The Dominican Republic is an island country that shares its borders with Haiti to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Its beaches are some of the finest in the world and there’s no shortage of them. In fact, you could say it has almost 350 different beaches! Each has its own personality, flavor, and vibe but all are perfect for relaxation or adventure. When you visit this part of the world, you will see why it’s known as “La Isla del Encanto” or “The Island of Enchantment.”
If you love being by the sea, exploring new cultures and natural beauty then you have come to the right place! Here we look at some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic:
1. Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana
Bavaro Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic. It is located on the southeast coast of the island and is part of a huge tourist resort in Punta Cana. It is one of the most popular destinations on the island, but the crowds can easily be avoided by exploring the surrounding areas. There are many other beaches nearby that are less crowded, but you can easily access the facilities at the resort from anywhere along the beach. The sand here is white and soft and the water is clear and calm. There are also plenty of places to enjoy a drink or snack along the beach as well as water activities such as jet skis, banana boats, snorkeling, and scuba diving to keep you busy.
2. Playa Rincón – Samana Peninsula
Rincón Beach is probably the most secluded beach in the entirety of the Dominican Republic. It is located on the far eastern side of the island, near the border of Haiti. The beach is beautiful and pristine, with white sand and calm waters. The beach is very small, only allowing a few dozen people to comfortably be on it at the same time. There are many small coves and inlets that are perfect for exploring by boat or kayak. The beach is also famous for its annual turtle festival. The Rincón Beach Turtle Festival is held annually during the last week of May and the first week of June. During this time, hundreds of sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
3. Cayo Levantado – Samaná
Cayo Levantado is an island off the coast of the Dominican Republic. This island is only a few miles from Cabo Engaño, another island in the DR, and is a popular stop for tourists. The island is very small and only accessible by boat, so it is a great place to get away from it all. The waters around the island are perfect for snorkeling, and there are also some great scuba diving spots. The beach on the island is beautiful and features white sand and calm waters. There are a few small restaurants and bars on the island, but you’ll want to pack a lunch if you plan to spend the day exploring the island.
4. Playa Cabarete
Cabarete Beach is a great place to enjoy water sports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing, and waterskiing. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants along the beach to keep you fed and hydrated. The beach is very large and has soft, white sand. The waters here are generally calm and clear, making for great swimming and snorkeling. Cabarete Beach is a great place to spend the day with friends or family, and it’s also good for just relaxing and enjoying the sun.
5. Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
Playa Dorada is a beach located near the city of Puerto Plata. It is a very large beach with plenty of room for sunbathing and swimming. There are also a few bars and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the view. The sand here is white and the waters are calm and clear. There are also a few shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs or gifts to bring home to loved ones. The beach is also home to a very small ecological park, which is a great place to bring kids or younger travelers.
6. La Playita Beach – Las Galeras
La Playita Beach is a small and private beach located on the north coast of the island. It is only a short drive from the city of Puerto Plata, which is near the southern border of the island. The beach is small and secluded, so it is a great place to relax and get away from the crowds. The water is calm and clear, and the sand is soft and white. There are a few small restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink to quench your thirst. The beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
7. Beaches of Las Galeras
The beaches of Las Galeras are a series of quiet and calm beaches located near the city of Puerto Plata. There are three main beaches along the coast, each one smaller and less crowded than the last. However, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy while visiting these beaches. There are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can grab a snack or a meal. The beaches are also home to a few water parks and sports facilities. These beaches are perfect for a day trip or spending the night camping out under the stars.
8. Kite Beach, Cabarete
Kite Beach is a famous beach for kiteboarding. There is an annual kiteboarding competition held at this beach every year. The beach is part of a large resort, but the beach is open to the public and is a great place to enjoy water sports. There are a few bars and restaurants nearby, but they are smaller and more private than those on other beaches. This beach is great for kiteboarding and other water sports, but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
9. Punta Rucia
Punta Rucia is a small, secluded beach located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. There are a few small restaurants nearby, but the beach is otherwise quiet and private. The sand here is white and the waters are clear and calm. This beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, but there are also a few small shops where you can grab a snack or a drink while you’re there. Punta Rucia is a great place to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the island, but it’s also good for just spending the night under the stars.
10. Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
This large, golden beach is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Puerto Plata city, between Ro San Juan and Cabrera. It is known for its swells, which are beneficial for surfers, and its undertows in the winter, which require extra caution by not swimming too far offshore. At the location, rows of local seafood shacks sell delicious lunch platters while the music echoes in the background. Playa Grande is popular among photographers due to its picture-perfect palm trees and picturesque golden beach landscape.
