
Amber Cove is a private port located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, in the town of Maimon.
This port is a popular cruise ship destination, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
The port is situated near the scenic town of Puerto Plata, which offers a range of activities and attractions for travelers.
From Amber Cove, you can take a short taxi ride or shuttle to Puerto Plata, where you can experience the local culture, try delicious food, and shop for souvenirs.
Navigating Amber Cove Port
Navigating Amber Cove Port is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly layout. The pier measures 1280 feet, with capacity for 2 ships to berth, making it easy to find your way around.
The complimentary bicycle rickshaws available to take you from the ship to the port are a great perk, but I recommend taking a walk instead - it's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the stunning views of Maimon, Puerto Plata.

To avoid the crowds, head to the shopping area first, as most passengers will be heading to the pool and bar areas. You can also use the Amber Cove interactive map to navigate the port's many features.
Here's a quick rundown of the port's layout:
- Enter the port through a Spanish-style fortress and duty-free store.
- Head left for the shopping area or right for the Aqua Zone area.
- The Aqua Zone area is easily missed, so keep an eye out for it.
Remember, the first one to two hours after disembarkation will be the busiest, so plan accordingly. Take your time, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings - you're in the Caribbean, after all!
Arrival Procedures
As you arrive at Amber Cove Port, you'll be greeted by a team of friendly staff who will guide you through the arrival procedures.
The first step is to report to the designated meeting point, where you'll be met by a representative from your cruise line.
Be sure to have your cruise documents and identification ready, as you'll need to present them to the staff.
Arrival times are usually scheduled between 8am and 10am, depending on the ship's itinerary.
Once you've cleared customs and immigration, you'll be free to explore the port's facilities, including the shopping and dining areas.
You'll also have the opportunity to take part in shore excursions, which can be booked in advance or on the day of arrival.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as the tropical climate can be unpredictable.
Shore excursions typically last between 4 to 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.
Entering the Port
As you enter Amber Cove, you'll notice the impressive Spanish-style architecture at the entrance, a design that pays homage to the region's rich history, dating back to Christopher Columbus' discovery of Hispaniola in 1490.
You'll pass through a duty-free store and have a choice to make: head to the left towards the shopping area or to the right towards the Aqua Zone area.
Port Services Overview
The Amber Cove port offers a range of services to make your visit as enjoyable and convenient as possible. Complimentary bicycle rickshaws are available to take you from the ship to the port, covering the 25-acre area that includes various amenities.

The pier at Amber Cove measures 1280 feet, with capacity for 2 ships to berth. This means you can easily navigate the area without feeling overcrowded.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider heading to the shopping area first, as most passengers tend to go to the swimming pool and bar/restaurants areas immediately after disembarking.
Amenities at Amber Cove include a resort-style pool, a swim-up bar, and a children's splash pool. The pool area offers ample space for lounging and soaking up the sun, making it a great spot to relax.
Here's a breakdown of some of the port services you can expect to find at Amber Cove:
- Taxis & Transfers: available to take you to and from the port
- Basketball & Chess: a half court for basketball and large chess pieces for a fun game
- Amber Cove Kids Pool: a splash pool for kids to enjoy
- Aqua Zone Pool Area: a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar
- The Hillside & Poolside Cabanas: luxurious cabanas with private Jacuzzi and stunning views
- Amber Cove Shore Excursions: a range of excursions to explore the area
- The Amber Cove Beach: a beautiful beach to relax on
The Amber Cove interactive map is a great resource to help you navigate the port's many features and plan your day.
Cruise Port Information
The pier at Amber Cove measures 1280 feet, with capacity for 2 ships to berth.
Complimentary bicycle rickshaws are available to take you from the ship to the port, built over 25 acres that include the many amenities listed here. You can also take a scenic walk, which is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the views of Maimon, Puerto Plata.

The first one to two hours after arrival, the crowds will be coming out of the gangways, so it's a good idea to wait before heading out to port. This is especially true if you're looking to avoid the crowds.
Most passengers will head first to the swimming pool and bar/restaurants areas, so consider heading to the shopping area first to beat the crowds.
The Amber Cove interactive map is the easiest way to navigate the port's many features.
Here are some of the main amenities you can find at Amber Cove:
- The Amber Cove Pier
- Duty Free & Shopping Center
- Coco Caña Restaurant & Bar
- The Aqua Zone Pool Area
- Amber Cove Kids Pool
- Kayaks, Paddle Board & Pedal Board Rental
- The Amber Cove Sky Bar
- Basketball & Chess
- The Nature Cove
- The Zip Line & Slides
- The Hillside & Poolside Cabanas
- Amber Cove Shore Excursions
- The Amber Cove Beach
- The Ocean Cabanas
- Taxis & Transfers
The entrance to Amber Cove is designed to resemble a Spanish Fortress, and you'll pass through a duty-free store as you enter the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Amber Cove from cruise port?
Amber Cove is approximately 8 miles from the cruise port, requiring a taxi or tour excursion to reach the main town. For a closer experience, explore nearby attractions within walking distance of the port.
Sources
- http://www.puertoplatadr.com/cruiseports/amber-cove/ambercove-port-amenities/
- https://rosebeeandreyaadventures.com/amber-cove-cruise-port-dominican-republic/
- https://www.costambarbeach.com/amber-cove-port-guide/
- https://cruisedig.com/ports/puerto-plata-amber-cove-dominican
- https://fokiown.blogg.se/2023/february/amber-cove-cruise-port-map.html
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