Dorada Beach (Playa Dorada)
Puerto Plata
Located along the Dominican Republic's Amber Coast, Dorada Beach is one of the Puerto Plata area's most popular beaches. Also known as Golden Beach, it's ideal for windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and parasailing. Its crystal clear waters and shallow, sloping beach makes it a favorite with families. Numerous major resorts line its shore.
Aside from enjoying the beach itself, one of the best ways to experience the area is from the water. Take a catamaran tour along the north coast to the Bay of Sosua. Resorts along the beach rent watersports equipment, so you can go windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and parasailing. Or, go snorkeling off the beach among coral reefs, which are only a short swim away.
Other non-beach pastimes include shopping at the plaza of Dorada Beach, which features boutiques, restaurants, and a cinema. There is also an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, an equestrian center, and several casinos. The area is home to the Caribbean’s biggest go-kart center, complete with three tracks.
Cruise excursions to Dorada Beach from the ports at Amber Cove and Taino Bay are offered.
Some bathrooms at the beach require pesos to access; umbrellas and chairs are available for rent.
Other things to see and do in the area include the 16th-century Fort San Felipe and a cable car ride up to the Mount Isabel de Torres summit.
The beach is a 5-minute drive from Puerto Playa. Cruise excursions, including buggy tours from the ports at Amber Cove and Taino Bay, are offered. Taxis are available throughout Puerto Plata, and car rentals can be found at the major airports. Keep in mind that local drivers can be aggressive, and the street signs are in Spanish.
November is the rainiest month, with Puerto Plata experiencing tropical storms and hurricanes around this time. The months between December to April are considered peak tourist season, so expect the biggest crowds then and also the nicest weather. In February, colorful parades take place in major cities and regions around the Dominican Republic, including Puerto Plata, as part of Dominican Carnival.
Located southwest of Puerto Plata, Mount Isabel de Torres boasts a statue of Christ the Redeemer, a botanical garden, and views of the area. Take a cable car to the peak, at 2,600 feet (792 meters). Try to visit early in the morning to avoid afternoon cloud cover.
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