Puerto Plata (Taino Bay) Port Guide

FREE + CHEAP Things To Do + Walking Directions

I just got back from Puerto Plata on Freedom of the Seas on December 6, and I wanted to share some firsthand insight so you know exactly what to expect. If you’re deciding how to spend your port day — especially if you’re looking for free or low-cost options — this guide will help you choose what works best for you and your crew.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, arriving into Taino Bay aboard Freedom of the Seas in early December 2025.

🚢 Taino Bay Layout: What the Port Looks Like

Taino Bay is essentially split into two main sections:

• Left side: pools, beach, lazy river, swim areas, and hangout spaces

• Right side: shops and restaurants

The port feels very resort-like, is well maintained, and is easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. The lazy river (more on that in a minute 👀) actually runs between both sides, making it easy to move around.

A map of the Taino Bay cruise port showing the resort-style layout, with pools, restaurants, shops, and walking paths clearly marked.

🏊‍♀️ Staying IN the Port (Easy, Low-Stress Day)

If you want a relaxed, no-planning kind of port day, staying inside Taino Bay is a solid option.

The main pool is the first one you’ll see when entering the port. It’s flanked by bars, with a Mexican grill behind it, and sits just outside Blue Parrot, the largest restaurant in the port area.

As you walk in, you’ll notice some of the cutest in-water tables at select restaurants — you can literally wade while you eat. (New bucket list item unlocked, amirite???)These tables fill FAST, and I never saw one open while I was there. To be fair, I arrived a bit late, so I’m hoping to snag one (even briefly!) next time. (If y’all see a middle-aged woman ignoring her pre-teen and child with her eyes closed sipping a latte there… no, you didn’t.)

One of the free beach-style lounging areas inside Taino Bay. Seating is first come, first served, so arriving early gives you the best chance at snagging a good spot.

The Part You Won’t Find on YouTube

Let’s be very real for a second. This is not a five-star luxury resort.

While the port has clearly had a lot of investment, many of the loungers I came across were broken, and seating filled up quickly. The only unbroken seat we found was a single chair near the pool — no view, no shade, no friends.

BUT for a FREE port area? Honestly, not bad at all. Add in a stage where dancers occasionally perform and a DJ playing live music, and the overall vibe was actually pretty solid.

A realistic view of Taino Bay: beautifully designed, convenient, and largely free but not a luxury resort. If you go in with the right expectations, it’s an easy and enjoyable port day.

🥥 Fresh Coconut Water (Yes, Do This)

One thing I’d always wanted to do (and finally did here) was drink fresh coconut water straight from the coconut.

It was only $7, cut open right in front of me, and surprisingly refreshing. You can add a piña colada (virgin or alcoholic), but the coconut water alone was perfect.

Fresh coconut water, cracked open right in front of you and surprisingly affordable. One of the easiest (and most refreshing) little splurges inside Taino Bay.

🏖️ Beach Area (With a Caveat)

The beach area inside the port does not have ocean access, meaning you can’t swim here. That said, it’s breezy, quiet, and incredibly relaxing.

If you enjoy sitting with a good book and a great view, this might actually be your favorite spot. There are free daybeds if you arrive early enough, and it’s a great place to watch the ships docked nearby.

The lazy river at Taino Bay is completely free and about a 20-minute loop. It can get busy, but it’s one of the best no-cost ways to cool off and relax inside the port.

🌊 The Lazy River (My Favorite Thing)

The lazy river is about a 20-minute ride and can get busy. If there’s a line, you may need to exit after one lap to give others a turn, and honestly, you might need a break anyway so you don’t get sea legs 😅

I did two rounds (sober) and had trouble walking afterward.

Zero regrets.

Other Free Port Amenities

• Surf simulator

• Family pool

• Free beach access

• Free Wi-Fi zones

The shops inside the port were also not pushy at all and very pleasant to browse.

Cantina Latina is one of the most popular food spots inside Taino Bay, serving Dominican-inspired dishes along with drinks and live entertainment. It’s an easy, convenient option if you want a sit-down meal without leaving the port.

