Sun-Soaked Shenanigans: Essential Things to Do in Puerto Plata in December

Essential Things to Do in Puerto Plata in December (No Snowman-Building Skills Required)

Puerto Plata in December offers the rare opportunity to wear flip-flops while posting social media updates that inspire pure, unbridled resentment from friends back home. Unlike southern Florida where “winter” still occasionally requires a light jacket, Puerto Plata delivers consistent tropical perfection that feels like a meteorological cheat code. The following activities represent the essential things to do in Puerto Plata in December, carefully calibrated for maximum enjoyment during this gloriously temperate month.

Beach Perfection Without the Crowds

December’s 82°F average temperatures and calm waters create the Caribbean’s equivalent of Goldilocks conditions—not too hot, not too crowded, just right. Playa Dorada stands out as the family-friendly MVP, with volleyball courts where competitive spirits can flourish without the summer crowd’s audience and beach chairs available for a laughable $3 (from vendors near the Cocos entrance). Parents particularly appreciate the gentle December waves, perfectly suited for swimmers whose techniques peak at “enthusiastic doggy paddle with occasional dramatic splashing.”

For underwater explorers, Sosúa Beach offers December visibility extending beyond 100 feet, revealing over 100 species of tropical fish seemingly posing for underwater selfies. The crystalline conditions make even amateur snorkelers look like Jacques Cousteau documentarians. Meanwhile, Cabarete Beach delivers December wind conditions described by instructors as “perfect for beginners who prefer not ending up in Haiti by accident.” Windsurfing lessons run approximately $45 per hour, a small price to pay for the smug satisfaction of mastering a new water sport while friends at home master snow shoveling techniques.

Ocean Adventures for Every Temperament

December marks peak season for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts, with marlin and mahi-mahi seemingly competing to be caught. Charter operators like Marlin Charters ($550 for full-day excursions) report December success rates nearly double those of summer months. The boats depart at 7AM when morning clarity offers views extending miles across waters so blue they appear digitally enhanced.

For those preferring underwater exploration, Paradise Reef, Airport Wall, and Sosúa Bay reach their visibility zenith in December, with diving conditions that underwater photographers describe as “unnecessarily perfect.” Local dive shops offer special December packages around $85 for two-tank dives, complete with equipment and guides who point out marine life with the enthusiasm of proud parents showing baby photos.

Sunset sailing excursions capitalize on December’s predictable afternoon breezes and spectacular 5:45 PM sunsets, with catamarans gliding across waters that reflect the sky’s pink and orange hues like nature’s own Instagram filter. As one recent visitor noted, “I’ve effectively traded making snow angels for swimming with sea turtles, which feels like the most reasonable life decision I’ve ever made.”

Mountain and Nature Excursions With Unparalleled Visibility

Mount Isabel de Torres, accessible via cable car for $10 round trip, offers December visitors clear-day views extending beyond 30 miles—revealing coastline panoramas that make smartphone cameras seem woefully inadequate. The December humidity reduction creates postcard-perfect visibility that summer visitors can only dream about. The Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit provides both spiritual inspiration and the perfect backdrop for holiday card photos that will infuriate winter-bound relatives.

The famous 27 Charcos (waterfalls) of Damajagua benefit from ideal December water levels after fall rains, with 72°F waters offering refreshing—but not shocking—swimming conditions. The $13 entrance fee grants access to natural water slides and jumping platforms that transform adults into gleeful children, albeit with stiffer recovery periods. December’s reduced mosquito population makes jungle hiking considerably more pleasant than summer expeditions, with visitors noting they “didn’t have to bathe in DEET just to enjoy nature.”

Cultural Experiences With Holiday Flair

Fort San Felipe transforms itself in December with evening light displays (5-10 PM, $6 entrance) that illuminate the 16th-century structure in ways its Spanish builders never imagined. The fortress’s massive walls provide perfect backdrops for holiday photos that confuse American friends expecting snowy scenes, not tropical historical monuments bathed in colorful illumination.

The Amber Museum offers a special December exhibition featuring specimens only viewable during this month, with the fossilized tree resin glowing particularly beautifully in the winter light. Meanwhile, the Brugal Rum Factory celebrates the season with holiday tastings featuring December-exclusive cinnamon-infused rum ($22/bottle) that provides both souvenirs and coping mechanisms for eventual returns to colder climates. As one visitor quipped, “Dominican rum makes holiday family gatherings exponentially more tolerable, regardless of which hemisphere you’re celebrating in.”

