Essential Beaches to Explore in the Dominican Republic
A thousand miles of tropical coastline means the beaches are at the heart of any vacation to the Dominican Republic. We thought we'd list some of our favorite seaside locales to help you narrow down your choices. White sand or golden sand? Rustic nature or peak resort vibes? Caribbean or Atlantic waters? We consider these and more factors to round out our inviting list. Go beyond Punta Cana to discover Caribbean bathwater hot spots and surfer utopias, merengue melodies, and a rainbow of kites along the way.
01 Playa Rincón: A slice of paradise in Samaná
The experts consider this serene beach, which has a mountainous backdrop, among the best in the world for its secluded, lush beauty. Soft, white sand dotted with bendy coconut trees stretches for three miles, and warm, crystal-clear aquamarine waters dance along the shore. The drive from Las Galeras takes just 15 minutes, but we recommend hopping on a boat taxi to appreciate the scenery across the bay.
Snorkeling is best done at the southern end, and bodysurfers can head for the eastern side—you can rent the equipment you need. Enjoy pina coladas served in pineapples, empanadas, or fresh fire-cooked fish from seafood shacks in between day-long bouts of swimming, sunbathing, or kayaking. Finish with a rinse in a freshwater stream.
02 Bahía de Las Águilas: The pristine deserted beach
Bahía de Las Águilas (Bay of the Eagles) in the southwest of the DR is another fairly crowd-free spot boasting unspoiled prettiness and offering solitude. The white sands here extend for five miles in a protected nook of the biodiverse, UNESCO-recognized, Jaragua National Park. To get to this beach, you can take an ATV or a boat from La Cueva. Shade is in short supply, so come armed with sun protection.
You'll also want to bring a camera to capture nature at its finest while you hum songs like "Heaven is a Place on Earth." A multi-night stay in the area could see you mud bathing at Laguna de Oviedo, taking a dip at Los Pozos de Romeo, or crocodile spotting at Lago Enriquillo.
03 Bávaro Beach: The heart of Punta Cana's luxury
How about 37 miles of walkable tropical beaches with luxury resort area vibes? Famous Bavaro Beach, part of the Costa del Coco, packs a whole lot of fun in one Caribbean idyll. Whether you want to go parasailing or just plain sailing in Punta Cana, Playa Bavaro checks all the beach activity boxes. Coral reefs promise colorful encounters, and nearby water parks offer a chance to swim with dolphins. Visit the beach early to secure real estate for lounging.
04 Playa Grande: The grand beauty of the north coast
Playa Grande, sandwiched between Rio San Juan and Cabrera, is popular among surfers. This cliff-framed golden beach does get a little wild, though, and undertows demand caution in winter. Watch out for red flags that signal rip tides, and only enter the water if you're a strong swimmer. Onshore, you can build sandcastles, tap your foot to music, and picnic on fried plantains, lobsters, and avo salsas from beachfront shacks. Vendors aren't pushy, which is always a bonus, and on-site showers are a welcome convenience.
05 Cabarete Beach: A playground for water sports
Cabarete used to be known for more agricultural pursuits, but these days it's the adrenaline junkie capital of this island nation and a lively base from which to explore the North Coast. This area is for the social butterflies that appreciate their nightlife and the outdoorsy folks looking for perfect wind conditions for kiteboarding at Kite Beach. Play volleyball with sand between your toes or hone your flirting skills, and if you're into water sports, consider visiting in February to watch individuals and teams battle it out in the annual Master of the Ocean competition.
06 Playa Esmeralda: The Dominican Republic's best kept secret
Playa Esmerelda in Miches is a virgin beach known for its leatherback turtles and rugged good looks. A peaceful paradise with lush palm groves, this beach is ideal for beachcombing and pure relaxation. The Club Med is an excellent place to start if you're looking for an all-inclusive eco-resort with fabulous hospitality.
07 Cayo Levantado: The island escape
Cayo Levantado was dubbed Bacardi Island thanks to a 1970s commercial, and it continues to bubble and fizz with daytrippers and a laid-back atmosphere. Make the quick journey from the Samaná pier on the DR's northeastern coast and work on your tan or your paddle boarding prowess. Book a scuba diving excursion to make friends with the aquatic life, or stay relatively dry and say hi from a marine safari tour boat. Whale-watching season is between January and March. Large cruise ships often spill passengers onto the beach, so try to visit in the afternoon when the masses start leaving and indulge in an under-tree massage.
