Taino Bay & amber cove 7 Damajagua Waterfall Lunch Excursion

Experience the Best of Puerto Plata with the Damajagua Waterfalls, Local Cuisine, and Scenic Stops

If you’re craving an adventure that combines nature, culture, and fun, this tour in Puerto Plata delivers just that. For around $54 per person, you’ll spend about 4 hours traversing the famous Damajagua Waterfalls, sampling delicious local cuisine, and visiting a charming organic chocolate farm and a cigar shop. Your guides, whose genuine enthusiasm and knowledge shine through in reviews, will lead you through lush jungle landscapes, fun jumps, slides, and swims that make this a memorable outing.

Two things we particularly love about this experience: first, the personal attention from guides like Rosario, who are known for their friendliness and safety tips, making even the most daring jumps feel manageable. Second, the authentic flavor of the included Dominican lunch, which offers a hearty buffet of fried chicken, grilled pork, rice, and beans, giving you a true taste of local cuisine.

One potential consideration is that this tour is quite active—think hiking uphill, jumping into waterfalls, and navigating slippery rocks—so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness and a sense of adventure. Also, it’s not ideal for children under 8, so families with younger kids might need to look elsewhere. Overall, if you’re looking for a thrilling, well-organized day that packs in natural beauty and cultural flavor, this trip is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Includes a hearty Dominican lunch and local drinks, offering great value.
• Expert guides ensure safety and share engaging stories about the area.
• Multiple stops in one tour, including waterfalls, chocolate, and cigar visits.
• Active and physically moderate—expect hiking and water adventures.
• Shared group experience with up to 70 participants, maintaining a lively atmosphere.
• Ideal for travelers seeking adventure, authentic culture, and scenic views.

A Comprehensive Look at the Damajagua Waterfalls & More

When considering a tour that blends adventure with cultural encounters, the Damajagua Waterfalls excursion checks many boxes. We’ve gone through countless reviews and the itinerary details to give you a clear picture of what to expect and how this tour can fit into your Dominican Republic adventure.

What Places Will You Visit?

Your day kicks off with a pick-up at the cruise port or hotel, in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The tour is designed to be around 3.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

The main attraction is the 7 Damajagua Waterfalls—a series of waterfalls nestled in a jungle landscape. Here, your guides will lead you uphill through a moderate hike. Once at the top, the real fun begins: jumping, sliding, and swimming through the waterfalls. Reviews praise the guides, like Rosario and Claudio, for their attentive care and sharing of local legends, making the experience more than just a physical challenge. One reviewer mentioned, “they kept us safe and informed,” highlighting how vital safety measures are.

You’ll also stop briefly at an organic chocolate farm in Imbert, a quick 10-minute visit where you can learn about the chocolate-making process. Many find this stop charming and authentic, giving you a taste of local agriculture and craftsmanship.

Finally, the tour includes a visit to a family cigar store. While somewhat touristy, many reviews note that it offers a cool glimpse into a Dominican cultural staple, and it’s fun to see how cigars are rolled.

What Can You Expect at the Waterfalls?

The 7 waterfalls are the star of the show. The initial hike uphill is manageable but tiring, especially in the tropical heat. Be prepared for longer uphill sections—one reviewer noted “about a mile of uphill climbing”—but it’s worth it once you arrive at the waterfalls. The jungle scenery is lush and vibrant, and the waterfalls themselves are stunning.

The adrenaline rush hits when you jump off the waterfalls, with options to slide or climb back up. For those who like a thrill, jumping from the 20-foot waterfalls is a highlight, with reviews describing it as “scary but so worth it.” The water is always refreshingly cold, making it satisfying after the uphill climb.

Safety gear—helmets and life jackets—are provided, and guides are vigilant about keeping everyone safe. Many mention feeling well cared for, with guides responding quickly to questions or concerns. Photos and videos of these moments are available for purchase, allowing you to relive each splash and jump.

Authentic Food and Drinks: A Local Flavor

The included lunch buffet is a highlight, offering white rice, red beans, fried chicken, and grilled pork—a satisfying, hearty meal typical for Dominicans. Several reviews emphasize that the food is delicious, and the local drink (cristal or rum) served with lunch adds a special touch, making the meal a true cultural experience. The hot chocolate and coffee served on the bus are appreciated touches, especially after the physical activity.

Additional Stops and Cultural Touches

Besides waterfalls, you’ll visit a local chocolate farm—a quick, educational stop that many reviews describe as adorable and authentic. The cigar factory offers a chance to see local craftsmanship, although some travelers note it feels slightly touristy. Still, it adds a nice cultural layer to your day.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable, with port pickup and drop-off included—crucial for cruise passengers worried about timing. The shared group can host up to 70 people, which keeps the atmosphere lively without feeling crowded, according to reviews. Some reviewers mention that their groups were quite small or even private, which can be a plus.

