14 Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
By Banita Sadhra on 12th May, 2023
The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. With over 1,000 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder why the Dominican Republic is a popular destination for those seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. From the clearest water in Dominican Republic to the secluded coves of Samana, there’s a beach for everyone. If you’re wondering where are the best beaches in Dominican Republic? In our guide, we want to show you the nicest beaches of Dominican Republic! All of the 14 best beaches in the Dominican Republic have something unique. So carry on reading to find out more…
Playa Bergantin, Puerto Plata
Playa Bergantin is a beautiful Dominican beach in Punta Cana, lined with palm trees, turquoise waters, and plenty of shade. This Dominican beach is known for being one of Punta Cana best beaches offering a perfect place to relax if you want some quiet time in a secluded and natural location.
For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are several activities available nearby. Take a zip-line tour through the lush tropical forest or explore the close by waterfalls. Horseback riding and ATV tours are also popular options for those looking to explore the island.
There are several beach bars and restaurants in the vicinity, so you’re able to grab a cold drink and indulge in delicious local cuisine while taking in the stunning scenery.
Bahía de Las Aguilas, Pedernales
On the southwest shore of the Dominican Republic lies 5-mile-long Bahía de Las Aguilas Beach. This beach is known as the Dominican Republic’s best beach for relaxing and swimming. This secluded paradise is often referred to as one of the most pristine and untouched beaches in the Caribbean, with its crystal-clear waters, white sands, and towering cliffs that rise above the shoreline.
The calming waters are great for swimming and getting involved in water excursions. Take a diving lesson and discover the underwater beauty of the Caribbean Sea. On your trip underwater, you will discover marine life and have a chance to swim with professional divers too. This Dominican beach is located in the Jaragua National Park, which is a protected area that covers over 1,400 square kilometers. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks, as there are no restaurants at the secluded beach. You will also need to take a boat ride or a 4×4 vehicle to visit the beach, but the trip will be worth it to see the majestic views.
Visitors to Bahía de Las Aguilas can also explore the surrounding areas, including the nearby Saltwater Lagoon, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. The lagoon is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans.
Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana
Bávaro Beach is a breathtaking stretch of sand flanked by tall coconut trees and the balmy Caribbean Sea. The calming waves are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. The beach has plenty of space for chairs, umbrellas, and lounge chairs for everyone to relax under the coconut trees. Whilst on the beach, you can get involved in fun activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding or take a romantic sunset cruise with your partner. The beach is also home to a number of water sports operators, who offer everything from parasailing and jet skiing to banana boat rides and snorkeling tours.
Close to the beach is a shopping center, beachfront restaurants, and beachside bars. Make sure to visit the Jellyfish Beach restaurant which offers fresh seafood and dishes created from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy your delicious dishes with the beautiful view of the soft sand and blue water.
Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
Playa Grande is one of the nicest beaches in Rio and offers relaxing views of the beachside. The beach stretches for over a kilometer and is surrounded by towering cliffs and rocky formations, which create a natural cove that protects the beach from strong currents and waves. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming and water activities such as snorkeling and paddle boarding.
The beach offers showers, bathrooms, and a changing area, so you can clean up after being in the sand and sea all day. The beach also offers many beachside restaurants so you’re able to enjoy fresh seafood and cold cocktails. But if you bring your own packed lunch, you can enjoy your meal in the private picnic area. On your beach day, you are able to rent beach chairs and umbrellas – all you need is a good book!
Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada is the perfect place to experience calming blue water and soft white sand. There is a beautiful coral reef, letting everyone dive underwater and see the tropical fish. There is also a nearby kitesurfing school where you can book a lesson or a kitesurfing introduction course. The beach is also covered in green trees which provides a little shade if you want to enjoy a spot of sunbathing.
Playa Dorada is well known for its golf courses. The area has several world-class golf courses that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and challenging terrain for golfers of all skill levels. The Playa Dorada Golf Course, designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, is one of the most popular courses on the island.
