The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Amber Cove

Whether you’re setting sail for the first time or a long-time cruising pro, everyone can agree that Amber Cove is a destination you have to see to believe! As one of the top Dominican Republic cruise ports, Amber Cove is your gateway to total island paradise. Here are 10 things you absolutely need to know about one of our favorite Caribbean cruise destinations.

1. Amber Cove is the Carnival’s Exclusive Dominican Republic Cruise Port

Welcome to Amber Cove, Carnival’s very own exclusive port in the heart of the Dominican Republic! When the Amber Cove Cruise Center opened along the Dominican Republic’s northern “Amber Coast” back in 2015, it also re-opened the area for our cruise ships to visit for the first time in almost thirty years. Talk about a grand reopening! Since then, countless ships have sailed through the Bay of Maimon— a short distance to the northwest from Puerto Plata— and entered Amber Cove’s world of relaxation, adventure and fun.

2. There’s Plenty of History Nearby

Amber Cove is so much more than just a pretty place— it’s also full of centuries-old history! While Amber Cove and its attractions are still fairly new, the settlement dates way, way back to the 1490s. Puerto Plata was first discovered by Christopher Columbus, and is the site of one of the first forts in the Americas: Fuerte de San Felipe. Today, Puerto Plata is a popular beach town that mixes its Spanish colonial past with a modern island vibe.

3.  Amber Cove Weather: Sunny Days & Cloudless Skies

Amber Cove is nothing but sunny skies and crystal clear water as far as the eye can see. While temperatures can heat up in the tropical climate of the Dominican Republic, we’re happy to report that the weather at Amber Cove and Puerto Plata remains sun-kissed almost year round! Summer can have days in the 80s (Fahrenheit), while winter days hover around a very temperate 75 degrees. Amber Cove has warm and swim-worthy sea temperatures all year round, but particularly in August. Click here to check the local weather in Puerto Plata and Amber Cove.

4. Getting Around is a Breeze

Say goodbye to transportation woes! Easy transportation was one of our main goals when developing Amber Cove, and getting from point A to point B is as easy as the Caribbean breeze. The island’s transportation hub is your place to rent a car, hop in a taxi and explore a long list of shore excursions that are sure to take you somewhere incredible.

5. There Are Endless Ways to Choose Your Fun

Whether you’re finding your own oasis or flying through the air on a zipline, Amber Cove has you covered. Very fun fact: the port has one of the most robust shore excursion and activity lineups in the Caribbean! Buckle up for an ATV or buggy expedition, a helicopter tour or a zip line through the rainforest for some tropical thrills, or set your own pace with a kayak, paddle board or snorkeling tour. No matter your speed, there’s an experience with your name on it— because no one does fun like Carnival

6. It’s Time to Treat Yourself: Spend the Day Like a VIFP

While some people like to get the blood pumping, others like to slow things down. If you’re looking for some pampering during your day in Amber Cove, a cabana might be just what the captain ordered. That’s right, overwater cabanas aren’t just the stuff of daydreams! Rent one in Amber Cove and spend the day being waited on with top-notch service in between enjoying ocean breezes from your deck and outdoor shower, or relishing the comfort of A/C, Wi-Fi and TV inside. Cabanas can be rented for up to 20 people, so bring your friends, and maybe some of their friends, too!

7. Make a Splash by Swimming with Dolphins

Dive into one of the most popular cruise activities for families by swimming with dolphins! In Amber Cove, Ocean World’s Dolphin Encounter can make all your dolphin dreams come true. The experience lets you get up close to these magnificent mammals in waist-deep water, which means it’s accessible even for younger children (although they will need to be accompanied by an adult). You can also meet some other local aquatic creatures and critters by signing up to swim with stingrays and sharks!

8. Beach or Pool? Have Both! 

H2O-lovers have their choice of nearby beachfront resort experiences; think comfy beach loungers, shady beach umbrellas and chair-side service, along with the simple joy of a waterside hammock and major on-site pool action at Aqua Zone (complimentary for cruisers!). This resort-style pool has a swim-up bar, waterslides, a lazy river and plenty of lounge chairs for kicking back and relaxing the day away.

9. Have Your Amber Cove Shopping Montage

Retail therapy is easy to come by at Amber Cove, whether you’re looking for authentic art and crafts by local Dominican artisans, or something special from one of your favorite brands. Browse from shop and marketplace stalls right in port, as well as more local offerings in town at Puerto Plata. If you want to take home a unique taste of the island, look for Dominican specialties like rum, coffee, chocolate and amber!

10. It’s Easy to Explore

If you’re into sightseeing or soaking up local culture, Amber Cove and Puerto Plata are sure to deliver. Get ready for a Jurassic dive into history at the Amber Museum, or sip your way through the Brugal Rum factory. The historic downtown and main plaza are great places to take a stroll, as is the Malecon— a three-mile long open air boardwalk overlooking the ocean. History buffs can’t miss Fort San Felipe, while nature-lovers can check out Damajagua Falls or the nearby beach towns of Sousa and Cabarete (great for catching some windsurfing and kiteboarding action). To get a bird’s-eye view of all things Amber Cove, head to the Sky Bar. It’s perched at the top of a 60-foot granite hill and offers some stunning panoramic views of the cove below.