Damajagua Falls: The 27 Waterfalls Cruise Excursion Guide
Jun 03, 2026
Published October 2024 | Updated June 2026
Damajagua Falls Cruise Excursion
Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is a popular cruise port. A well-known excursion there is Damajagua (pronounced Dah-muh-hog-wah) Waterfalls. Here are some things you should know.
- Not really 27 falls: About 12 actual waterfalls, the rest are pools. You slide down 5-7 depending on the season.
- Physically demanding: 45-60 minute uphill hike to reach the top. Not suitable for mobility limitations.
- You choose how to descend: Jump, slide the natural rock waterslide, or use a ladder. No one is forced to jump.
- Expect crowds: This runs at or near capacity. Groups of 12-15 stack up in the pools simultaneously.
- 30-35 min from port: Build transport time into your plan. Taxis are pricey; a private driver is the budget option.
In This Guide
Damajagua Waterfalls Excursion
Most of the cruise lines calling on Puerto Plata sell Damajagua Falls as an excursion, including admission and roundtrip transportation in the cost. Several independent tour operators offer this option, although cruisers do not need a formal excursion to visit Damajagua Falls. They can simply buy admission on their own.
Taxis in Puerto Plata are expensive, though, so I recommend either booking this as an excursion or, if you're comfortable going out on your own to hire a private driver for the day and buying admission on-site, the most affordable option. My go-to private driver in Puerto Plata is surprisingly cheap, so here's more info if you're interested.
Before booking on your own, though, be sure to check out my post about the pros and cons of independent excursions versus those sold by the cruise lines.
Things You Should Know About Damajagua Waterfalls
- There aren't really 27 waterfalls. This attraction is advertised as "the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua", but in fact there are only around 12 waterfalls, with the rest being pools. Participants may only slide down 5-7 "waterslides", depending upon the season and rain levels.
- Water shoes are encouraged but not required. The attraction offers water shoes for rent at $3 per pair, although sizes may be limited. Whatever footwear you wear, know they will get wet and fully submerged in water.
- This activity is not for those with mobility limitations or who aren't at least moderately physically fit. Participants must hike up steep hills and stairs for about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top of the "falls," although guides do a great job of stopping periodically for rest breaks. After navigating the waterfalls, there is a 15-minute hike back to the entrance, although this is mostly on flat terrain.
- Participants can wear whatever they want. When I participated in this excursion, I wore a swimsuit, but others in my group wore regular clothes such as leggings and a T-shirt. Swim vests and helmets are provided and required.
- You may get hurt. While the guides are lovely and do what they can to keep participants safe, this is one of those riskier excursions with a higher risk of potential injury. In my group alone, there were three injuries, albeit minor.
- You don't have to jump. Participants choose how they prefer to get down from each of the waterfalls: 1) jump, 2) slide down the natural rock "waterslide," or 3) climb down a ladder.
- It will be crowded. This is a popular attraction, and it often runs at maximum capacity, meaning groups of up to 12-15 people are stacked up and often in the pools of water simultaneously, making things feel a little congested.
- You can bring your phone, but make sure it's in a waterproof case.
- It's not close to the port. Transportation to Damajagua Falls from either of the two ports in Puerto Plata will take about 30-35 minutes each way, so plan accordingly.
Related Video: The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Excursions
How to Book Damajagua Falls
While this is a physically demanding excursion that can get overcrowded, and I don't care to ever do it again, it's still a phenomenal experience that was personally on my bucket list. Here's how you can book Damajagua Falls:
- Book directly through your cruise line.
- Book in advance with an independent tour operator.
- Buy an excursion once you're at the cruise port (although it may be sold out).
- Hire a private driver and ask him or her to take you there as one of your stops; just pay admission on-site.
- Hire a taxi and pay admission there. Admission is relatively cheap, around USD $10, although taxis in Puerto Plata are expensive.
Is the Damajagua Falls Excursion Worth It?
Related Video: Is the Damajagua Falls Excursion Worth It?
Damajagua Falls FAQ
How physically demanding is Damajagua Falls?
Very. Participants must hike uphill for 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top, climbing steep hills and stairs. It is not suitable for those with mobility limitations. Once you finish the falls, there is a 15-minute hike out, mostly on flat terrain.
Are there really 27 waterfalls at Damajagua?
Not quite. The attraction is marketed as "the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua," but there are about 12 actual waterfalls. The rest are pools. Depending on the season and rainfall, participants typically slide down 5-7 waterfalls.
How much does Damajagua Falls cost?
Admission is around $10 USD. Taxis from the port are expensive, so the most affordable approach is hiring a private driver who includes Damajagua as one of several stops, then paying admission on-site. Cruise line excursions include round-trip transport and admission but cost more.
Do I have to jump at Damajagua Falls?
No. At each waterfall, you can choose to jump, slide down the natural rock waterslide, or climb down a ladder. Nobody is required to jump.
Can I visit Damajagua Falls without a tour group?
Yes. Cruise passengers can visit Damajagua independently by hiring a taxi or private driver and paying admission on-site. A private driver is generally the cheapest option given how expensive Puerto Plata taxis can be from the cruise port.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
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