Puerto Plata Shore Excursion: ATV adventure for Amber Cove & Taino Bay Passenger

To start, we came in via carnival at the amber cove port. They fail to mention the mile walk to the meeting point which is outside of the terminal. LEAVE/disembark the ship at least 30 minutes prior to depart time to give you time to get to meeting point. Ride was ok. I don’t like it was all open in the back of a truck. It was hot, and it felt like New York where everyone honks their horns. It was fine until the 18 wheelers are honking and it blows out your ears. The ride was about 45 minutes. Once we got to the excursion point, it was messy. Broken atvs everywhere and parts everywhere. Looked like a junk yard. It’s also advertised that water and soft drinks are included..: they were not. All they had was beer for purchase…and funny thing is they make you sign a waiver that your not under the influence of alcohol or drugs or your liable for the equipment and medical expenses (Spences is how it was spelled on the form). The crew was basic and not interested with in interacting. 10 second briefing on safety and maybe 30 seconds on how to use the atv, good thing we had all done this before. Once we started riding it was good. We rode through a small village on the streets and then even got back on the main highway with the atvs. We then went off road into the jungle which was all flat and rocky. Some spots muddy which in my opinion was fun. We got to the beach where we had 30 minutes to purchase food or drinks or swim. Let me tell you this was the worst part of the adventure. The locals their will harass you until you purchase something. I literally told one guy I’ll give him 5 dollars to just go away (even after we bought cheap made jewelry and drinks from him). The ocean water was beautiful. However, many dogs running around begging for food and they looked malnourished #sad. We then got back on the atvs and went the same route back to the excursion point #basic. This tour also advertises they don’t take pictures. Well they did. At first they told us 40 dollars per person, and I was with a group of four. We said no way, to expensive. Again being hassled at the end, we bargained 40 dollars for all of the pictures which were given to us on a usb drive. The ride back was the same, Loud, hot and full of breathing diesel exhaust. I would not recommend nor do this excursion again.

Our tour guys were amazing I can honestly say I would go back every time, great customer service made everything easy so we could enjoy our time

Nice long ride through the city and wooded area. We definitely got our money worth! Also, a lot of muddy holes to get dirty in. I liked that this tour allowed us to pick up the speed a bit.

Great experience. I would say they need to add bring cash to purchase pictures. Also bring a bandana or face covering.

My husband loves cigars so I felt this would be a great excision. We booked this excursion because the ATV shore excursion with the cruise line was sold out. We were also super excited to experience the cigar shack, coffee and chocolate. While I’m disappointed that we did not stop at the cigar shack or sample coffee and chocolate, we still had a nice time. My husband was really looking forward to the cigar shack.

The ATV was fun and they have lots of equipment and know how to fix it. But that’s the only positives. We were there in the pouring rain, which they were not prepared for. No place to lock up your stuff so my purse went through the mud with us. They did offer me a trash bag to put it in, but that was after it was soaked. The bus ride over was an open air bus that the roof leaked and we had rain pelting us (no side or wind shields) at about 50 mph. It was painful for all. They charged for goggles which should have come with the ride. Helmets were offered as an afterthought.At the beach location, they try and sell you food, drinks and jewelry. No real instruction on driving the atv. I would’ve paid money for a locker, which other islands do, but charging for the goggles was penny pinching. This is a fair weather only event.

Overall good experience! Had fresh cook meal on beach with beers and pina colada’s. Beautiful view and equipment was overall in good shape

Great staff. The ride from Amber Cove was 35 minutes to the facility. Also prepare to walk all the way to the highway at the port because they cannot come to the typical pickup place. Several vehicles broke down on the excursion but the staff reacted quickly and got everyone back on the road. My family had a great time and the ATVs were easy to drive.

While the drive down there is terrifying, and our driver didn’t talk at all, and his car was barely running (lol), Frank did a GREAT tour. The ATVs were in great shape, the guided part was exciting and the enthusiasm was spectacular. We had too much fun! Be warned though…. Bring clothes, shoes and a scarf that you are willing to throw in the trash afterwards, because you will get DRENCHED in mud and water. Haha. Took me 30 minutes to rinse it out of my shirt, shorts and shoes.

This was a great trip. The equipment was first rate, the transportation was good and our guide Kevin was outstanding! Beautiful scenery too 👍