Amber Cove Map and Guide: Complete Cruise Port & Aqua Zone Map
Amber Cove is a cruise destination on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, near Puerto Plata. Unlike a traditional port where you simply walk through a terminal and immediately leave for an excursion, Amber Cove has a substantial destination area of its own, with shopping, dining, pools, bars, cabanas, watersports, and other activities.
During our visit, we photographed the Amber Cove maps and created clearer versions to make the locations easier to identify. The first map covers the main cruise center and Aqua Zone, while the second gives a closer look at the pool, cabana, waterslide, and zipline area.
For more Carnival information, CruisePrism readers can also explore our Carnival Dining Menus, Carnival Drink Lists, and Carnival Onboard Guides for more information about restaurants, schedules and onboard activities.
Amber Cove Map Overview
The main Amber Cove map is divided into two major areas. The orange numbers identify locations around the main cruise center, while the blue numbers identify attractions and facilities in the Aqua Zone.
The map also marks restrooms, ATMs, photo locations, Dominican cultural and historical exhibits, the shore excursion booth, and other useful facilities.
One of the advantages of this layout is that passengers can decide whether to spend the day inside Amber Cove or use the port as a starting point for an excursion into Puerto Plata and the surrounding region.
Amber Cove Shops, Restaurants and Main Cruise Center
The orange section of the map identifies the main shopping, dining, and service area.
Locations shown on the map include:
• 1 – Dufry
• 2 – Diamonds International and Café El Cibao
• 3 – Mercadito
• 4 – Carihola & Del Sol, Dominican Things and Piraña Joe
• 5 – Chocolate World and Duty Free Cigar Lounge
• 6 – Island Treasures and T-Shirt Island
• 7 – Coco Caña Lounge, including the bar, restaurant and shop
• 8 – Turquesa, Sea Salt, Arome National Rent a Car and Caribbean Bliss
• 9 – Taxis and pre-arranged tour pickup
• 10 – Wild Play Clothes & Gifts and Pharmacy
• 11 – Tourism Information and Souvenir Passport Stamp
• 12 – Joy Bay, Shark Attack Gift Shop, Blu Mine, Milano Jewelry and Christmas By The Sea
• 13 – Effy Jewelry, Arantza Beach Clothes and Gifts, Amber Coast Larimar and Joy Bay Leather
The map is especially useful because it shows how these businesses are arranged between the pier and the recreation area rather than simply providing a list of names.
Coco Caña at Amber Cove
Coco Caña is marked as number 7 on the photographed map and includes a bar, restaurant, and shop.
This is one of the food and beverage options passengers will encounter while exploring the port. Our separate Coco Caña menu guide includes the food and drink selections photographed during our visit.
Because it is located in the central cruise center, passengers do not need to leave Amber Cove to purchase lunch or drinks.
Amber Cove Taxi and Tour Pickup Area
Passengers planning to explore beyond the cruise center should pay attention to number 9 on the map.
This area is identified for:
• Taxis
• Pre-arranged tour pickup
Amber Cove provides access to the wider Puerto Plata region, and taxis can be used to reach destinations outside the port.
During our visit, we also photographed the official posted taxi tariff board, which listed fares to Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Sosua, Cabarete, Ocean World, the waterfalls, Costambar, and several other destinations.
Knowing where the taxi area is located before arriving can make it much easier to navigate the port if you plan to explore independently.
Tourism Information and Souvenir Passport Stamp
Number 11 includes Tourism Information and the Souvenir Passport Stamp.
This is a useful stop for passengers looking for destination information after arriving at Amber Cove.
The map also marks the Shorex Booth separately, providing another location for passengers dealing with organized shore excursions.
Dominican Cultural and Historical Exhibits
Several Dominican Republic flag symbols appear throughout the map.
The legend identifies these as DR Cultural & Historical Exhibits.
These are spread through the central portion of Amber Cove rather than being concentrated in a single location.
Amber Cove Aqua Zone
The blue-numbered portion of the map is labeled AQUA ZONE.
This is the recreation-focused portion of Amber Cove and contains the pools, cabanas, watersports, waterslides, zipline, and other facilities that make it possible to spend a port day without taking a traditional shore excursion.
