Amber Cove & Taino Bay Shore Excursion: 2 person Buggy Tour

Ever wondered what it’s like to zip through the rugged landscapes of the Dominican Republic in a dune buggy? This Amber Cove & Taino Bay Shore Excursion: 2 person Buggy Tour offers a lively, muddy adventure that takes you from cruise ports straight into the natural beauty of Puerto Plata Province. For around $126 per group, up to two people can share a buggy, making it a fantastic option for couples or friends craving a taste of off-road excitement. The tour lasts roughly 3 to 4 hours, with pickup included from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports.

What we really love about this experience is how accessible it is to all experience levels—beginners are given clear instructions before heading out, so you don’t need prior off-road skills to enjoy it. Plus, the opportunity to stop at Playa Bergantin for a quick swim adds that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. However, be prepared for a dusty, muddy ride—this isn’t a smooth sightseeing tour, but an authentic, dirt-splattering romp through local scenery.

If you’re thinking about booking, keep in mind that some reviews mention bumpy rides and equipment in disrepair, so this isn’t suited for travelers looking for a perfectly polished experience. But if you’re after adventure, good value, and a chance to see local life and landscapes up close, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This tour is best suited for adventurers who don’t mind getting dirty, families with older kids (due to the rugged nature), and anyone wanting a fun, active way to see the Dominican countryside. It’s also ideal for cruise travelers wanting a memorable, off-the-beaten-path excursion that doesn’t take up your whole day.

Key Points

• Accessible to all experience levels with pre-trip instruction
• Includes a beach stop at Playa Bergantin for swimming
• Pickup and drop-off at Amber Cove and Taino Bay add convenience
• Expect muddy, dusty rides—bring clothes you’ll feel comfortable getting dirty
• Good value for price, especially for couples or small groups
• Authentic experience with local scenery and wildlife

An In-Depth Look at the Buggy Adventure in Puerto Plata

Location and Logistics

This tour picks you up directly from Amber Cove or Taino Bay cruise ports, making it an ideal shore excursion. The pickup process is straightforward, with clear instructions and confirmed contact via WhatsApp—a detail appreciated by many travelers who value good communication. Once collected, the drive to the starting point in Montellano takes around 20 minutes from Amber Cove or slightly less from Taino Bay, giving you a quick taste of the local scenery on the way.

The entire experience is designed for small groups, capping at 14 travelers, which means you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd and more likely to get personalized attention. The itinerary involves an energetic off-road ride through the backroads of Puerto Plata — a mix of dirt trails, puddles, and natural scenery.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: Montellano

After a brief safety briefing, you’ll hop onto your dune buggy—a sturdy vehicle with no license required, suitable for all ages with proper instruction. The guides are praised for their helpfulness and focus on safety, making it an enjoyable experience even for first-timers. Expect a rough, muddy ride through muddy puddles and uneven terrain, often described as “super muddy” and “a mud buggy experience to the max.” Many reviews note that getting dirty is part of the fun, with some saying, “you will get soaked and muddy,” but that’s the whole point.

The off-road adventure

As you drive through the lush countryside, you’ll experience scenic views of local wildlife and rural life. The guides are attentive, holding the groups’ safety in high regard, and many reviewers mention how they appreciated the helpful staff and careful management. Expect to hit puddles several feet deep—meaning lots of splashes and mud—so wearing clothes that can get dirty is a must.

Beach stop at Playa Bergantin

One of the highlight stops is Playa Bergantin, where you’ll have about 20 minutes to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. This stop is lauded for its fabulous setting, with some reviewers describing it as a “middle-of-nowhere beach” where locals serve fresh drinks and snacks. Several reviews mention how they appreciated being able to wash off after the ride in outdoor showers or changing rooms—very handy after a day of splashing through puddles.

Local visits and cultural stops

Some tours include visits to a cigar factory or local market, but based on the detailed itinerary, the focus remains on off-road fun and beach relaxation. Reviews mention that the shopping stop can feel a bit long and sometimes pushy in sales, so if you’re not into souvenir shopping, you might want to be prepared.

Return to the port

After the fun-filled adventure, the drive back to Amber Cove is approximately 40 minutes. Many reviews note the organization here is solid, with outdoor showers and restrooms available to clean up. Timing is generally well-managed, so you’ll have plenty of time to return to your cruise ship.

What Travelers Love Most

Many reviewers mention the enthusiastic, helpful guides—especially Pepo, Lotta, and Zaza—as making the trip memorable. Their friendly attitude and focus on safety help turn what could be a wild, muddy ride into a safe and enjoyable experience.

The scenic stops at beaches and the chance to see local wildlife are other big hits. Several travelers rave about the value for money, describing it as a “great trip” with lots of mud and fun—a perfect way to let loose and enjoy the outdoors.

Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention equipment issues—such as broken seat belts or disrepair in some buggies—which can affect the experience. Some travelers found the roads busy with public traffic, which slowed down the ride, and a couple felt certain stops (like the shopping) were too long or overly commercial.

You might also encounter adverse weather, as the tour is weather-dependent. Rain can enhance the mud factor but might also cause delays or cancellations, though the provider’s policy is flexible with full refunds or rescheduling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers, families with older kids, and groups eager for a hands-on, up-close look at Dominican landscapes. It suits those who don’t mind getting dirty, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate authentic scenery over polished attractions. If you’re looking for relaxed sightseeing or luxury experiences, this may not be the right fit.

Final Thoughts

This buggy tour offers a unique, muddy glimpse into Puerto Plata’s natural beauty—something that sticks with you long after the ride ends. It’s a fun, active escape from traditional sightseeing, with plenty of opportunities to laugh, get dirty, and soak up the local environment.

The value for the money is attractive, especially given the small-group format and inclusions like water, transportation, and beach stops. While it’s not a pristine, luxury experience—some may find the equipment in disrepair or long shopping stops less appealing—those who put a premium on authenticity and adventure will find it well worth it.

This tour is best for adventurous souls wanting to combine off-road fun, scenic beauty, and beach relaxation in one memorable outing. Prepare to get muddy, bring a change of clothes, and enjoy the wild side of Puerto Plata.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports, making it very convenient for cruise travelers.

Do I need experience driving a buggy?
No, you don’t need prior experience. The guides provide a quick safety briefing and instructions before you start, making it suitable for beginners.

How muddy or dusty will it be?
Very muddy and dusty, especially if it’s recently rained. Be prepared to get soaked and dirty—many reviews emphasize how fun and messy it is.

What should I wear?
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. It’s recommended to bring a change of clothes, a waterproof bag for valuables, and possibly goggles or masks (though they’re available for purchase).

Can I swim at the beach stop?
Absolutely. Playa Bergantin is praised for its beautiful waters and is a perfect spot for a quick swim to cool off.

Are there any long stops for shopping?
A few reviews mention that the shopping stop can feel a bit long and pushy. You can choose to skip shopping if you prefer.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The total experience lasts around 3 to 4 hours, including pickup, driving, stops, and return.

Is there a chance my buggy might break down?
Some reviews mention equipment issues like buggy disrepair, so while most are fine, be aware that mechanical hiccups can occur.

In the end, this buggy experience balances thrill and scenery with authentic fun. For those eager to embrace a little mud, enjoy gorgeous beaches, and see the Dominican countryside from a different perspective, it’s a fantastic choice—and one you’ll likely remember for years to come.