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The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Sosua

The Amber Cove things to do in Sosua list was put together for Carnival cruise passengers who learn about this town and its attractions as a day tour destination. Located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, and one of the most beautiful destinations of Puerto Plata, Sosua is a stunning beach town that has attracted both local and international visitors for many years, including also visitors from Taino Bay port.

Beyond its pristine beaches, the town has a lot to offer in terms of adventure, gastronomy, and culture. Amber Cove passengers can reach Sosua within 35 minutes, and spend a day enjoying plenty of activities to choose from. Here’s a comprehensive list of things to do while you’re visiting:

1. Sosua Beach

Arguably the town’s main attraction, Sosua Beach is a crescent-shaped coastline with soft golden sand and clear blue waters. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, beach volleyball, or simply taking in the picturesque view of the bay. There are dozens of bars, restaurants, gift shops and water activities to choose from. This can be considered the excursion hub in Sosua, as many are water sports available on the beach.

Sosua Beach

Sosua Beach looks perfect.

2. Snorkeling

Sosua’s underwater world is vibrant and diverse. Rent some snorkeling gear and explore the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, starfish, and other marine life. The Catamaran and yacht excursions include snorkeling as part of the deal. Preferred spots are the Three Rocks, Sosua Bay, and the Canyon.

sergeant major fish fed by a snorkeler in Sosua

Snorkeling is popular in Sosua.

3. Private Catamaran Charter

For a more luxurious experience, charter a private catamaran. Sail the serene waters, sunbathe on the deck, and relish the beauty of the coastline while you party with family and best friends. This adventure is featured in the Amber Cove things to do page.

The charter makes various stops in all the key snorkeling spots and secluded, pristine beaches; jump into the water and visit the grotto, coral heads and all the natural scenery Sosua has to offer. The Sosua Catamaran experience tops the bucket list, guaranteed.

A Sosua catamaran charter with cruise ship passengers from Taino Bay.

Cruise passengers enjoying a Sosua Catamaran private charter.

4. SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding)

Challenge your balance and core strength by renting a paddle board. The calm waters of Sosua Beach make it an ideal place for both beginners and pros. Various tour operators offer Stand Up Paddle service at the beach, available all day from 8am to 5pm.

stand up paddle boarding Sosua

SUP is a great sport to try

5. Sports Fishing

Fancy catching some marlin, tuna, or mahi-mahi? Book a sports fishing trip and head into deeper waters for an adventurous day out. The tour departs from Sosua Bay and heads out into open ocean, along the coast of Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete.

marlin fishing in Sosua Dominican Republic

Sports fishing is available in Sosua.

6. Diving

From underwater caves to spectacular coral formations, diving in Sosua is a must. There are several dive shops that offer courses and excursions for all levels, with certified professionals from all over the world. Visit the Sosua diving page for a full list of all the diving shops available at the beach.

Sosua diving in the reef

Diving is also very popular in Sosua

7. Yacht Party

For those looking to party in style, book a Sosua yacht party. Dance to the beats of Caribbean music as you cruise along the coastline. The charter includes music, crew, snorkel gear, food, and drinks. The 5pm shift extends beyond the sunset, great for birthday parties with other boats docked close together.

Sosua yacht party

Yacht party in Sosua Bay

8. Merengue Dancing

Merengue is the heart and soul of Dominican culture. Join the locals at a club or bar, and sway to the intoxicating rhythms of this traditional dance. Find yourself in a local bar enjoying great cocktails and the local vibes of Merengue.

Merengue dance

Merengue dance

9. Bars & Restaurants

Sosua boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and restaurants. Indulge in local delicacies, sip on tropical cocktails, and immerse yourself in the Dominican way of life. Cathy Et Rémy is one of the places we love, to try the Canadian taste for drinks and food; or great cocktails such as the B52 we got featured below, prepared by Cathy.

This restaurant is all about French food, with a nice menu for those who know the best of pure Francophonie; The menu includes a variety of Poisson ( fish dishes ), 5 varieties of Poutine (a dish originating from the Canadian province of Quebec, consisting of French fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy); and Poulet (chicken ) dishes such as the Swiss Cordon Bleu, wings, and and pineapple and coconut chicken.

The restaurant at Cathy et Remy

Cathy et Rémy Beach Bar

Another great restaurant to try is the Mofongo King, dedicated to this plantain-based dish, very popular in the island. Be it with pork rinds, shrimp, chicken, crab or other varieties ( endless choices if customer knows what they want ) it’s hard to beat this restaurant. The bartender is highly skilled and can fix a wide variety of cocktails, we put him to the test and he delivered.

Mofongo King in Sosua

Mofongo King in Sosua

10. Gift Shops

Hunt for souvenirs in the numerous gift shops dotted around town. From handcrafted jewelry to local art, you’ll find the perfect memento of your trip. Shops like Rufino & Salome are featured in this website since 2018, and yet they still are one of the top 10 gift shops we recommend in Sosua Beach.

A local gift shop

Local gift shops can be treasure troves.

11. Crystal Kayaking

Venture beyond the beach and paddle through Sosua’s serene waters, exploring hidden coves and secluded beaches. The view of the reef and fish from the clear kayaks is amazing, specially from 9am to 3pm when the sun is truly bright. The kayaks are available at the beach, right by the parking area.

crystal kayak Sosua

Crystal kayaks are a fun way to watch coral fish

12. Banana Boats

Hold on tight as you ride the waves on a banana boat. It’s a thrilling experience that’s sure to leave you exhilarated. The Sosua banana boats are available all day at the beach, and take visitors to the shores of Sosua beach, all the way to Alicia beach and back. It is a great experience for younger ones to feel the water jumping, and eventually fall and float waiting to be “rescued“.

Banana boats in Sosua beach

Banana boats in Sosua beach

13. Powered Snorkel

Take snorkeling to the next level with Sosua powered snorkel devices. These underwater propulsion systems allow you to cover more ground and dive deeper than traditional snorkeling. These units can be rented by the hour from Sosua Beach, by Correa Tours.

powered snorkel in sosua

Powered snorkel in sosua

14. Alicia Beach

A quieter alternative to Sosua Beach, Alicia Beach offers a serene environment. Its turquoise waters and tranquil ambiance make it perfect for relaxation. This tour can be arranged via our concierge or most travel agents that offer day tours to Amber Cove passengers. The beach is flanked and serviced by two restaurants, Stevens and the Waterfront, both bringing your order straight to your lounger by the beach.

Alicia beach

Alicia beach

15. Monkey Jungle

Just a short drive from Sosua, Monkey Jungle is a must-visit. This reserve offers zip-lining adventures amidst capuchin monkeys that freely roam the grounds. It is the best monkey experience in the island, featuring the experience in a large, natural enclosure that lets the monkeys come to visitors from a very relaxed, natural experience.

Monkey jungle monkeys

Capuchin Monkeys

16. ATV Adventures

Kick up some dust and explore Sosua’s backroads and hidden trails on an ATV. It’s an adrenaline-pumping way to discover the town’s rugged terrain. The tour explores rivers, forests, a waterfall, farmlands and the beautiful outback of the North Dominican Republic. Visit the Sosua ATV page for more information and booking.

ATV tours

ATV adventures in the hill lands

In conclusion, Sosua is not just a beach town—it’s a world filled with adventure, culture, and unparalleled beauty. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a relaxation enthusiast, this town has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the myriad of experiences that await you in this Dominican paradise. The Amber Cove things to do in Sosua list is brought to you courtesy of Sosua Beach, we hope you visit us soon on your next Carnival cruise trip.