Two ports, one city
Puerto Plata is unusual in having two cruise terminals just 20 minutes apart. Which one your ship uses changes how you plan the day, even though the tours overlap heavily.
Amber Cove
Opened by Carnival in Maimon Bay, Amber Cove is a self contained complex with pools, a zip line, shops and bars right at the pier. It suits travelers who want a relaxed day near the ship. The trade off is distance: town is 20 to 25 minutes away, so DIY trips eat more time and taxi money.
Taino Bay
The newer Taino Bay terminal sits in Puerto Plata itself. You can walk or take a 5 minute taxi to the Malecon, Fortaleza San Felipe and the Amber Museum. It is the better base for an independent city day. A VIP city tour from here barely loses any time to transfers.
Do tours reach both?
Yes. Nearly every operator picks up at both terminals, including the Damajagua waterfall adventure. Just confirm your terminal at booking so the driver meets you at the right gate.
Quick comparison
- Closest to city: Taino Bay.
- Best onsite facilities: Amber Cove.
- Best for DIY city day: Taino Bay.
- Best for staying near the ship: Amber Cove.
- Tour pickup: both, for almost all operators.
Sailing into either port?
Excursions with pickup from Amber Cove and Taino Bay, timed to your ship.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your plan. Taino Bay is walkable to Puerto Plata city, ideal for a DIY day. Amber Cove has a bigger resort style complex at the pier with pools and a zip line, better if you want to stay near the ship.
Yes. Most Puerto Plata operators serve both Amber Cove and Taino Bay. Confirm your exact terminal when booking so the driver knows where to meet you.
Taino Bay is in the city itself, a 5 to 10 minute taxi or a 20 minute walk to the Malecon. Amber Cove is about 20 to 25 minutes west in Maimon Bay.