🍴 Food & Drinks Inside Taino Bay

There are plenty of dining options inside the port, including:

• Cantina Latina (Dominican food)

• Blue Parrot (seafood)

• Mexican Grill

• Taco Lover

• Icekery (ice cream, bakery, coffee)

Bars are everywhere - sports bar, margarita bar, mojito bar, rum bar, pool bars, tiki bar, and more.

🚶‍♀️ Walking OUT of the Port: Umbrella Street & Pink Street

If you’re planning to visit Umbrella Street and Pink Street, you do not need a taxi unless you have difficulty walking. It’s about a 10-minute walk.

Taxi drivers may approach you, but they are not pushy. A simple “no thanks” or wave-off is enough.

Important Taxi Note

• Authorized taxis in the DR are white, and drivers wear official polos

• Authorized taxis are located inside the port exit

• Taxis outside the port are not authorized by the port authority, and I don’t recommend using them

You’ll also notice a significant police presence outside the port. Personally, I believe this is due to increased tourism after recent port improvements. I never felt unsafe, and my clients who’ve visited have felt comfortable walking or using authorized taxis.

🧭 Walking Directions (Very Easy, I Promise)

1. Exit the port

2. Walk along the brick sidewalk

3. After a slight curve to the left, take the gravel crosswalk across the road on your right

4. Turn RIGHT between the old brick building (covered in plants — stunning photo op) and the blue-and-white building

5. Walk straight, completely flat, for about 3 blocks

Right before the road starts to slope upward, Umbrella Street will be on the RIGHT.

Umbrella Street is one of Puerto Plata’s most photographed spots and is an easy walk from Taino Bay port. It’s a short, colorful street lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants—perfect for quick photos, a drink, or a casual bite without committing to a full excursion.

☂️ Umbrella Street

• One short street with umbrellas overhead

• Cars sometimes set up in the middle for photos

• Bars and restaurants on both sides

• Cheaper than port pricing (still tourist-area pricing)

• Mountains in the background

• Possible parrot photo opportunities (fun for kids!)

👣 From Umbrella Street to Pink Street (Paseo Doña Blanca)

Umbrella Street is short. Once you’ve taken photos:

1. Walk to the end of Umbrella Street at San Felipe & Beller

2. Turn around so Umbrella Street is behind you

3. You’ll see a yellow and blue store — keep turning until it’s behind you and slightly to your left

4. Continue walking up the sidewalk

5. Pink Street will be on your LEFT

It’s very close — once you’re oriented correctly, you’ll spot it immediately.

Paseo de Doña Blanca, often called “Pink Street,” is one of Puerto Plata’s most recognizable photo spots. This short, fully pink pedestrian street is just a few minutes from Umbrella Street and is best visited early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.

💗 Pink Street (Paseo Doña Blanca)

• Literally ALL pink

• Takes 3–5 minutes to walk end-to-end

• For iconic photos, go early or late — it stays PACKED

• Pachuche bar halfway down (coffee, cigars, food — and basically the only business on the street)

• Possible monkey photo opportunities

Pro Tip

If photos matter to you, do Umbrella Street and Pink Street FIRST. The shopping and food will still be there when you return, but these streets crowd up quickly.

🏛️ Other Nearby Options

• Ambar Mine Museum – FREE; essentially a glorified gift shop, but Puerto Plata is the amber capital

• Central Park – Historic area with beautiful architecture and a free cathedral

• Fortaleza San Felipe – Exterior touring is free; about $2 per person to go inside

• Public Beaches – Free access, but chairs usually cost around $20 per person (not a must if you’re also visiting CocoCay)

Puerto Plata is one of those ports that truly lets you choose your own adventure. Stay in the port for a relaxed, low-cost day, walk out for iconic photo spots, or mix both without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts on Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is a very flexible port. You can stay in the port, walk out for photos, or mix both without feeling rushed or stressed.

If you need help planning your cruise or deciding what’s best for your family, I’m a travel agent specializing in Royal Caribbean cruises and happy to help 💙🌴