December Festivals: Where Christmas Meets Paradise

The Puerto Plata Sunset Festival (December 15-18) transforms the Malecón into a celebration of music, food, and culture with tickets ranging from $15 for basic entry to $35 for VIP experiences. The event showcases Dominican merengue, bachata, and reggaeton performers against sunset backdrops that seem almost ostentatiously beautiful. Local restaurants set up food stalls offering holiday specialties that combine traditional Dominican flavors with festive presentations.

Central Park (Plaza Independencia) becomes December’s epicenter of holiday spirit, with evening light displays and music performances that manage to capture Christmas cheer without requiring parkas and mittens. While Santa might look slightly uncomfortable in the tropical heat, the incongruity of palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights creates a charming alternative to standard holiday visuals. New Year’s Eve in Puerto Plata ranges from free public beach celebrations to exclusive $150 all-inclusive resort galas, offering appropriate options for every budget and preferred champagne quality.

Where to Rest Your Sun-Soaked Head

December accommodations offer surprising value before high season rates kick in after the holidays. Budget travelers find clean, comfortable options like Casa Colonial Guesthouse ($65/night) or Tropical Beach Hostel ($50/night) perfectly positioned near main attractions with December availability that disappears by January. These simpler lodgings compensate for fewer amenities with locations that minimize transportation costs—often just steps from beaches or central attractions.

Mid-range options ($100-200/night) like Lomas Mironas boutique hotel or the numerous Airbnb condos in the Playa Dorada complex offer December specials that include complementary breakfast and transportation services. Luxury seekers find all-inclusive resorts like Casa Colonial Beach and Spa ($350/night) offering December packages with room upgrades and spa credits before their January price increases. The savviest December travelers look for last-minute deals at properties trying to fill rooms before high season, sometimes scoring 30% discounts by booking within two weeks of arrival.

Dining Under the Stars (Without Freezing)

December brings seafood to peak freshness, with restaurants like Le Petit François showcasing daily catches in butter-garlic preparations that require no culinary gimmicks. For travelers seeking authenticity, local spots like Heladería La Parada serve traditional Dominican Christmas dishes like pasteles (meat-filled plantain packets) and moro de guandules (rice with pigeon peas) that offer cultural education alongside caloric decadence.

Beach dining reaches its perfect expression in December, with average evening temperatures hovering around 73°F—ideal for oceanfront meals without sweating through shirts or needing layers. Restaurants like Oceania set tables directly on the sand, where diners experience sunset meals with waves providing both ambient soundtrack and dinner theater. For budget-conscious travelers, the food stalls at the Malecón offer Dominican specialties at prices that rarely exceed $7 per generous plate, proving that flavor and value aren’t mutually exclusive concepts.

Practical Matters for December Visitors

Transportation options in December remain plentiful and reasonably priced, with taxis from the airport running approximately $35 (negotiate before entering) and public “guaguas” (minibuses) charging roughly $1 for trips within Puerto Plata. The increased December tourist presence means more frequent service without the sardine-can crowding of peak season. Currency exchange typically offers more favorable December rates at bank-affiliated exchanges than at resort desks, with a standard 2-3% advantage worth pursuing for larger exchanges.

The essential December packing list requires far less planning than winter destinations—primarily sunscreen (minimum SPF 30), light rain gear for brief afternoon showers, and perhaps one light sweater for evenings or overly ambitious restaurant air conditioning. Safety considerations remain straightforward: the increased tourist presence in December means more visible security but also more attention from opportunistic petty thieves. Basic precautions like using hotel safes for valuables and avoiding ostentatious jewelry display prevent most issues, allowing travelers to focus on choosing between beach activities rather than worrying about security concerns.

For visitors seeking the optimal balance of experiences and value, December in Puerto Plata represents the mathematical sweet spot of Caribbean travel. With average costs running approximately $125-175 per day all-inclusive (depending on accommodation choices), a week in Puerto Plata costs roughly the same as a weekend in many winterized American destinations. This price-to-paradise ratio makes things to do in Puerto Plata in December not just enjoyable but remarkably affordable compared to cold-weather alternatives requiring multiple clothing layers and constant heating.