How to spend a day in the Dominican Republic
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Creator's Key Takeaways
Quite often it's a tricky decision as to whether you book your excursion with the cruise line or an external company.
If the excursion is 4 hours or less, we'll generally opt for the private company.
We were able to contact our tour guide on WhatsApp.
I'd say that we were allowed approximately 25 minutes with the monkeys.
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Why Take an Excursion in Puerto Plata? https://www.viator.com/tours/Dominican-Republic/Monkey-Mania-Puerto-Plata/d32-328291P6 Puerto Plata is a colourful coastal city on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and Instagram-worthy streets. Whether you're arriving by cruise ship or staying nearby, a guided excursion offers the perfect way to explore its charm in just a few hours. Pink Street: A Splash of Pink Pink Street in Puerto Plata, also known as Paseo de Doña Blanca, is a tribute to Bianca Franceschini, an Italian immigrant who, along with her husband, established the Hotel Europa in 1898. This hotel played a significant role in the city's tourism development. The street, an alleyway, was transformed into its current pink hue to honor her legacy and contributions to Puerto Plat Umbrella Street: Art Meets Atmosphere Just around the corner is Umbrella Street, another must-see. This charming walkway is covered with a canopy of colorful umbrellas suspended overhead, casting playful shadows and creating a whimsical vibe. The street is lined with quaint cafés, chocolate and tobacco museums, and artisan shops. It’s a great place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the local culture. Monkey Mania: Meet the Squirrel Monkeys For a more interactive experience, head to Monkey Mania, a sanctuary where you can meet and feed friendly squirrel monkeys. These curious little creatures are known for their playful personalities and love of human interaction. The excursion includes a guided tour where you’ll learn about their habits, diet, and conservation efforts. It’s a family-friendly adventure that offers a unique connection with nature—and plenty of photo ops with monkeys perched on your shoulders! Dominican Republic 00:00 - Intro 00:36 - Leaving Ship 01:15 - Monkey Mania 02:26 - MONKEY FIGHT 02:56 - Dominican Cigars 03:12 - Puerta Plata Pink Street 04:40 - Umbrella Street 05:45 - Town Square Walk 06:34 - Back at Taino Bay 07:49 - Returning to Ship & Outro Join us as we explore Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and weigh the options for booking excursions. We compare booking with the cruise line versus opting for private companies for shore excursions, with a shout-out to Viator. Discover local sights and get essential tips for your cruise stop in Puerta Plata. https://www.viator.com/tours/Dominican-Republic/Monkey-Mania-Puerto-Plata/d32-328291P6 Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/cruiselife22 https://www.tiktok.com/@itsacruiselife Music by Epidemic Sound & Fluteloops