The Dominican Republic is a fantastic cruise port destination for those looking to add a dose of adventure, culture, or relaxation to their trip. With its lush landscapes, warm waters, and lively towns, it offers more than just a scenic backdrop. We’ve rounded up the 15 best shore excursions in the country, highlighting everything from high-energy ziplining to tranquil waterfall swims. We particularly like the ATV Quads Let’s Ride Shore Excursion for its combination of countryside riding, local food, and beach time — and the Damajagua Waterfalls tours for their exhilarating natural slides and swims. Whether you crave adrenaline or cultural insight, the experiences below deliver genuine local flavor and fun.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry — each tour offers something unique, detailed in the list below, with honest reviews and practical tips to help you choose.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a wide range of activities including ATV rides, zip lines, waterfalls, and city tours. Some tours focus on adventure—like Zip Line Adventure or 7 Waterfalls & Zip Lines—while others are more about exploring historic sites and local life, such as Explore Puerto Plata’s Best & Cable Car. For adrenaline junkies, V.I.P. Day Pass combines multiple activities in one day, offering excellent value. Budget travelers will appreciate options like Damajagua Waterfalls, Amber Cove and Taino Bay, which provide a full day of fun at a reasonable price.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. ATV Quads Let’s Ride Shore Excursion – Amber Cove & Taino Bay
Starting just 15 minutes from the port in Maimon, this full-day guided ATV tour takes you along the coast and into the countryside. After safety training and gear, you’ll rev up your quad and cruise past locals in small villages, through scenic farms, and along the Atlantic shoreline. One highlight is stopping for a Dominican lunch and swim at a secluded beach—the perfect break from riding. The trip ends with a safari-style vehicle ride back to port, while you relax with a cool rum drink. This tour is perfect for those who want a genuine off-road experience combined with local flavor and scenic views. Reviews rave about the lunch and the fun mudding conditions, especially in December.
Bottom line: Great for adventure lovers who want a mix of countryside riding, local culture, and beach time, all with safety and comfort included.
2. Explore Puerto Plata’s Best & Cable Car – Shore Excursion
This tour captures the highlights of Puerto Plata, including a scenic ride up Mount Isabel de Torres to enjoy panoramic views and see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. It also features visits to San Felipe Fortress and the Victorian district, offering a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. The tour includes walking through historic areas and a drive along the Atlantic coast. While the cable car was inoperable during some trips, the drive offers a similar thrill with equally stunning views. Small groups ensure a personalized experience, plus unlimited rum punch and fresh fruit keep spirits high. Reviews mention excellent guides like Anthony and Xander, who bring history alive and make the trip fun.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in history and city scenery, with a flexible, relaxed pace.
3. Shore Excursion: Zip Line Adventure
For about $75, you can soar along eight ACCT-certified zip lines with breathtaking views over the tropical landscape. Located just 10 minutes from Amber Cove, this zipline adventure requires no experience—just a sense of adventure. Guides ensure safety as you fly across more than 7,900 feet of steel cables, with the longest ride stretching over 2,400 feet. After zipping, you’ll explore a farm, try local fruits, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers praise the professionalism of the staff and the safety measures. This experience is perfect for families, thrill-seekers, or anyone who wants a quick adrenaline rush with stunning vistas.
Bottom line: A top pick for ziplining newcomers and those craving a safe, exhilarating experience close to port.
4. Shore Excursion: Ride N Zip Adventure
Combining horseback riding and ziplining, this tour is a half-day adventure in the countryside. After a safety briefing, you’ll zip across eight certified zip lines and then take a relaxed horseback ride through scenic fields and countryside. The included Dominican lunch caps off the trip, making it suitable for families and those wanting to experience both land and sky. Guests rave about the guides’ friendliness and the breathtaking views during the horseback ride, which is accessible to beginners.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a balanced mix of land and aerial adventure with a local flavor.
5. V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch
This all-in-one day pass offers a comprehensive experience at Country World Adventure Park, combining ATV riding, ziplining, horseback riding, and a traditional Dominican lunch. For around $160, you get a full 5- to 6-hour day of thrills, with safety gear and instructions included. Guests describe the trip as fun and well-organized, with the guides making sure everyone has a good time. This is a fantastic choice for travelers wanting the most activity in one day and good value for the price.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers seeking multiple experiences and a hassle-free day with all logistics handled.
6. 7 Waterfalls & 5 Zip Lines Amber Cove & Taino Bay
This half-day adventure combines hiking through the Damajagua waterfalls with five zip lines. It begins with a 30-minute hike into the rain forest, then a series of jumping, sliding, and swimming through seven cascading waterfalls. After the water fun, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch before returning to port. The tour includes all park and zipline fees, plus water and helmets. Reviewers highlight the safety and the stunning natural scenery, with some mentioning the high difficulty level and the importance of good footwear.
Bottom line: Excellent for active travelers who want a physically engaging and scenic experience with a taste of local cuisine.
7. Shore Excursion: Quick Zip and Waterfalls of Damajagua Adventure
This shorter, roughly 4-5 hour tour focuses on Damajagua’s waterfalls and ziplining. From the port, you hike about 20-30 minutes to the waterfalls, jumping, sliding, and swimming through crystal-clear pools. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a ** Dominican lunch**, then zip across three certified lines. It’s a lively, well-organized trip that suits those with limited time but still want a true adventure. Reviews mention the group size and the guide’s safety focus, with some noting the challenging nature of the waterfalls.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want a quick, intense dose of water and air adventure.
How to Choose Your Dominican Excursion
Picking the right shore excursion depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend ashore. For adrenaline lovers, Zip Line Adventure and 7 Waterfalls & Zip Lines offer high-energy fun. If you’re more into cultural sights and city views, the Puerto Plata City Tour provides a relaxed yet engaging experience. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer Damajagua Waterfalls, which offers a full day of adventure at a good price.
Think about your fitness level—waterfall hikes and ziplining demand some physical effort—and whether you prefer a full-day or half-day trip. Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the V.I.P. Day Pass or [Damajagua Waterfalls], to secure your spot and plan your day smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of shore excursions suitable for all tastes and activity levels. For thrill-seekers, the combination of zip lines, waterfalls, and ATV rides provides plenty of adrenaline. For those interested in culture and scenery, city tours and scenic cable cars reveal the country’s rich charm. And if relaxation is your goal, beaches and secluded spots are just a short drive away.
Whether you want a full-day adventure like the V.I.P. Pass or a quick waterfall dip, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out. Carefully consider your physical readiness, budget, and interests, and you’ll find an excursion that makes your cruise stop truly memorable.