Amber Cove: Discovering the Rich History

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Amber Cove, a major cruise hub on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, draws thousands of visitors each year with its waterfront shops, beaches, and both adult and family-friendly attractions, while also highlighting the region’s famed history of rare amber mining and its connection to the filming of the 1993 movie Jurassic Park. Since opening in 2015, the port has become a staple stop for Caribbean cruise itineraries, offering travelers both recreational activities and cultural insight. The name “Amber Cove” reflects the area’s reputation for producing some of the world’s rarest amber, which has long been mined in the surrounding mountains.
A photo of the mountains in the Dominican Republic on January 9, 2025. (AP Photo by Allie Munro).


            Located northwest of Puerto Plata, the port was developed by Carnival Corporation and designed to give guests the freedom to explore landscaped areas and the tropical plants of the luscious Dominican Republic. Visitors can browse a wide variety of shops and dine at restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The port also features multiple attractions, including ziplines, a sprawling pool open to all guests, and the Aquazone waterpark, which offers slides and splash areas ideal for children. Along the shoreline, travelers can relax on nearby beaches or venture into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters for snorkeling and diving. On land, visitors can explore the beauty of the Dominican Republic through the many walking paths in Amber Cove.
One of the pathways in Amber Cove, taken on January 9, 2025. (AP Photo by Allie Munro).

            Beyond recreation, one of Amber Cove’s most educational draws is its connection to the Dominican Republic’s distinctive amber mining industry. A significant portion of the regional economy is tied to mining a transparent, highly valued form of amber derived from the resin of the extinct tree Hymenaea protera. This unique variety, found only in the Dominican Republic, has fascinated scientists, jewelers, and filmmakers alike.
A small waterfall in the main port of Amber Cove. January 9, 2025 (AP Photo by Allie Munro).


            Nearby sites in Puerto Plata gained additional fame as filming locations for Jurassic Park, where the concept of extracting dinosaur DNA from fossilized amber helped spark the film’s dramatic storyline. This cinematic link, coupled with the natural rarity of Dominican amber, remains one of the area’s most celebrated points of pride and a compelling topic for visitors seeking more than just a day of leisure.
A photo of tourists climbing the steps to a scenic overlook in Amber Cove. (AP Photo by Allie Munro).

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