08 Playa Frontón: The hidden beach of limestone cliffs
Playa Rincon isn't the only beach you can reach from Las Galeras. Playa Fronton has loads of appeal, too, and it's only accessible via boat or a 2-hour hike starting from the Boca del Diablo blowhole. If the landscape seems familiar, maybe you've seen it on a season of Survivor. Either way, towering limestone cliffs, intriguing caves, rock-climbing opportunities, and A-plus snorkeling adventures will leave a lasting impression. Word to the wise—there aren't as many vendors here as elsewhere, so bring your essentials.
09 Playa Cosón: Las Terrenas' quiet beachfront
Just 20 minutes from the expat enclave of Las Terrenas, you'll come across this picturesque gem made for long, leisurely walks on the beach. Feast on yummy garlic shrimp at restaurants and tavernas blessed with stunning views, or sip on coconuts to stay hydrated. The sea gets rough, so be careful, especially if you're traveling with children, and apply insect repellent liberally to protect against mosquito bites. Look out for beach swings for a wholesome thrill.
10 Playa Macao: A favorite for surfing
In the northern part of Punta Cana, Playa Macao's wide expanse and impressive swells (up to nine feet) make it a no-brainer for surfers seeking a fix. And newbies are welcome to learn, too, with surfing classes encouraging all levels to get out there and test the waters. You can also fit in a solid session of swimming or boogie boarding without any infringements on your personal space. Plus, Playa Macao is a hit with the locals, and the fishplates are second to none.
11 Playa Los Patos: Where river meets ocean
Surfers will be amped about the possibilities at Playa Los Patos, too. This white-pebbled Barahona beach also has a balneario or natural pool where the Patos River flows into the ocean—now this is what we call chilling out. View Taíno petroglyphs across the street from the lagoon's swimming hole when you've had your fill of floating or riding waves. Weekdays are the best time to visit, as Playa Los Patos gets busy with locals on the weekend.
12 La Playita: The family-friendly hideaway
Las Galeras Village is close to multiple standout beaches, and La Playita, set among seagrass and mangroves, is one of them. "The Little Beach" is calm with shallow waters, so it's great for kiddos to splash around. Rent a beach chair and bring a book along for a quiet, unhurried afternoon with fewer tourists than other beaches in the area. Parking and toilets are no problem if you need them.
13 Playa Dorada: The golden beach of Puerto Plata
Playa Dorada is one of Puerto Plata's top destinations. It hugs the main resort area and benefits from a host of amenities as well as reef protection. Blue Flag status attests to reassuring water quality and activities like banana boat tubing guarantee smiles and splendid family memories. Check out the nearby golf course if you're into sports with a view.
14 Playa Boca Chica: The Lively Party Beach
Party it up in bustling Boca Chica, where the powdery sand at your feet adds to the overall ambiance at the capital's main beach. This is the Santo Domingo-adjacent place to be for dancing, people-watching, and soaking up the local Dominican culture. Boca Chica is like a huge swimming pool, but you can also slide into an actual swimming pool on one of the numerous beach club decks. Extra points if you can look into the middle distance and spot a heron or other exciting bird at La Matica Cay.
15 Paradise Island (Cayo Arena): Snorkeling heaven in the Caribbean
Go offshore on the North Coast for the cutest mini beach and beginner diving at 16 feet. You can also snorkel at this tiny island and see creatures straight out of a mogul's saltwater fish tank. Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the tourist boats and keep your selfies free of photobombers. Also, don't get confused if you hear Cayo Paraíso—it's just another name for Cayo Arena.
There are dozens of world-class beaches in the Dominican Republic, catering to various whims. If it's tranquility you're after, places like Playa Esmerelda or Bahía de Las Águilas should help you unwind, and if you're in the mood to meet new people, you can explore Playa Boca Chica or Cabarete Beach. Hidden gems like Playa Los Patos offer a pleasant change from the resort experience, and families love the sights and sounds at surfing hotspots and water sports hubs like Playa Dorada, Cayo Levantado, and Playa Macao.
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