Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete.

Cayo Paraiso at a glance

City: Punta Rucia

Country or State: Dominican Republic

Access: By boat

Best time to visit: May to June - fewer crowds, better rates

High Season: December to April

Low Season: May to November

Facilities:

  • Snorkeling gear rental
  • No lifeguards
  • No rentals

Beach Type:

  • White sand
  • Saltwater
  • Popular, but in a secluded area

2. Kite Beach

Biggest Draws

Smack-dab in one of the hottest areas of the Dominican Republic, Kite Beach has become known around the world for its waves, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing and other adventurous water sports.

In fact, the beach plays host to the PHRA Kiteboard World Cup every June. Though it was once a tranquil fishing village, Cabarete is now a cosmopolitan destination inhabited and operated by people from around the globe.

Relax or Explore

If water sports aren't your thing, you'll be glad to know that Kite Beach's soft golden sands and restful, laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for decompressing under the sun (or under the shade of a palm tree) while sipping a Presidente beer or piña colada.

Those with the energy for it can book an excursion for canyoning, mountain biking or exploring caves.

You can even brush up on your language skills at one of the town's Spanish language schools.

Dine and Dance

Once hunger kicks in, visit one of Cabarete's many excellent restaurants. Around dinnertime, the restaurants and bars near the town center move operations right onto the sand, so you can dine while you listen to the waves lap at the shore.

As it gets later, you might hear the bass bump a little louder, thanks to the nightlife hotspots that crank it up to get the party going for vacationers. Drink, dance and be merry—you're on vacation!

Kite Beach at a glance

City: Cabarete

Country or State: Dominican Republic

Length of Beach: .3 miles

Access: By taxi, on foot

Best time to visit: May to June - fewer tourists, better hotel rates

High Season: December to March

Low Season: April to November

Facilities:

  • Bars, restaurants, nightclubs on the beach
  • Lifeguards

Beach Type:

  • Golden sand
  • Saltwater
  • Popular

Beach Type:

  • PKRA Kiteboard World Cup in June

3. Playa Costambar

North Coast Haven

The Dominican Republic's northern coast is blessed with beautiful beaches and dozens of picturesque small towns, offering a more down-to-earth and budget-friendly experience than that of Punta Cana, the country's top destination.

In Puerto Plata, you'll discover golden-sand beaches, mountains draped in tropical vegetation, and rich cultural, musical and culinary traditions (not to mention way fewer tourists). And with its own international airport served by JetBlue, American Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet, the region is not hard to reach for most North Americans.

No-Frills, Family-Friendly Beach

Playa Costambar is just one of around a half dozen small oceanfront coves found along the coast in Puerto Plata, but its casual beachside eateries and quiet, family-friendly atmosphere make it one of the most beloved.

Thanks to its shallow lagoon and water clarity, snorkeling and swimming are popular activities. But a head's up: There are no lifeguards on duty and no public restrooms.

Fresh-caught seafood, Italian fare and Dominican specialties are served at the string of restaurants and food shacks on the beach and around Reina Isabel Street. You'll find that prices are fair and that beer and piña coladas are invariably ice-cold.

An Explorer's Dream

Unlike Punta Cana, Puerto Plata offers a host of attractions to explore independently outside of the all-inclusive resort experience. Ride the Teleférico cable car to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres, home to lush botanical gardens and a smaller version of the Christ the Redeemer statue found in Rio de Janeiro.

Visit the imposing Fort San Felipe, completed in 1577, and then head to Plaza Independencia, a Spanish-style central park bordered by colorful Victorian-era buildings.

Playa Costambar at a glance

City: Puerto Plata

Country or State: Dominican Republic

Length of Beach: 1 mile

Access: By car or bus

Best time to visit: Fall - best rates, no crowds

High Season: Dec. to April

Low Season: May to November

Facilities:

  • Beachfront dining
  • Chair and umbrella rentals
  • No lifeguards
  • No public restrooms

Beach Type:

  • Golden sand
  • Saltwater
  • Popular

Beach Type:

  • Dominican Republic Jazz Festival

Weather in Puerto Plata °F°CAverage monthly temperatures

Jan
 7 days
Feb
 11 days
Mar
 18 days
Apr
 24 days
May
 18 days
Jun
 27 days
Jul
 24 days
Aug
 26 days
Sep
 21 days
Oct
 18 days
Nov
 23 days
Dec
 25 days
Sunny or mostly sunny days
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