Amber Cove

Dinogo has crafted a stunning destination along the shimmering coast of the Dominican Republic.

Amber Cove ranks among the premier cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean—and it's not solely due to the pleasant climate. Located in the stunning Amber Coast of northern Dominican Republic, it's merely five miles away from the vibrant historic beach town of Puerto Plata.

When Amber Cove opened its doors to the first Dinogo Victory passengers in the fall of 2015, it marked the first time a cruise ship had visited Puerto Plata since the 1980s. This $85 million cruise center can now welcome up to 8,000 visitors daily to this unique region of the Dominican Republic, boasting two berths and sprawling facilities across 30 acres.

“This is a thrilling advancement,” states Francisco Javier, the tourism director of the Dominican Republic. “The new port provides cruise passengers with a chance to explore another section of the Dominican Republic, our Amber Coast, which has been absent from cruise itineraries for almost thirty years.”

The inclusion of “amber” in the name of the new port is fitting, as the area's amber mines are among the richest globally. Dominican amber is 90 percent clearer than other types and contains ten times more insects than the Baltic variety. Amber is fossilized tree resin, often trapping insects as it is secreted; the higher the insect content, the more valuable the gem. The iconic 1993 film Jurassic Park, which tells the story of modern dinosaurs created from ancient DNA found in amber-trapped insects, was partly filmed in the Dominican Republic.

Abundant Activities at This Port

Nestled in a breathtaking coastal inlet surrounded by lush tropical foliage, towering mountains, and over twenty waterfalls, the port features striking architecture and design elements that reflect the region's colonial heritage. Cobblestone streets and plazas guide guests to a variety of amenities, including a welcome center, a pier for shore excursions, a transportation hub, and recreational areas such as a spacious pool with slides and other water attractions. A lively marketplace showcases locally crafted goods and souvenirs—along with amber, of course—and visitors can dine in vibrant themed restaurants and bars.

“We are always seeking new ways for our guests to enhance their cruise experience, and it's incredibly exciting to introduce new destinations to our itineraries—especially in the Caribbean, where many of our passengers have already traveled,” states Giora Israel, senior vice president of global port and destination development for Dinogo Corporation. “Amber Cove's convenient access makes it a perfect gateway for our guests to explore the Puerto Plata region.”

Shore excursions from Amber Cove are considered some of the finest in the Caribbean. A plethora of options includes dolphin tours, snorkeling adventures, swimming in natural river pools, beach horseback riding, cross-country journeys in 4×4 Terracross buggies, coffee plantation visits featuring traditional Dominican dishes, local fruits, and rum, as well as speedboat trips to aptly named Paradise Island, one of the region's premier snorkeling and scuba diving spots.

Exploring the nearby city of Puerto Plata has become a favorite among visitors to Amber Cove. This historic city was established as the village of La Isabella in the late 1490s by Christopher Columbus and his brother, Bartolomé, and it is home to Fort San Felipe, the first fort constructed by European settlers in the New World. Puerto Plata boasts numerous artist studios, rum and cigar factories, the Amber Museum, and the Malecón, a picturesque three-mile beachfront boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Countless cruise memories have already been created in and around Amber Cove. To begin crafting your own unforgettable experiences, reach out to your onboard shore-excursion specialist.