Fortaleza San Felipe
Fortaleza San Felipe
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
One of the first European forts to be constructed in the Americas.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
1,250 reviews
Excellent
351
Very good
455
Average
354
Poor
65
Terrible
25
NorCalGuyTraveller
Livermore, CA88 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I think this fort is well worth visiting, especially for those interested in history. It's certainly well worth the 100 peso entrance fee, which includes an audio narratin available in multiple languages, including English. The audio narration is just OK, I think. The fort is pretty intact, I believe. It's cool walking around and seeing stuff I've read about, like arrow slits, for shooting arrows at invaders. Double iron bars show how useful the fort was for holding prisoners. Most of the text descriptions were provided in English as well as Spanish. The fort affords some good views of the Puerto Plata coast and the ocean. It's a short walk (10 minutes?) from the historical center, which is also worth checking out. I'd agree with the recommendation to visit before the heat of the day. A walk along the nearby malecon is also worth doing.
Written April 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parrottdize
Dyer, IN2,375 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A stop at this fort was part of our cruise excursion; as such, the entrance fee was included. The fort is located by a waterfront park, so if you go here you can do 2 things.
This fort is small but still interesting. At the interior is a area that is like a very small museum, but to get to it you need to be able to crouch down through a low opening.
All in all this was a enjoyable stop.
This fort is small but still interesting. At the interior is a area that is like a very small museum, but to get to it you need to be able to crouch down through a low opening.
All in all this was a enjoyable stop.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph G
Montreal, Canada5,110 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is a comparatively small fortress that is quick to visit, costs only 100 pesos to visit with audio guides.
In the two lower quarters of the fortress are displays detailing great moments in the country’s history while the upper quarters provide great views of the surrounding area including the port where a cruise ship was docked.
The grounds adjacent to the fortress are truly attractive and are worth touring and contemplating.
In the two lower quarters of the fortress are displays detailing great moments in the country’s history while the upper quarters provide great views of the surrounding area including the port where a cruise ship was docked.
The grounds adjacent to the fortress are truly attractive and are worth touring and contemplating.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth J
5 contributions
Apr 2022
I had a wonderful visit to the fort. the self-guided audio aid made it easy to visit at my pace and listen to the historic perspective of the varied display. The location is wonderful, how could one not enjoy looking out at the ocean?
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,452 contributions
Jan 2022
This is an old historic fort in old town Puerto Plata. It dates back to mid 16 century being built for several decades as a protective fort for the Spanish crown colonies. Despite that, it was conquered several times by the pirates who looted the city.
In 19 c it was used as a prison for independence fighters and one of the inmates was Juan Pablo Duarte, father of the nation, and there's a room dedicated to him inside.
Fort is pretty small yet interesting, offering scenic views. Entry fee is only a couple of dollars.
In 19 c it was used as a prison for independence fighters and one of the inmates was Juan Pablo Duarte, father of the nation, and there's a room dedicated to him inside.
Fort is pretty small yet interesting, offering scenic views. Entry fee is only a couple of dollars.
Written February 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cenzt
Ohio19,854 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Average trip. We arrived at approximately 12:30 pm and made our way towards the entrance of the fort. After paying our admission fee, we received a set of headphones, which contained a pre-recorded audio tour of the fort. The audio tour was very choppy and kept cutting in and out during certain parts of the tour. We were not able to get a full history because of this. There were multiple artifacts out for display in the fort, along with several informational plaques, detailing what we were seeing in front of us. We made our way to the top of the fort, where we were able to enjoy picturesque views of the ocean. There were restrooms on site.
Tip: I recommend spending 45 minutes here if you truly want to see everything.
Tip: I recommend spending 45 minutes here if you truly want to see everything.
Written June 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joemarie H
Everett, MA123 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
what a great reminder of history and the tolls it has left behind. The fortaleza is right next to the beach and has a nice walking trail next to it. The are is wonderful for beautiful pictures. I would recommend walking around and entering the fortaleza if it’s open ... felt like a trip back in time!