11. Bahia de Las Aguilas
There are no resorts, restaurants, or shops along this stretch of beach, which is why it is considered to be the most beautiful beach in all of the Dominican Republic. The sea is a brilliant blue color, and the sand is as white as a diamond. This breathtaking stretch of rocky karst terrain, which is protected as a component of Jaragua National Park, hugs this beach all the way along the shoreline. To get to Bahia de Las Aguilas from the coasts of Cabo Rojo, you can either take a boat or drive an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Bring a lot of sun protection with you to this bit of paradise because there is no shade.
12. Playa Juan Dolio
It will take you longer than an hour to walk all the way down this stunning beach, which stretches for a total of 10 kilometers (or six miles). The beach, which is lined with seaside cafés, restaurants, condominiums, and villas, is located along with Calle Principal, the main road in Juan Dolio, and is blessed with both parts with waves and areas with less activity. In recent years, Juan Dolio has had a renaissance and a boom in the number of expensive beachside lodgings and resorts. This has resulted in an increase in the number of city inhabitants who escape here on the weekends. There are two public access points to the beach: one at the beginning of town, and another further up the boulevard, close to where Club Hemingway is located.
13. Playa Fronton
The breathtaking shoreline of Playa Frontón is a frequent stop on tours and may be reached by boat from Las Galeras or by a longer hiking journey. This beach is a sight for sore eyes. Its crystal clear, powdery white sand is located at the base of a metamorphic, rocky cliff that is around 90 meters (300 feet) in height, and its shoreline is lined with bright green coconut trees. Playa Frontón has hosted episodes of the international version of “Survivor,” in addition to being a popular destination for rock climbing and snorkeling due to the coral and urchins that can be found in the seas there. You’ll find that it shouldn’t come as a surprise given the breathtaking beach scenery and the mystery caves that are located there.
14. Playa Boca Chica
Boca Chica is widely regarded as the most important beach in Santo Domingo because of its close proximity to the city. This busy stretch of beach is well protected by a big coral reef, and its shallow blue waters—not more than four feet in depth, and frequently compared to a giant natural pool—make it a favorite swimming spot for children. The beach itself is nearly a mile long and has dazzling, white sand. In addition, Boca Chica plays host to annual competitions in the sports of sailing and beach volleyball.
The feeling of dining with your toes buried in the sand while feasting on fresh fish and shrimp, either at one of the several beachfront restaurants or at one of the fish fry shacks that line the beach, is quintessentially Boca Chica. The sandy strip is also bordered on both sides by a wide range of hotels, the most of which are located in the central business district and offer views of Boca Chica beach. A small number of expensive beach clubs may be found on the eastern border of town. These clubs offer eating on the water’s edge as well as swimming off of patio decks.
15. Playa Bahoruco – Barahona
Barahona is 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of this charming little white pebble stone beach, which makes for an excellent photo opportunity. While the undertow discourages swimmers from entering the water, it is particularly well-liked by anglers and surfers due to the large waves that are sometimes found there. It is well worth stopping here to have a leisurely stroll and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline of Barahona.
16. Playa Sosúa
Sosua Beach is a lovely stretch of golden sand that contrasts against deep azure-turquoise waves with a white, sandy bottom. It is located twenty minutes east of Puerto Plata and hugs the crescent-shaped bay of the same name. The beach tourist industry in the Dominican Republic virtually got its start on this northern coast, and it has only continued to expand since then. The part of Playa Sosa that is noted for its lively atmosphere is lined with a large number of bars, restaurants, and businesses from all over the world. A broad variety of diving and snorkeling spots are conveniently located along the shore, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy these activities. On the weekends and holidays, hundreds of people from the surrounding area as well as tourists come here to take in Sosa’s breathtaking waters and sunsets.
17. Macao Beach – Punta Cana
Playa Macao is one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to its enormous expanse of golden sand and palm trees. Punta Cana’s northernmost beach, where surfers rave about the swells and trade winds, can be found here. There are year-round, weekend surfing lessons for all abilities, especially on the weekends. Dominican-style fish dishes served in Macao’s local eateries are also among the best in the region.
18. Juanillo Beach – Punta Cana
Many consider Playa Juanillo in the Dominican Republic to be one of the best beaches in the world because of its miles of fine white sand beach, towering palm palms, and azure ocean. The Caribbean colors contrast so strongly that the entire landscape appears like it could have come straight out of a poster. There are also a number of fantastic cafés and restaurants on-site, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while relaxing on your lounger. Thanks to the favorable wind conditions, other beach sports like volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking, and kiteboarding are also popular in Juanillo. However, simply floating in the pristine seas of Juanillo is also an option.
