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Exploring the Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic: Damajagua Waterfalls
- Jennifer Gagnon
- Feb 2
- 5 min read
During one of my recent cruises, I had the incredible opportunity to take a shore excursion at Amber Cove-Taino Bay, one of the most picturesque spots on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. I had heard so much about the natural beauty of this region, but nothing prepared me for the jaw-dropping experience of hiking and swimming through the Damajagua Waterfalls.
Amber Cove Taino Bay ( The Cruise Port) is not just a port, it’s a vibrant destination in itself, with plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences right at the dock. There is complementary amenities such as a pool, cabanas, and a lazy river with tubes to float on. However, the highlight of my visit was definitely the adventure that awaited me just outside the port which was a trip to the Damajagua Waterfalls, located about 30 minutes away in the Puerto Plata province.
The drive from the port was scenic, passing through lush green landscapes, small villages, and the occasional glimpse of the turquoise water of the ocean. That particular day was extremely hot and the humidity was high, but I couldn’t complain we were being transported by an air conditioned bus. I must say I definitely felt like I was in another country and of course I was. I couldn’t help but notice the run down homes and buildings on our way to the falls. It appeared that outside of the tourist area near the cruise port in Puerto Plata that there was a lot of natural beauty and sadly a lot of poverty. As we got closer to the waterfalls, I could already feel the excitement building up, knowing that this was going to be an unforgettable experience, oh and it was in more ways than I had imagined.
Upon arriving, we were briefed by our guides about the safety measures and what to expect on the trek. The Damajagua Waterfalls consists of 27 different waterfalls spread out over a steep and rocky terrain. While it’s possible to experience the entire waterfall trek, my group chose to explore the first 7 falls, which is popular for its stunning beauty and accessible trails. As you arrive you are given a helmet, life vest, proper water shoes ( the size of your choice) to use through the excursion and a locker for a fee to keep all personal belongings in that you are not allowed to take with you and that includes a camera. A camera? I wasn’t happy I wanted to catch every moment however a photographer is assigned to the group and takes photos of everyone. After the excursion you can purchase these photos on a hard drive for a price of $50. I don’t know what I had read in the excursion description but I had not come prepared to hike up a mountain in the hot jungle and swim my way down. I arrived wearing a white dress and sandals. The tour guide made it clear I would be soaked and needed to just wear a bathing suit under the life vest.
Not happy about this, I did obey the rules and changed into my swim suite and off we went with our life vests with safety helmets in hand.
The hike itself was not too strenuous after all the excursion brochure said it is for ages seven and up so how bad could it possibly be? However, it was also no picnic. I had to stop a few times on the way because of the intense humidity and heat. Some of the people in our group had to turn back because they couldn’t make it up the hill with the intende humidity. The temperature was particularly hot and humid that day more than it is usually is in the Dominican Republic. The hike did require some effort as we carefully made our way up the slippery rocks. The air was thick with the sound of rushing water, and every turn seemed to reveal a new, breathtaking view. The lush greenery of the jungle surrounding us, combined with the sound of the water cascading down the rocks, created an almost surreal atmosphere. As we got closer to the waterfalls, I started to become nervous having to go down these beautiful natural water slides or jump into the natural pools. I was surprised how I was feeling as I have always been a thrill seeker.
When we finally reached the first waterfall, the real fun began. We were given life vests and guided to the edge of the falls, where we had the option to jump into the natural pools below or take a man made ladder. At first, I was hesitant, it took a good five minutes to convince me it was safe. The guides were incredibly supportive, helping everyone feel confident and safe. Finally, It was thrilling to leap into the cool, clear water, and the rush of the fall was invigorating.
The experience of sliding down natural rock slides, jumping from heights into crystal-clear pools, and swimming through the falls was unlike anything I had ever done before. I can’t find the words on how to describe the joy of feeling completely immersed in nature, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Unlike many popular tourist destinations, this place felt like a hidden gem and a place where nature remained largely undisturbed. The jungle surrounding the falls was dense and vibrant, and I found myself taking in the beauty of the landscape as we headed back after the journey of the seven Damajagua Waterfalls waterslides.
The water was so clear that I could see the rocky bottom even in the deepest parts of the pools. The coolness of the water was a welcome relief from the tropical heat, which was very intense that day. I also spent as much time that was allowed to just swim, jump, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounded me. It was honestly breathtaking.
The Damajagua Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic are a true natural wonder, and it’s clear that this part of the island holds a magical quality. I couldn’t help but feel extremely grateful for such an amazing experience.
For anyone visiting Amber Cove Taino Bay, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the Damajagua Waterfalls. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for adrenaline or simply someone who wants to connect with nature, this experience is one you’ll never forget. Also, when booking an excursion make sure you read “ What to Expect” and it will tell you how to come prepared so your not holding up the group, who is excited to start this amazing excursion.
To sum it up, my experience at the Damajagua Waterfalls was nothing short of exhilarating. From the stunning hike through the lush jungle to the thrill of jumping into crystal clear pools beneath cascading falls, it was an adventure that left me with unforgettable memories. The natural beauty of the place, combined with the adrenaline rush, made it a perfect excursion to truly connect with the Dominican Republic wild side. If you are ever in Amber Cove Taino Bay, I absolutely recommend taking the plunge and exploring this hidden gem in the Dominican Republic.
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