Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Fortaleza San Felipe
Colonial Fortress, City Tours,
Natural Adventures 2026
Discover Fortaleza San Felipe, the 16th century Spanish fortress at the heart of every Puerto Plata city tour. Atlantic ocean views, the Maximo Gomez cell, the Malecon promenade and the colonial historic centre. Free cancellation on most tours.
20 Attractions Fortress views, beaches & nature spots
50+ Tours Adventure, nature, beaches
From $61 Free cancellation available
- Secure booking
- Family-friendly
- All ages welcome
- Hotel pickup available
- Free cancellation 24h
- Mobile ticket
Featured Attraction
Fortaleza San Felipe
📍 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Fortaleza San Felipe is a 16th century Spanish colonial fortress built in 1577 on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Puerto Plata. It is the oldest European military structure still standing in the New World and houses a small museum w
16th century Spanish fortressAtlantic Ocean viewsColonial history museumLocated on the Malecon
Learn More →How much does a Puerto Plata city tour with Fortaleza San Felipe cost?
Three ways to enjoy: 7 cascades tour, full 12 cascades canyon, or combo with Puerto Plata city.
7 Cascades Tour
From $61/ person
- Fortaleza San Felipe entry included
- Slides and jumps 2 to 8 meters
- Guided experience
- Hotel pickup available
Most Popular
Full 12 Cascades
From $50/ person
- Fortaleza San Felipe full canyon
- Full canyon, top 12 cascades
- Life vest and audio guides included
- Free cancellation 24h
Full Day Adventure
From $90/ person
- Fortaleza San Felipe + Puerto Plata + beaches
- Full day from Puerto Plata
- Expert guides
- All equipment included
Best Tours Near Fortaleza San Felipe 2026
Sorted by traveler rating and reviews. Top-rated experiences near Puerto Plata and the North Coast.
All 20 Attractions Near Fortaleza San Felipe
Fortaleza San Felipe
📍 Puerto PlataFortaleza San Felipe is a 16th century Spanish colonial fortress built in 1577 on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Puerto P...
16th century Spanish fortressAtlantic Ocean viewsColonial history museum
Amber Museum
📍 Puerto PlataThe Amber Museum is housed in a Victorian-era mansion in the historic centre of Puerto Plata, a short walk from Fortaleza San Felipe. It dis...
Dominican amber collectionInsects fossilized in amberVictorian mansion building
Cabarete
📍 Puerto PlataThe kitesurfing and windsurfing capital of the Caribbean, 45 minutes east of Puerto Plata. Cabarete offers perfect trade winds, surf schools...
Kitesurfing capitalWindsurfingBeach nightlife
Cayo Arena (Paradise Island)
📍 Punta RuciaA tiny sandbar island surrounded by coral reef and turquoise water, considered the best snorkeling spot in the Dominican Republic. Boat trip...
Sandbar islandBest snorkeling in DRCoral reef
Malecon de Puerto Plata
📍 Puerto PlataThe Malecon is the seafront promenade that runs along the Atlantic coast of Puerto Plata and ends at Fortaleza San Felipe. It is the social ...
Atlantic Ocean promenadeConnects to Fortaleza San FelipeSunset views
Ocean World Adventure Park
📍 Puerto PlataA marine adventure park in Puerto Plata with dolphin encounters, shark interactions, sea lion shows, a tropical bird aviary, and snorkeling ...
Dolphin encountersShark interactionSea lion show
Parque Nacional Monte Cristi
📍 Monte CristiA national park on the far northwest coast of the Dominican Republic, 2.5 hours west of Puerto Plata. El Morro is a dramatic flat-top mesa r...
El Morro mesaMangrovesBird watching
Playa Dorada
📍 Puerto PlataThe iconic resort beach of Puerto Plata with golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and all-inclusive hotels. Playa Dorada offers watersports, ...
Golden sandResort areaWatersports
Sosua
📍 Puerto PlataA sheltered bay in Sosua, 30 minutes east of Puerto Plata, with excellent snorkeling directly from the beach, coral reefs, and glass-bottom ...