The map identifies:
• 14 – Sky Bar
• 15 – Hill Cabanas and Pool Cabanas
• 16 – Zip Line and Water Slide
• 17 – Coco Caña Poolside Lounge and Caribbean Fish Spa
• 18 – Pool, Children’s Splash Area and Poolside Loungers
• 19 – Watersports Rental
• 20 – Beach Bar
• 21 – Over Water Cabanas
• 22 – Crew Center
This section sits beyond the main shopping and dining area and occupies a large portion of the waterfront.
Amber Cove Pool and Loungers
The detailed Aqua Zone map provides a much clearer look at the recreation area.
The main pool and loungers are marked as number 5 on this closer map and specifically labeled “No Fee.”
That is an important distinction for passengers deciding whether they need to purchase an excursion or day pass. You can walk off the ship and use the main Amber Cove pool and loungers without purchasing a cabana.
The pool area is surrounded by loungers and is centrally positioned between the waterfront activities and hillside attractions.
Free Hammocks
Hammocks are marked as number 2 on the detailed map and are also specifically labeled “No Fee.”
They are positioned closer to the waterfront and cabana side of the Aqua Zone.
For passengers who simply want to relax rather than purchase activities, the free pool, loungers, and hammocks make Amber Cove particularly easy to enjoy on a budget.
Children’s Splash Area
The Children’s Splash Area is number 3 on the detailed map.
It is located close to the pool and lounger area, keeping the primary family recreation facilities relatively close together.
This is separate from the larger waterslides located farther up the hillside.
Watersports and Rentals
Watersports/Rentals are marked as number 4 on the detailed map.
During our visit, the posted rental board included options such as:
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Hydrobikes
• Kayaks
• Solar catamarans
• Pedal boats
These are paid activities, and pricing can change.
The rental area is located toward the waterfront, making it easy to distinguish from the main swimming pool.
Amber Cove Waterslides
The waterslides are marked as number 8 on the detailed Aqua Zone map.
They are positioned on the hillside side of the destination near the zipline, hillside cabanas, and Sky Bar.
Unlike the main pool and loungers, the waterslides are a paid activity. During our visit, the posted activity pricing listed unlimited waterslide access at $6.
Always verify current pricing once you arrive because rates can change.
Amber Cove Zipline
The zipline is number 10 on the detailed map and runs through the elevated portion of the Aqua Zone.
It is located near the waterslides and Sky Bar.
During our visit, the posted activity board listed unlimited zipline access at $30.
This gives passengers an activity option without requiring transportation or an excursion outside Amber Cove.
Sky Bar
The Sky Bar is marked as number 11 on the detailed map.
Its location is elevated above the main pool area, near the zipline and hillside attractions.
The map makes the relationship between these areas particularly easy to understand: the main pool occupies the lower central section, while the Sky Bar, waterslides, zipline, and hillside cabanas are concentrated farther up the hillside.
Amber Cove Cabanas
Amber Cove has several cabana locations, and the map is particularly helpful when deciding which type makes the most sense.
The detailed map identifies:
• Grand Cabana & Overwater Cabanas – Number 1
• Poolside Cabanas – Number 7
• Hillside Cabanas – Number 9
The location can significantly change the experience.
Overwater Cabanas
The Overwater Cabanas extend over the water along the edge of the destination.
They are separated from the busiest portion of the main pool and provide a waterfront setting.
Poolside Cabanas
Poolside Cabanas are located immediately around the central recreation area.
These make the most sense for passengers whose priority is convenient access to the main pool.
Hillside Cabanas
Hillside Cabanas sit in the elevated area near the waterslides, zipline, and Sky Bar.
They provide a very different location from the waterfront and poolside options.
Carnival currently describes its Amber Cove cabanas as all-day rentals, with specific amenities varying by cabana category. Prices and inclusions can change, so current details should always be checked for your particular sailing.
Poolside Bar & Lounge and Cabana Bar
The detailed map also identifies two beverage locations using icons rather than numbers:
• Poolside Bar & Lounge
• Cabana Bar
The Poolside Bar & Lounge is positioned directly beside the central pool.
The Cabana Bar is closer to the waterfront cabanas.
That layout means passengers spending the day in either major recreation area have a food or beverage location nearby.
Restrooms
Restrooms are marked as number 6 on the detailed Aqua Zone map.
Multiple restroom locations are shown throughout the recreation area, including locations near the waterfront, central facilities, and the waterslide side of the complex.
What Can You Do for Free at Amber Cove?
The detailed map specifically identifies two facilities as having no fee:
• Hammocks
• Pool & Loungers
This makes Amber Cove a practical port for passengers who want to get off the ship without spending much money.
