Sun, Surf, and Sand: The Dominican Republic is a treasure trove for seashore lovers and sun-seekers. From the serene whispers of Punta Cana’s palm-lined shores to the exhilarating vibes of Cabarete’s kite-surfing paradise, we take you on a tour of the most effective seashores in the Dominican Republic.
We spent our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic and it has at all times had a particular place in our hearts. We have been again to the Dominican twice and may verify that whether or not you’re looking for a tranquil retreat or an action-packed seaside escape, the Dominican Republic’s seashores provide one thing for each traveler. So, slap on that sunscreen, seize your shades, and prepare to find the tropical wonders that make this island the final word seashore getaway. Let’s make some waves!
Top Beaches in the Dominican Republic
Covering simply over half of Hispaniola Island with the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Dominican Republic is thought for its white sand seashores and all inclusive resorts. But it may be overwhelming deciding which seashore to remain at and what to go to. To allow you to resolve the place to go in the Dominican, we’ve rounded up its most stunning seashores and the place to remain on this Caribbean island.
1. Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana
Those wanting for the most effective seashores in the Dominican Republic rapidly make a beeline for Punta Cana which is thought for its all-inclusive resorts. Bavaro Beach is situated on the Eastern Coast and is an ideal spot for rest and journey. Its powdery white sand stretches for so far as the attention can see, coated by towering palm timber and turquoise waters.
Book a snorkeling journey to discover the coral reefs simply offshore, or attempt your hand at windsurfing and parasailing for views of the shoreline. If you’re looking for a extra relaxed tempo, take a stroll alongside the limitless stretch of sand or unwind with a beachside therapeutic massage.
Luxury resorts line the calm water that invitations you with open arms earlier than water sports activities take over past the swim zone. Travelers will discover no scarcity of all-inclusive resorts alongside the vast seashore. Stick round for the famed native nightlife.
2. Playa el Valle
Fringed by a dense jungle, Playa el Valle is a whole 180 in comparison with Bavaro Beach. It feels distant and remoted regardless of its proximity to Samana Bay and Las Galeras. Serviced by a single chiringuito (seashore bar), it’s probably the most non-public Dominican Republic seashores. Grab a drink and step onto the mushy white sand as you stare out into the limitless Atlantic Ocean whereas feeling the mountains rising imposingly behind you.
The seashore is only a sliver of white between the deep blue ocean and the thick inexperienced landscapes. Away from mass tourism, calm down beneath the coconut palms with out a care in the world.
2. Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
Further alongside the northern coast in Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada has mountain views, swaying palm timber, and electrical blue water. Puerto Plata is the place we stayed on our honeymoon throughout our first go to to the Dominican Republic.
Playa Dorada is a type of beautiful Dominican Republic seashores you’ve heard about. A dozen resorts again the lengthy golden sand, however because of constructing restrictions, they’re no taller than three tales and unfold out.
Despite its facilities and resorts, Playa Dorada has stored its pure allure. Located on the thrilling Amber Coast, you’ll have entry to loads of close by water sports activities, from windsurfing to water snowboarding. This could be the seashore for vacationers following the solar, sand, sleep, and repeat sport plan.
2. Playa Rincón
Playa Rincón is a hidden gem in the Dominican Republic and affords a serene getaway removed from the bustling vacationer spots. Lapped by the Atlantic Ocean waters, Playa Rincon has as a lot magnificence as privateness. Its mushy white sand spreads from left to proper for 3 miles, backed by overhanging palm timber, balancing sunshine and shade to perfection.
This secluded seashore is ideal for these in search of tranquility amidst pure magnificence. Enjoy swimming in the calm, clear waters, or take a kayak to discover the close by mangroves. This half day journey takes you away from the crowds to benefit from the native life, palm timber of this white sand seashore.
Try genuine Dominican delicacies in a laid-back setting and keep at one of many low-key properties close to this untouched paradise. Playa Rincon is certainly probably the greatest seashores on the Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic.
