Vacations have a way of flying by, and before you know it, you’re back home scrolling through a camera roll full of cocktails, blurry selfies, and that one random shot of your toes in the sand. The Sandals photo session is an easy way to make sure you come home with a few truly great shots — the kind you’ll actually want to frame, not just filter.
If you’re staying at any Sandals property, you can book a complimentary 20-minute photo session with one of their professional photographers. Yes, FREE. Zero obligation. No “we’ll just charge your card later” shenanigans. I always tell people — do it! You lose nothing, and you might end up with frame-worthy vacation shots.
If it’s your first Sandals getaway, you might also want to check out my Sandals Resort Tips and Vacation Checklist — it pairs perfectly with this photo guide and will make planning your trip even easier.
When you book your Sandals trip, you can arrange your free photo session online ahead of time. Or, if you’re like me and prefer to micromanage the perfect lighting, you can adjust the time once you arrive.
I always book the latest available time online before the trip.
Once I’m on property, I check the actual sunset time (thank you, Google) and reschedule my session to be as close to that golden-hour magic as possible.
Pro Tip — I do not recommend a daytime shoot unless it’s in the pool or by the ocean — otherwise, you’ll be glistening (and not in a “dewy glow” kind of way).
Even if you skip the formal shoot, Sandals photographers are constantly roaming the resort. They’ll snap shots while you’re splashing in the pool, lounging at the beach, or sipping a cocktail at dinner. I’ve ended up with some of my favorite candid photos from these moments.
This is why I wait until the day before checkout to go to the photo desk and look through all the shots from our stay. That way, I’m not missing any spontaneous gems that might happen on the last night.
Buy individually — Around $20 per photo — perfect if you just want one or two.
Photo packages — If you want several, the price per photo drops. (And yes, they will tempt you with gorgeous sunset shots until you cave.)
I’ve been known to say “just one or two” and leave with enough photos to fill a coffee-table book. Oops.
Look, I’m all for “come as you are” vacation vibes — but for your official session, I highly recommend coordinating outfits. Not full-on matching (unless you’re into that), but colors that complement the scenery.
I usually pack an outfit specifically for our Sandals photo session:
• Light, airy fabrics
• Colors that pop against the ocean or sunset
• Something comfortable enough to move in so we can do candid, playful shots
And don’t be shy! The photographers are used to going with the flow. If you’ve seen a cute pose on Pinterest or want to try something specific, just tell them — they’ll help make it happen.
Bottom line: the free 20-minute Sandals photo session is a no-brainer. Even if you think you won’t buy any pictures, you might be surprised at how much you love them once you see them all. Plus, with photographers snapping pics around the resort all week, you’ll have plenty to choose from when you’re ready to decide.
Do it for future you — the one who will thank you when you’re looking back at your trip and not relying on that one blurry selfie to remember how incredible it was.
And if you’re still deciding where to stay, you can’t go wrong with Sandals Antigua — stunning beaches, unbelievable sunsets, and some of the best resort photographers we’ve met.
Thinking about the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata for your Virgin Voyages excursion?🌊 Important context: I am not a thrill girl. Roller coasters make me queasy. And I still loved this.
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are like a 5/10 intensity. Adventurous but very doable. Guided. Safe. Not extreme.
You can choose your comfort level and that’s what makes it so good.😍
#damajagua #puertoplatacity #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #waterfalls #adventure
If you’re docking in Puerto Plata and don’t want to book an excursion, this is such an easy way to spend a few hours. You can walk straight from Taino Bay. It’s flat, manageable, and felt safe with a really good mix of colorful photo ops and actual city energy.
If you only have 1–2 hours, prioritize:
📍 Umbrella Street
📍 Pink Street
📍 Centro Histórico
Have more time? Add the Malecón de Puerto Plata. Into history? Stop by Fortaleza San Felipe. We were there during La Vega Carnival, which made everything feel extra lively, but even without a festival, I’d still recommend this route.
It’s simple. It’s realistic. And it gives you a look at Puerto Plata beyond just the cruise port. 🌴✨ Save this for your next stop.
#travelling #puertoplata #dominicanrepublic #downtownpuertoplata #travelitinerary
If you’re cruising into Taino Bay, here’s what you actually need to know. I was genuinely surprised. It’s clean, modern, and way more built out than I expected. Shops, photo spots, a lazy river, restaurants you could easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored.
I left for an excursion, but coming back and spending the afternoon inside the port was actually… nice. Easy. Low stress.
If you want adventure or deeper culture, leave the port. If you want a relaxed day? You truly don’t have to. Save this for your Puerto Plata stop & read the full blog now! 🌴
I wouldn’t recommend @virginvoyages to everyone…🫢
If you’re Googling who Virgin Voyages is really for, you’re probably wondering if it fits your travel style, or if it’s just great marketing. I’ve sailed multiple times, taste-tested the ship (for research, obviously), and paid attention to the details that actually matter.
Here’s the honest answer, no cruise brochure fluff. Head to my blog to read more about planning your trip!🚢
#travelling #travelvlog #cruisevlog #cruiseship #virginvoyages
Day 2, Puerto Plata… waterfalls, city walks, and zero rush.🌴
Port day in Puerto Plata and we truly packed it in waterfalls, wandering through town, and actually having time to explore. One thing @virginvoyages does so well? Long port days. No sprinting back to the ship. No watching the clock all day.
Dinner at Extra Virgin tonight (yes, included). Fresh pasta, made to order, a menu that feels like a real restaurant not cruise food. No constant upsells. No nickel-and-diming. Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi… it’s all just handled.
You really start to see what you’re paying for and what you’re not. Ending the night with Scarlet Night! Full day out. Full night in. This is the sweet spot.✨
Virgin Voyages Cruise Vlog | 📍Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
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