Precious Memories: Surprising Day at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 21: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

May 18, 2022

Today we visit the port of Amber Cove, which is a private 'beach' for the Carnival Corps ships. I have read that the beach area is quite far away from the town and there is really not much outside the port gate. We are not beach people and really wanted to see if there are other things to see instead of spending our day in waters.

Arriving Amber Cove, beautiful island.

First, we needed breakfast.

Getting off the ship at the private pier with a Princess ship right next to us.

Pier leading to the private beach area with shops and entertainment.

These private cabanas were fully booked for the day at $300+ rental.

Band playing to welcome guests to the island.

We walked straight to the exit of the terminal. Taxis here are quite expensive and at set prices. We continued walking out and see if other options were available even though we did not know if in fact there's anything. As we walked closer to the gate, we bumped into a couple from Canada off the Caribbean Princess who were bargaining with a taxi driver. They asked if we would like to join them for a day tour in a private van (the driver was in uniform, just like the ones at the official taxi rank). For $20 per person, the five of us would pay $100 total for the day tour. What a deal! It was worth it just walking a little further out and get the bargain for the day.

crowds at the official taxi and bus stands out at the terminal

Went past the crowds and out to the front gate.

Nice to be inside a van with A/C.

First place the driver took us was to the mountain where we would take a tram up to the top to see Jesus' Statue. The tram ride was $10 per person and we paid for it on our own.

Waiting to get on the tram as the band was playing some happy music.

Got on the tram for the ride up.

Another one coming down.

What we saw as we got off the tram.

In front of the tram station at the top of the mountain.

What a view of the city (Puerta Plata).

There were men here telling tourists to post and they snatched photos using your cell phone for free. After the photos, they'll take you to their stalls so you can purchase souvenirs from them. I guess its a good way to help the local economy.

Husband and son went down to the cave as I waited for them up at the top.

After they came back, we walked over to this beautiful bridge.

On the bridge.

After a visit to the restroom at the restaurant, we went back down the mountain on the tram and met with our driver. He then took us to town center of Puerta Plata where we would spend some time there on our own. He parked at a small parking lot near the town plaza, making it very convenient to see the places of interest in town.

First place we saw was St. Filippe Cathedral next to the town center.

Independent Plaza

Then we went inside the Cathedral for a visit.

A gentleman came and said that he works at the Cathedral, started telling us stories about the church. At the end, he asked for a donation for his family which we gladly obliged.

Damaged by an earthquake.

It was nice just sitting down at the cool spot inside the Cathedral.

Plaza

Now, a fresh coconut is just what we needed. $1 each.

Then we walked down to the 'pink hotel'.

Definitely pink!

Then it's the umbrella street.

Very pretty!

Found the van parked at the same spot and the driver was going to take us to the beach but we all said 'No, thanks'. Back to the port terminal we went.

We got in line to have this picture taken, the iconic sign of Amber Cove with the gorgeous Mardi Gras.

The huge amber on display.

Tropical paradise!

I just realized that my cell phone went out of battery by now and did not capture any picture of the private pools and the port area. (Found some photos on MOR's cell phone after I finished the above. Fortunately, now we got to have some shots to remember by of this beautiful port. If interested, please check out my video here.