Take a 30-minute boat or automotive journey from Las Galeras to the North Coast to search out your tropical bliss. When you aren’t lazing on the nice and cozy golden sands, enterprise into the colourful, shallow waters that result in soothing swims. Later, attempt contemporary seafood on the many beachfront eating places.
3. Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado is a tiny isle in the center of Samana Bay. From the island’s middle, the place a hill rises to splendid views, you’ll have entry to a few quaint and lovely seashores. You’ll rapidly see why it harbors the nickname “Bacardi Island,” It was been the situation for an iconic advert. You can entry the unique trio of seashores on the native strolling trails.
The most well-known is Playa Cayo Levantado. It’s one of many prime seashores in the Dominican Republic, a veritable paradise. The small seashore is lined with seashore chairs and juts out into the bay, with the cobalt blue water ready simply for you.
4. Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
Minutes from Rio San Juan, Playa Grande is the quiet sibling of the seashores in the famed cities of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Away from the enjoyable, and pleasure but in addition the crowds, Playa Grande supplies a peaceable escape. The quiet retreat has few indicators of contemporary improvement, with two resorts tucked away on the finish of the seashore.
Here, nature is the star of the present. As you wander onto the mushy sand, you’ll be drawn in by the glowing green-blue water. The waves crashing offshore promise an enthralling swim or surf, with the aromas of the seashore’s rustic meals stands tempting you with an early lunch.
Day journeys may be booked right here or via your resort at Puerto Plata or you’ll be able to lease a automotive or rent a driver to discover the most effective seashores in the Dominican.
5. Playa Boca Chica
On the southern coast, Playa Boca Chica is a good possibility for households. Dominican Republic seashores going through the Caribbean Sea are inclined to have calmer waters for swimming. Playa Boca Chica is tucked away in a protected cove with shallow waters excellent for youthful youngsters. The offshore coral reefs mitigate the swell, making for a calmer seashore.
Without waves, vacationers can merely calm down on the floor and bask in the solar. But when exploring the reef, you’ll get pleasure from wonderful readability as you swim beside tropical fish and admire the marine life. The seashore is simply over 20 miles from the capital of Santo Domingo, making it a preferred seashore for locals. During the week, nonetheless, Playa Boca Chica stays quiet.
6. Playa Macao
Macao Beach is among the most stunning seashores in the Dominican Republic. Its beautiful white sand is out of a fairytale and welcomes you with open arms. Once an unspoiled gem, the land behind the coconut timber is turning into the area of resorts. But wanting towards the Atlantic Ocean, the attractive surroundings stays in place.
The reasonable swell helps the infant blue water glisten beneath the Caribbean solar. It additionally makes Playa Macao an excellent spot for newbie and intermediate surfers. After, gas up on Dominican delicacies on the beachfront eating places.
7. Guayacanes
East of Santo Domingo, Guayacanes is the primary seashore for a small fishing village that bears the identical title. Seemingly paused in time, Playa Guayacanes affords no trace of the Dominican’s rise to vacationer mecca. Many vacationers arrive to take in the morning dawn, with native fishing boats dotting the ocean or arriving again on the seashore.
The marshmallow sand is however a small bridge between the overhanging palm timber and the green-hued ocean. On the seashore, you’ll be able to rent chairs earlier than exploring the underwater world. Guayacanes can also be dwelling to a number of cozy eating places and bars the place locals dangle and take in the views.
8. Playa Bahia de Las Aguilas (Jaragua National Park)
The 5-mile Playa Bahia de Las Aguilas supplies spectacular settings on par with any Dominican Republic seashores. The seashore is throughout the Jaragua National Park, simply minutes from the Haitian border. It has been designated as a UNESCO National Reserve, offering a distant and rugged seashore day.
