Puerto Plata Province
27 Charcos de Damajagua
Half-day canyoning through 27 limestone pools inland from Puerto Plata: jump, slide and swim back down a river gorge. Book the full 27-pool version with a licensed guide and proper kit.
Where
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Opening hours
The site generally opens daily through the morning and into the afternoon, with last entries well before closing so groups can finish the full climb in daylight. Hours and water levels shift with the rainy season, so confirm current hours and prices on the official site.
Tickets
A guided canyoning trip typically costs in the region of US$55–80 per person (about £44–63), usually including helmet, life jacket, a guide and park entry; the exact figure depends on the operator and how many pools you do. Prices vary, so confirm current hours and prices on the official site.
Time needed
About half a day in total, including transfer; roughly two to three hours on the river for the full 27-pool route.
In short
Visiting 27 Charcos de Damajagua
The 27 Charcos de Damajagua are a chain of limestone pools and falls in a river gorge inland from Puerto Plata, where you climb up and then jump, slide and swim your way back down. It is half a day of genuine canyoning, not a gentle stroll. A guided trip — including helmet, life jacket and a guide — typically runs around US$55–80 (roughly £44–63); book the full 27-pool version rather than a shortened 7- or 12-pool option.
What the day actually involves
Inland from Puerto Plata, the 27 Charcos de Damajagua are a string of clear limestone pools and falls carved into a river gorge — and the whole point is that you get in the water rather than just look at it. You hike up alongside the river to the top, then make your way back down by swimming, scrambling, sliding down water-smoothed chutes and jumping from rock ledges into the pools below. Done in full it is 27 pools and about two to three hours on the water; that is genuine canyoning, not a gentle nature walk.
You don’t have to do everything — guides set the pace and there are walk-arounds for the bigger jumps — and shorter 7-pool or 12-pool versions exist if you’d rather take it easy. But the full route is the one to aim for if you’re fit and a confident swimmer.
Booking it well, and is it worth it
Go with a licensed operator running the official park route, with a helmet, life jacket and guide included; a guided half-day typically runs around US$55–80 (roughly £44–63). Book through a reputable tour company or your rep — not an informal tout at the beach — so you know the safety kit and insurance are real. Wear secure shoes that can get wet, leave valuables in a locker, and bring a little cash for tips.
One honest caveat: water levels swing with the rainy season, which changes how the pools run and occasionally closes higher sections, so confirm conditions when you book. Get all that right and it’s one of the most memorable things to do on the north coast — far more of an experience than another resort pool day, and a proper adrenaline hit that families with older children tend to love.
Planning the rest of your trip? See the Puerto Plata city guide.
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