Snorkeling bayCoral reefBeach vendors
Teleferico Puerto Plata
📍 Puerto PlataA cable car that ascends 793 meters to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata. Features a botanical garden, a replica of Christ t...
Cable car rideMount Isabel de TorresBotanical garden
Why book with usBrowse All Activities →
The complete Fortaleza San Felipe Puerto Plata experience
20 Natural Attractions
From Fortaleza San Felipe to Cabarete. Colonial history, the Malecon, the Amber Museum and Puerto Plata city tours in one guide.
Best prices guaranteed
Compare prices across all Puerto Plata city tours and historic activities. No hidden fees.
All activities covered
A 16th century fortress, the Malecon, the Amber Museum, Brugal rum factory and shore excursion combos for cruise passengers.
Free cancellation
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Verified reviews
What travelers are saying
4.7
Based on 5,000+ reviews
★★★★★
Fortaleza San Felipe City Tour
"Fortaleza San Felipe blew us away. The 16th century walls and 360 views over the Atlantic were stunning. Our guide brought the colonial story to life. An absolute must-do on the North Coast."
★★★★★
Catamaran Cruise
"Perfect day on the water. Snorkeling at the historic viewpoints was incredible, the crew was fun, and the open bar kept flowing. The stop at the historic viewpoints was the highlight."
★★★★★
Fortaleza San Felipe Puerto Plata
"Fortaleza San Felipe fortaleza was breathtaking. The zip line over the water was exhilarating and the cave swimming was something I have never experienced before. A must-do near Puerto Plata."
Fortaleza San Felipe is a series of a 16th century fortress and historic city center and pools carved into marble rock in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Guided tours climb up to 12 cascades and you slide or jump from one to the next. Jumps go from 2 to 8 meters. Life vest and audio guides are included.
Fortaleza San Felipe is located on Carretera #5 Nagua-Puerto Plata in La Entrada. From Puerto Plata or Cabarete, it is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. From Puerto Plata, about 2.5 hours. Most visitors book a tour with transport included, or hire a private driver.
Public parks range from $61 to $150 per person including food and drinks. Day passes at resort parks vary. Catamaran cruises and snorkel trips start from around $50 per person with lunch and open bar included.
Yes. Fortaleza San Felipe is a daytime tourist monument with on-site staff, bilingual signs and easy access. The ramparts have low railings, watch children near the edges. Take a guide if you want context on the cannons and Maximo Gomez cell.
Bring cash (Dominican pesos), sunscreen, towel, waterproof phone case, and water shoes. There is a restaurant and two snack bars on site. Lockers require a physical ID as deposit. GoPros are not allowed on the zipline.
Nearby attractions include Playa Dorada beaches (10 min), Teleferico Puerto Plata cable car (20 min), Ocean World Adventure Park (25 min), Sosua beach (30 min), and Cabarete kitesurf town (35 min). Fortaleza San Felipe is the headline historic attraction of Puerto Plata, the oldest standing Spanish fort in the New World.
Fortaleza San Felipe is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Weekends can get busy with local Dominican visitors.
The dry season (December to April) offers the best weather. Fortaleza San Felipe is open year-round. Arrive early in the morning for the calmest water and fewest visitors. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
Destinations Near Puerto Plata
💦
Damajagua Waterfalls
🚢27 Waterfalls of Damajagua canyon, cliff jumps and natural water slides. 40 minutes south of Puerto Plata.
Amber Cove
🏛️Cruise port and shore excursion hub for Puerto Plata, including the Fortaleza, Brugal and Damajagua tours. 20 minutes from the fortress.
Los Tres Ojos
🏝️Colonial-era cave system and turquoise lagoons in Santo Domingo. Perfect combo with the Zona Colonial. 3.5 hours from Puerto Plata.
Sosua
🪁Sheltered bay, coral reef snorkeling and beach bars. 30 minutes east of Puerto Plata, easy combo with the city tour.
Cabarete
Kitesurfing capital. Beach bars, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. 45 minutes east of Fortaleza San Felipe.
Fortaleza San Felipe Travel Guide
Planning your visit to Fortaleza San Felipe?
Compare all Puerto Plata historic attractions, find the best city tours, and discover the Malecon and Amber Museum. Prices, access info and booking tips all in one place.