Sun, Surf, and Sand: The Dominican Republic is a treasure trove for seaside 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 one of the best 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 affirm that whether or not you’re looking for a tranquil retreat or an action-packed seaside escape, the Dominican Republic’s seashores supply 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 last word seaside 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 understood for its white sand seashores and all inclusive resorts. But it may be overwhelming deciding which seaside to remain at and what to go to. To assist you to resolve the place to go in the Dominican, we’ve rounded up its most lovely seashores and the place to remain on this Caribbean island.
1. Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana
Those wanting for one of the best seashores in the Dominican Republic shortly make a beeline for Punta Cana which is understood for its all-inclusive resorts. Bavaro Beach is situated on the Eastern Coast and is an ideal spot for leisure 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 strive 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 infinite 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 huge seaside. Stick round for the famed native nightlife.
2. Playa el Valle
Fringed by a dense jungle, Playa el Valle is an entire 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 (seaside bar), it’s probably the most non-public Dominican Republic seashores. Grab a drink and step onto the comfortable white sand as you stare out into the infinite Atlantic Ocean whereas feeling the mountains rising imposingly behind you.
The seaside is only a sliver of white between the deep blue ocean and the thick inexperienced landscapes. Away from mass tourism, chill out below the coconut palms with no 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 appeal. Located on the thrilling Amber Coast, you’ll have entry to loads of close by water sports activities, from windsurfing to water snowboarding. This often is the seaside 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 provides 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 comfortable white sand spreads from left to proper for 3 miles, backed by overhanging palm timber, balancing sunshine and shade to perfection.
This secluded seaside 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 seaside.
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 unquestionably probably the greatest seashores on the Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic.
Take a 30-minute boat or automotive trip 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, strive recent seafood on the many beachfront eating places.
3. Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado is a tiny isle in the guts of Samana Bay. From the island’s heart, the place a hill rises to splendid views, you’ll have entry to 3 quaint and lovely seashores. You’ll shortly see why it harbors the nickname “Bacardi Island,” It was been the placement 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 high seashores in the Dominican Republic, a veritable paradise. The small seaside is lined with seaside 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 additionally the crowds, Playa Grande supplies a peaceable escape. The quiet retreat has few indicators of contemporary growth, with two resorts tucked away on the finish of the seaside.
Here, nature is the star of the present. As you wander onto the comfortable 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 seaside’s rustic meals stands tempting you with an early lunch.
Day journeys may be booked right here or by way of your resort at Puerto Plata or you may lease a automotive or rent a driver to discover one of the best seashores in the Dominican.
5. Playa Boca Chica
On the southern coast, Playa Boca Chica is a good possibility for households. Dominican Republic seashores dealing with the Caribbean Sea are inclined to have calmer waters for swimming. Playa Boca Chica is tucked away in a protected cove with shallow waters good for youthful children. The offshore coral reefs mitigate the swell, making for a calmer seaside.
Without waves, vacationers can merely chill out on the floor and bask in the solar. But when exploring the reef, you’ll get pleasure from superb readability as you swim beside tropical fish and admire the marine life. The seaside is simply over 20 miles from the capital of Santo Domingo, making it a well-liked seaside for locals. During the week, nevertheless, Playa Boca Chica stays quiet.
6. Playa Macao
Macao Beach is among the most lovely 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 gorgeous surroundings stays in place.
The average swell helps the newborn blue water glisten below the Caribbean solar. It additionally makes Playa Macao an excellent spot for newbie and intermediate surfers. After, gasoline up on Dominican delicacies on the beachfront eating places.
7. Guayacanes
East of Santo Domingo, Guayacanes is the principle seaside for a small fishing village that bears the identical identify. Seemingly paused in time, Playa Guayacanes provides 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 seaside.
The marshmallow sand is however a small bridge between the overhanging palm timber and the green-hued ocean. On the seaside, you may rent chairs earlier than exploring the underwater world. Guayacanes can also be house to a number of cozy eating places and bars the place locals cling 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 seaside 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 seaside day.
