Trip to Taino Bay DR aboard Valiant Lady

[MLJS]

Dominican Republic was not a place we generally wanted to visit. On our 5 day we opted for Cozumel over DR. We were impressed with the port at Taino Bay in Puerto Plata and will definitely go back. The port area is new, with shops and a gorgeous pool. They are working on a lazy River. At the entrance are Parrots and there are several restaurantsand bars.  The area is exclusively for cruise passengers. This port is about 5-6 miles from Amber Cove     

Edited February 14, 2023 by MLJS

[MLJS]

Our plan had been to take a taxi to the Cable Cars and ride up to the top of the mountain. There were many, many taxis around and lots offered to take us to the cable cars. Only problem was, there were 15-20 mph winds and we never saw any cable cars going up and down the mountain. That along with low clouds, we decided to skip that and walk downtown. It was about a mile. A mainly flat walk with police at every intersection directing us. I don’t think theywould let you wander down the side streets.  We did walk up the hill to the cathedral, which was beautiful. The streetswere lined with shops and restaurants. 

[MLJS]

Prices on things were much better in town than at the port. Laramar is a stone only found in the Dominican Republic. We purchased a cross and earrings with the Laramar stone from a shop (on the left, up the hill just before the cathedral). The price started very similar to the port. $80 for the cross and $20 for the earrings. Unlike in the port shops, they negotiated in town. We ended up paying $50 for the set. My husband purchased hand rolled cigars from a shop just before you got into the main section of shops. It had a counter in front and a cigar lounge in back. He was able to get 12 cigars for $50. 

[MomtoCCC]

Thanks for the pictures and description.  I think we will do the same thing.  Did you eat lunch in town?

 

[tweety33]

Any info on was there cabs at the port that can drive you to town? Easy to catch a cab in town to drive you back to the port? Cab prices? Did you feel safe at all times waling to town and around town?

Thank you!!

[wolft927]

Thanks For the info, We will be there in January and I think for this port we will stay at the Cruise Terminal and enjoy the pool and sun! 

[sebas030]

On 4/18/2023 at 9:58 AM, wolft927 said:

Thanks For the info, We will be there in January and I think for this port we will stay at the Cruise Terminal and enjoy the pool and sun! 

I also will be there in January. Did a good research on Taino Bay ( great recent videos on YT ) and I will do the monkey experience in port with the kids. Will walk to umbrella and pink street if the weather is good. Cable car was on my list but it gets so many bad reviews about the looong wait to get in ( anywhere from 1h to 2 h each way 😲 ) Ok, the view looks nice but not for that amount of time lost in line up and down.

 

Still thinking about the shark encounter at Ocean World , a bit expensive but looks cool.

 

The lazy river in Taino Bay could be our last stop before getting back to the ship.

[nzdisneymom]

Thanks for posting and sharing the pictures.  We are planning a ship excursion that will be back by lunch so we want to explore the town outside the port area.  Your review is helpful and informative.  Also thanks for the mention of Larimar - I haven't heard of that before but it's a beautiful stone - definitely adding it to my souvenir shopping list!  We like to find something that is somewhat unique to an area - this will fit that!

[racingraysswimmom]

Did you happen to get a taxi quote for the ride to the Cable Cars?