Here, vacationers can escape the rows of all-inclusive resorts to expertise nature at its best. Pack all you want for a day on the seashore and say goodbye to civilization. With your picnic rug laid out on the untouched white sand, gaze upon the scintillating Caribbean Sea earlier than diving in.
9. Cabarete Beach, Cabarete
From secluded and tranquil, to vibrant and charming. Bahia de Las Aguilas and Cabarete Beach couldn’t be extra completely different. The blue ocean and lengthy golden sand could carry you to Cabarete, however it’s the beachfront ambiance that may have you ever sticking round. The seashore envelopes the favored city and is lined with bars, eating places, and packed patios.
During the day, seashore soccer and volleyball create a aggressive ambiance. At evening, music floats alongside the seashore, and the neon lights bounce towards the water as a lot as the celebrities. The shallow waters of the crescent seashore stretch effectively into the ocean, making it additionally a preferred spot for younger households.
10. Kite Beach, Cabarete
Along the coast from Cabarete Beach, the wind picks up a head of steam, creating one of many prime water sports activities seashores in the Dominican Republic. The white sands could also be as mushy as any, however the motion right here means Kite Beach isn’t for rest. In the Puerto Plata Province, Kite Beach is revered internationally.
Travelers come from throughout to not solely kitesurf, however windsurf SUP, and for good old style browsing. The spot even hosts the Master of the Ocean, a world championship occasion. But newcomers shouldn’t be intimidated. There are a number of nice faculties to get you on top of things and able to be a part of the motion.
11. Playa Encuentro
On the opposite facet of Kite Beach, Playa Encuentro enjoys a equally enthralling setting with out the mass of kites. Just 20 minutes out of Cabarete, Playa Encuentro is among the greatest Dominican Republic seashores for browsing. There are a number of offshore breaks offering a welcoming variation of issue. This isn’t a seashore simply for the professionals.
With probably the most constant surf in the jap half of Hispaniola, rookies, intermediate, lengthy, or quick boarders can all benefit from the enjoyable. The inside waves provide a mellow expertise, excellent for getting on top of things or getting the rust off. The outer reef breaks include thrilling hole barrels. The greatest situations come between September and April.
12. Las Galeras
Playa Rincon could be the star-studded seashore round Las Galeras, however the widespread city’s personal beachfront is a worthwhile go to. The coastal city is enveloped in white sand seashores, with the shoreline stretching for miles in both course. This makes Las Galeras not solely a phenomenal spot for a day on the seashore, but in addition for lengthy walks on the sand.
Eventually, you’ll make it to the jap finish, the place tropical cocktails on the beachfront bar await. Las Galeras is a good spot to embark on quite a lot of ocean adventures. These can embody deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling alongside the close by reefs. It is claimed that this space has a number of the greatest seashores on the island.
13. Playa Fronton
On the far jap tip of the Samana Peninsula, Playa Fronton is way faraway from the remainder of the Dominican Republic. On a map, it’s simply across the nook, but you’ll be able to solely attain Playa Fronton on a guided hike or a ship journey. With no signal of improvement, the seashore is sort of a scene from Castaway, a personal seashore simply for you.
If you arrive by boat, your craft will float over the translucent water in your approach to the palm tree-laden shore. Playa Fronton is calm and peaceable, with the tranquility solely interrupted by the rustling of the palms and the waves crashing down.
14. Playa Bahoruco
On the southern coast, minutes from Barahona, Playa Bahoruco is one other underrated gem. The seashore runs alongside the quiet coast in entrance of the epic coastal freeway. But the vast expanse of seashore means you’ll don’t have any hassle discovering your personal slice of paradise. Playa Bahoruco is rugged in comparison with lots of the mushy white sand seashores across the Dominican. However, there are few indicators of civilization at Playa Bahoruco.
The shell-laden shore, overhanging palms, and aquamarine sea make it a pure haven. From your cozy spot, benefit from the waves crashing down earlier than making an attempt to tame them your self.