Here, vacationers can escape the rows of all-inclusive resorts to expertise nature at its most interesting. Pack all you want for a day on the seaside 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 totally different. The blue ocean and lengthy golden sand might carry you to Cabarete, nevertheless it’s the beachfront ambiance that can have you ever sticking round. The seaside envelopes the favored city and is lined with bars, eating places, and packed patios.
During the day, seaside soccer and volleyball create a aggressive ambiance. At evening, music floats alongside the seaside, and the neon lights bounce towards the water as a lot as the celebrities. The shallow waters of the crescent seaside stretch properly into the ocean, making it additionally a well-liked 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 high water sports activities seashores in the Dominican Republic. The white sands could also be as comfortable as any, however the motion right here means Kite Beach isn’t for leisure. 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 aspect 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 seaside simply for the professionals.
With essentially the most constant surf in the jap half of Hispaniola, learners, intermediate, lengthy, or brief boarders can all benefit from the enjoyable. The internal waves supply a mellow expertise, good for getting on top of things or getting the rust off. The outer reef breaks include thrilling hole barrels. The greatest circumstances come between September and April.
12. Las Galeras
Playa Rincon often is the star-studded seaside round Las Galeras, however the common 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 route. This makes Las Galeras not solely a ravishing spot for a day on the seaside, but additionally 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 much faraway from the remainder of the Dominican Republic. On a map, it’s simply across the nook, but you may solely attain Playa Fronton on a guided hike or a ship journey. With no signal of growth, the seaside is sort of a scene from Castaway, a personal seaside simply for you.
If you arrive by boat, your craft will float over the translucent water in your strategy 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 seaside runs alongside the quiet coast in entrance of the epic coastal freeway. But the huge expanse of seaside means you’ll haven’t any bother discovering your individual slice of paradise. Playa Bahoruco is rugged in comparison with most of the comfortable 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 attempting 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 seaside’s location throughout the gated neighborhood, typically makes it a bridge too far for vacationers.
Who as an alternative favor to ease of different native seashores. However, your effort will probably be rewarded. Juanillo Beach is lined with lovely palms, spaced out like statues alongside the shore. With mass crowds mitigated, the vibe is social but completely tranquil, and with a lot seaside to your self, you may really try 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 may typically work round this, for a soothingly nonetheless seaside expertise, try Playa Caleton. Within a protected cove, the crescent seaside is sort of a enjoyable 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 may enterprise into the water that options zero swell. After a swim nearly as good as a therapeutic massage, get pleasure from a number of the recent seafood with a view.
17. Playa los Patos
Speaking of nice beachfront meals, Playa Los Patos is an effective 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 seaside 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 seaside itself isn’t nice for swimming. So cease by for a river journey and an excellent feed in your strategy to Bahia de Las Aguilas.
18. Playa Juan Dolio
Between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Playa Juan Dolio is a public seaside teeming with character. To attain the shore, you’ll first wander by way of a sandy grove stuffed with coconut palms. Among the plush inexperienced timber are a number of beachfront bars and rental outfits. Grab your self some seaside gear, together with chairs and an umbrella, and end up a spot for the day.
After admiring the seaside, 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 thing it is advisable to learn about this must-visit seaside. 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’ll have the cobalt blue water all to themselves. As you step onto the seaside, you’ll get the sense that nobody has been right here earlier than.
20. Sosua Beach
Sosua might really feel like a quiet coastal city, however round its foremost seaside, 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 could have every thing on their doorstep. Sosua Beach has a number of incredible resorts, alongside beachfront eating places and bars, good for taking in golden hour.
As for the seaside itself, it’s common amongst locals, vacationers, and households because of its enjoyable waters and nice snorkeling. Local retailers present seaside chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear so you may chill and chill out.
Map of the Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
As you may see the Dominican Republic is crammed with lovely seashores. The main vacationer areas are Puerto Plata, La Romana, Santo Domingo, The Samana Peninsula, and Punta Cana and a lot 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 make sure to have an incredible trip in the Caribbean.