Cost and Value

At $54, this tour offers great value. It includes all safety gear, a substantial lunch, local drinks, and professional guides. Many reviews highlight the photos and videos as well worth the extra fee, allowing you to keep vivid memories of your adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re active and not afraid of a little physical exertion. It’s ideal for adventure seekers who want a full day of fun, nature, and cultural insights. It suits older children (8+) and adults looking for a thrill combined with local flavor. Families with children who enjoy water activities will find it particularly enjoyable, provided kids are comfortable with jumping and hiking.

It’s a good fit for cruise passengers too, thanks to the timely port pickups and drop-offs. If you prefer a more relaxed, sightseeing-only tour, this might not be your best choice. But for those craving adventure, authenticity, and a dose of adrenaline, this trip hits the mark.

Detailed Review: A Closer Look at Every Step

The Scenic Drive & Group Experience

From the moment we’re picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, the tour feels professional yet relaxed. Rosario, the owner, and guides like Johnny and Valentin are praised for their friendly attitude and attentiveness. The Wi-Fi on the bus is a thoughtful touch, especially for those wanting to stay connected.

The group size varies—sometimes just a few of you, sometimes more—yet reviews consistently highlight how guides tailor their approach based on the group. Many commented on how Rosario’s team responds quickly to questions and keeps the energy high, making the entire experience feel personal and safe.

The Waterfalls: Adventure and Safety

The climb uphill to the waterfalls can seem daunting, but guides are adept at keeping everyone motivated and safe. The paths are sometimes slippery, so sturdy shoes are recommended; some reviews mention wearing old clothes for sliding, since the water can be hard on your attire.

Once at the waterfalls, jumping from 20-foot heights is a highlight—adrenaline-pumping but safe under supervision. Guides advise to keep arms tucked in during slides, and many reviewers felt well-prepared thanks to the safety gear and instructions.

The water’s clarity and coolness make every jump and slide incredibly refreshing. The scenery—lush greenery and cascading waterfalls—creates breathtaking photo opportunities, especially with the professional photographers capturing the moments.

Cultural and Culinary Highlights

After your water adventure, the lunch buffet is a hit among travelers. The local Dominican dishes are hearty and flavorful, with reviews describing the food as delicious and authentic. The hot chocolate and local coffee serve as perfect post-activity treats.

The chocolate farm stop adds a sweet, cultural touch. You get to see how organic chocolate is made and learned that the stop is short but engaging. The cigar shop offers a glimpse into Dominican craftmanship, with some reviewers finding it interesting and others noting a touristy feel.

Photos and Souvenirs

For a small extra fee, you can get professional photos and videos of your waterfall jumps and slides. Many reviews say this is well worth it, as it allows you to relive the moments without the stress of trying to snap photos yourself.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

This tour is a well-organized, fun-filled day that combines adventure with cultural insights. The balance of physical activity, scenic beauty, and local flavor makes it a top pick for those who want more than just sightseeing.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you enjoy active pursuits, scenic outdoor settings, and learning about local culture, this trip is a winner. It’s especially good for adventure-loving families, couples, or solo travelers who want a thrilling day with plenty of photo opportunities and tasty food.

This tour is not suited for those with mobility issues, very young children, or travelers seeking a relaxed, sit-back experience. The active nature and hiking portions mean you’ll need a moderate level of fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children 8 years and older due to the physical activity involved, including climbing and jumping.

How long does the entire tour last?
The excursion runs for about 4 hours and 10 minutes, with most of the activity centered around the waterfalls and cultural stops.

What should I wear?
Sturdy shoes for hiking and water activities are advised. Some recommend old clothes for sliding, as water can stain fabrics. Bring a change of clothes if you want to stay dry afterward.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a delicious Dominican buffet and local drinks like hot chocolate and coffee. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased separately.

What safety measures are in place?
Helmets and life jackets are provided for all participants. Guides are attentive and instructive, making sure everyone feels secure.

Can I buy photos of my experience?
Yes, professional photos and videos are available for an extra fee, and reviews say they are worth the cost.

What’s the group size?
The tour can host up to 70 travelers, though many groups are smaller, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s a fantastic option for active travelers who want an authentic taste of the Dominican Republic’s natural wonders and local traditions. With friendly guides, delicious food, and thrilling water activities, it provides incredible value—especially considering all the included safety gear, cultural stops, and professional photos.

While it requires moderate physical effort and a sense of adventure, most travelers rave about how worth it the effort is. If you’re looking for a memorable, action-packed day with plenty of opportunities to jump, slide, and learn, this tour is hard to beat.

In summary, this excursion is best suited for active, curious travelers eager to embrace nature and local culture in an organized, safe, and lively setting. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, you’ll come away with stories, photos, and memories that will last long after your trip ends.