15. Juanillo Beach
Within Cap Cana, a personal retreat with 30,000 acres of impeccable beachfront, Juanillo is as picturesque because it will get. Landscaped to perfection, right here each element has been refined to the nth diploma, offering a layer of class and luxurious. Near Punta Cana, the seashore’s location throughout the gated group, typically makes it a bridge too far for vacationers.
Who as a substitute want to ease of different native seashores. However, your effort might be rewarded. Juanillo Beach is lined with stunning palms, spaced out like statues alongside the shore. With mass crowds mitigated, the vibe is social but completely tranquil, and with a lot seashore to your self, you’ll be able to really take a look at from the world.
16. Playa Caleton
The seashores alongside the North Coast can typically really feel the impact of the Atlantic and have highly effective undercurrents. While you’ll be able to typically work round this, for a soothingly nonetheless seashore expertise, take a look at Playa Caleton. Within a protected cove, the crescent seashore is sort of a stress-free eddie on a white water rafting journey.
Lay your towel down on the golden sand and take a deep breath. Enveloped lush greenery it’s exhausting to not really feel the restful spirit wash over you. From there, you’ll be able to enterprise into the water that options zero swell. After a swim pretty much as good as a therapeutic massage, get pleasure from a number of the contemporary seafood with a view.
17. Playa los Patos
Speaking of nice beachfront meals, Playa Los Patos is a good way to mix two of the Dominican Republic’s greatest qualities. With the pale blue water streaming in, pop into Restaurant Katty for scrumptious genuine dishes together with tostones, fried fish, and crab.
After your feast, wander alongside the seashore to find the native river that’s as clear as glass. Sit down in the refreshing Los Patos River or meander alongside on a blow-up watercraft. The seashore itself isn’t nice for swimming. So cease by for a river journey and an excellent feed in your approach to Bahia de Las Aguilas.
18. Playa Juan Dolio
Between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Playa Juan Dolio is a public seashore teeming with character. To attain the shore, you’ll first wander via a sandy grove filled with coconut palms. Among the plush inexperienced timber are a number of beachfront bars and rental outfits. Grab your self some seashore gear, together with chairs and an umbrella, and end up a spot for the day.
After admiring the seashore, which stretches for 6 miles, put in your snorkel gear and discover the coral reef. When you want a breather, head to the bar for a colourful cocktail or two or settle for a freshly picked coconut.
19. Playa Ermitano
The translation of Playa Ermitano will let you know every little thing it is advisable to find out about this must-visit seashore. Essentially, Hermit Beach, Playa Ermitano is a problem to get to. This weeds out the pack, leaving you’ll an untouched paradise to rival any of the aforementioned seashores. There are two methods to make it right here: strolling or boating.
The hike is a two-hour trek from Playa Las Canas, whereas the boat is a 25-minute journey from Samana. Enveloped by a rising jungle, those that make it would have the cobalt blue water all to themselves. As you step onto the seashore, you’ll get the sense that nobody has been right here earlier than.
20. Sosua Beach
Sosua could really feel like a quiet coastal city, however round its primary seashore, the vibe kicks up a notch. Sosua Beach is among the greatest seashores in the Dominican Republic for vacationers. Those that want to do nothing however get pleasure from paradise may have every little thing on their doorstep. Sosua Beach has a number of incredible resorts, alongside beachfront eating places and bars, excellent for taking in golden hour.
As for the seashore itself, it’s widespread amongst locals, vacationers, and households because of its stress-free waters and nice snorkeling. Local outlets present seashore chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear so you’ll be able to chill and calm down.
Map of the Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
As you’ll be able to see the Dominican Republic is stuffed with stunning seashores. The main vacationer areas are Puerto Plata, La Romana, Santo Domingo, The Samana Peninsula, and Punta Cana and many of the greatest seashores may be discovered round these upscale resort areas. If you select an all-inclusive keep or a trip rental close to these locations, you’ll remember to have a tremendous trip in the Caribbean.