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire M
Saint John, Canada61 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to the fort on the City tour! Unfortunately, this means we only had about 45 minutes to explore. Since our daughter had worn her Pirate wear for photos, we spent most of our time seeking out the best locations, which were plentiful. The equipment for you to hear about the history of the fort, unfortunately, doesn't work well because it is overused I am sure, but that didn't deter from the sheer enjoyment of this wonderful old fort! Well worth a visit and we would go again on our own and not with a tour.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJNNJ44
New Jersey451 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Interesting history. Self guided tours with headsets are available in multiple languages. Always fun to think back and imagine what places like this were in their prime - cannons thundering defending Puerto Plata from pirates or the British. There’s far less excitement now and I’m not sure the kids appreciated the experience the way the adults did - but this is definitely worth a bit of your time.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave C
Alexandria, VA1,597 contributions
Jul 2023
This is still a nice visit, but it is small, the place was late to open, but the exhibits and unspoiled interior were still great. As predicable for a July, it was really hot, and surprisingly, this place had no taxis. Still, nice view, OK walk form most of the cruise ports, and a nice place to visit. Entry is about two dollars.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there restrooms available (I have small children) on site?
Written July 26, 2018
Yes there are restrooms but I did not use them so cannot comment on the cleanliness. Sounds like others answered as well and they had used the facilities
Written October 31, 2018
Hello, Is there an enterance fee? Is there parking around and do you recommend this with small children (3 and 6 years old)? Thanks
Written October 22, 2017
There is a small fee (a few dollars). Some parking...kids might like it. Doesn't take long to see it (half hour to an hour, tops). Avoid hottest part of the day if possible. Bring water.
Written October 24, 2017
is this in proximity to the cathedral? SO if we take an uber or taxi there we can jsut walk around the town on our own and see this?
Written February 2, 2017
I am planning to visit this site when I go to Puerto Plata in two weeks. For people staying in Puerto Plata Hotels is it better to book directly from Trip advisor or through the hotel please let me know. Thank you in advance for your help
Written January 17, 2017
I would book through your hotel. They are extremely accommodating. The tours may include a variety of places you have no interest in. If that is the case, there are usually taxis for hire just inside the hotel entrance. The driver would then be at your disposal. You would also know the taxi is approved by the hotel. The other choice is to speak to either the doorman or the front counter staff. Lots of options.
Written January 18, 2017
Good Evening,
We are coming here in May for our Anniversary cruise and I was wondering how far this is from the cruise ship dock, Is there any other sites near by and the cost...
Thanks,
Belinda
Written March 14, 2016
Hello, it is right by the bay where the big ships sick but where the cruise ships dock, I believe your a bit north of the bay. I was told that the cruise ship bay is maybe 10-15 minutes out of town. You can take a taxi and all taxis have a driver and a tour guide to keep you safe and does all the explanation and goes with you on any places you stop at. You can make a price before get in the taxi, and they will work with you. The fort was $10 per person- a bit pricey in my opinion.You can take the cable car up the top of the mountain as well and the view is amazing. The cable car is $10 per person but half that if you pay in Dominican Pecos. You can also take a tour of the Brugal Rum factory and purchase some rum. The factory is free to see. Puerto Plata also has some restaurants on the Malecon- heard they were good to eat at but we didn't do that. We also went to the La Sierienna store which is like a large Walmart. You can also ask your driver/ guide and he will do a city tour and show you down town, the town square, lunch if you want and show you where the middle class live.
Written March 16, 2016
Good evening:) Me & my husband are going Fort San Felipe here on one of our honeymoon stops, on our cruise. Is this something that you could do on your own, And do you have any suggestions on sites to see and things to do. Please let me know. This will be our 1st time there and want to get the best out of it....
Thanks,
Belinda
Written November 2, 2015
Belinda,
I used to live in Summerville, SC back in the late 70's. Hopefully, all the recent rain and flooding didn't ruin your upcoming plans. Fort San Filipe is not like Ft Sumter. It's well worn, has only a small museum, and to my knowledge, there really isn't a guided tour per se. If you schedule a city tour, it will likely include a stop at the fort, where the driver will give a short 2 minute history before you step off to go explore. Wikipedia probably has more details than what the locals can tell you. It's mostly an attractive view of the ocean at Puerto Plata. The main attractions in this city are the tramway cable cars up to the Christ the Redeemer statue at the top of the mountain (sunny days only), the Amber museum (which ends in the large gift shop occupying the entire first floor), and the Catholic Church in the main plaza. Puerto Plata is one of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, but development here has been slow. If you do take a guided city tour, make sure you ask the driver to pass by the city's "Free Hotel." Skip the Brugal Rum tour, but do stop by their sales shop outside the factory.
Written November 3, 2015
hello there, if we would like to visit fort san felipe without tour guide how much is a ticket for adults and for child (2 years old). and which days and what time is it open? thank you
Written August 6, 2015
No tickets, no guided tours, open virtually all year round. The only cost is transportation to get to and from the fort. You'll need about 30 minutes to see everything there. Sorry, but not much left of this fort except for the ocean view.
Written November 3, 2015
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