You can walk through the cruise center, browse the shops, head to the recreation area, find a lounger, and enjoy the pool without purchasing a shore excursion.
Food, drinks, watersports, cabanas, the zipline, waterslides, and other premium activities may cost extra.
Do You Need a Shore Excursion at Amber Cove?
No. Amber Cove is one of the easier cruise destinations for passengers who do not want to book a shore excursion.
The port itself offers:
• Shopping
• Restaurants and bars
• Free pool and loungers
• Free hammocks
• Children’s splash area
• Waterslides
• Zipline
• Watersports rentals
• Cabanas
• Tourism information
• Taxis and tour transportation
However, staying inside Amber Cove and exploring Puerto Plata are two very different port-day experiences.
Passengers who want to see more of the Dominican Republic can use Amber Cove as a gateway to Puerto Plata and other attractions in the region. Carnival also offers a variety of shore excursions from Amber Cove.
How Far Is Amber Cove From Puerto Plata?
Amber Cove is located on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast near Puerto Plata.
The cruise destination is outside the main city, so passengers planning to explore Puerto Plata should account for transportation rather than expecting to walk directly from the ship into downtown.
The photographed map conveniently marks the taxi and pre-arranged tour pickup area, while our separate Amber Cove taxi guide includes the posted fares we found during our visit.
Amber Cove Map Tips
A little planning can make the port much easier to navigate.
• Save the map to your phone before your cruise.
• Decide whether your priority is the Aqua Zone or exploring Puerto Plata.
• If you want a free port day, head toward the pool and loungers.
• Families should note the location of the children’s splash area.
• Watersports are located closer to the waterfront.
• The waterslides, zipline, Sky Bar, and hillside cabanas are grouped on the elevated side of the Aqua Zone.
• Poolside cabanas are better positioned for immediate pool access.
• Overwater cabanas occupy the waterfront.
• Taxis and pre-arranged tours have a designated area in the main cruise center.
• Restrooms are available in multiple locations.
Amber Cove Map FAQ
Is there a free pool at Amber Cove?
Yes. The detailed Amber Cove map specifically labels the pool and loungers as “No Fee.”
Are the hammocks at Amber Cove free?
Yes. The hammocks are also specifically labeled “No Fee” on the map.
Does Amber Cove have a children’s splash area?
Yes. A Children’s Splash Area is marked as number 3 on the detailed Aqua Zone map and is located near the main pool.
Does Amber Cove have waterslides?
Yes. Waterslides are marked as number 8 on the detailed map. During our visit, unlimited waterslide access was posted at $6.
Is there a zipline at Amber Cove?
Yes. The zipline is marked as number 10 on the detailed map. During our visit, unlimited access was posted at $30.
Are there cabanas at Amber Cove?
Yes. The map shows Grand and Overwater Cabanas, Poolside Cabanas, and Hillside Cabanas.
Can you rent watersports equipment at Amber Cove?
Yes. A Watersports/Rentals area is marked on the map. During our visit, the posted options included paddleboards, hydrobikes, kayaks, solar catamarans, and pedal boats.
Are there restaurants at Amber Cove?
Yes. The main map identifies several food and beverage locations, including Coco Caña Lounge, and the Aqua Zone has additional poolside food and drink options.
Where do you get a taxi at Amber Cove?
The main map identifies number 9 as the location for taxis and pre-arranged tour pickup.
Can you walk from the cruise ship to the Amber Cove pool?
Yes. The Aqua Zone is part of the Amber Cove cruise destination and can be reached from the cruise center without arranging outside transportation.
Do you need an excursion to enjoy Amber Cove?
No. Passengers can spend their port day inside Amber Cove using the pool and other facilities, shopping, eating, drinking, or purchasing individual activities.
Conclusion
The Amber Cove maps make it clear that this is much more than a simple cruise pier.
Passengers can walk from the ship into a cruise center filled with shops, restaurants, services, and transportation options, then continue into the Aqua Zone for the pool, loungers, children’s splash area, watersports, waterslides, zipline, bars, and cabanas.
For a low-cost port day, the free pool, loungers, and hammocks are particularly useful. For passengers who want more, Amber Cove also offers paid activities and premium cabanas, while taxis and shore excursions provide access to Puerto Plata and the surrounding Dominican Republic.
Saving these maps before your cruise can make it much easier to decide exactly where you want to go once you step off the ship.