Just under a mile from the beach is the Puerto Plata city center. If you’re wanting some time away from the beach, the city center offers restaurants, bars, and even clubs, offering entertainment from day to night.
Playa Moron
Playa Moron Beach is approximately 4 miles long offering silky soft sand and aqua-marine waters. If you’re looking for a secluded beach, this is the perfect one for you! On the beach, you will notice 18th-century canons which were used by Napoleon’s army in 1802. You will also have a chance to see groups of people riding horses and a variety of coconut trees.
If you’re feeling a little peckish, locals offer fresh coconut water and seafood snacks. As there are no nearby restaurants or bars, we suggest bringing a packed lunch and cold drinks to keep you replenished for the whole day. The road to the beach is difficult to travel on, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes on your walk down.
Playa Las Ballenas
Playa Las Ballenas is a beautiful beach located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, near the town of Las Terrenas. The beach is also surrounded by lush vegetation, including palm trees and coconut trees, which provide shade for visitors to relax and soak up the sun. The calm waters of the beach make it a great spot for families with children and there is plenty of fun to be had – from scuba diving to kayaking.
If you fancy a bite to eat after your beach day, restaurants and cafes are within walking distance from the beach. Make sure to visit Sol y Mar restaurant for fresh dishes and signature cocktails whilst watching the waves on the beach.
Playa Macao Beach
Playa Macao in Punta Cana stands out as one of the premier beaches in the Dominican Republic. With its beautiful stretch of powdery sand, this is the perfect location for surfers and for those seeking outdoor adventures in the turquoise water.
Whether a seasoned pro or a beginner, Punta Cana beaches present an optimal setting for mastering the art of surfing. Secure your spot for surfing lessons and learn under the guidance of skilled instructors. There are also many options for various hotels and resorts near Macao Beach.
Juanillo Beach
Juanillo Beach is picture perfect – when it comes to aesthetically pleasing scenes this Punta Cana beach is something special. It’s close to Punta Cana, but it’s inside a private area, which sometimes makes people choose other easier beaches to go to. But if you decide to come to Juanillo Beach, it’s totally worth it.
At Juanillo Beach, there are lots of palm trees that are placed really carefully, like they’re standing guard. This makes the beach look even more beautiful. Because not too many people come here, it’s not too crowded, and the feeling is friendly and calm. There’s a lot of beach for everyone, so you can feel like you’re in your own world and forget about all the busy stuff happening outside.
Note if you’re not a guest at the resort, there will be a 30$ entry fee.
Playa Sosúa Beach
Sosua Beach is a popular beach in the Dominican Republic for those seeking to relax in the Caribbean paradise, whilst enjoying the views of the crystal-clear water. On this stunning beach in the Dominican Republic, there is a wide selection of beachfront hotels, dining establishments, and beach bars.
The locals find that Sosua Beach is the perfect beach to enjoy the Caribbean sunsets and savor the enchanting golden hour.
Playa Cabarete Beach
Playa Cabarete beach is shaped like a curve, and the water near the shore is not too deep. Making it ideal for families with young children who want to paddle and splash in the water.
What really catches your eye is how lively and fun the beachfront is. This Dominican Republic beach is right next to the bustling town and has lots of bars, restaurants, and places to sit outside. During the day, visitors to the beach play competitive games like soccer and volleyball.
When the sun goes down, you’ll hear relaxing music coming from the beach, and colorful lights will shine on the water, just like the stars in the sky.
Boca Chica Beach
Playa Boca Chica is a great option for families, as the beach offers shallow waters, perfect for younger children to revel in. Travelers can simply relax in the aquamarine waters whilst laying under the sun’s warmth. This stunning public beach in the Dominican Republic also offers a chance for visitors to explore the tropical fish and marine life underwater.
Situated just a bit over 20 miles from the capital city of Santo Domingo, this beach holds significant popularity among locals. Playa Boca Chica also maintains its peaceful environment and a chance for everyone to escape the hustle of city life.
Cayo Levantado Beach
Cayo Levantado Beach, also known as Playa Cayo Levantado, is one of the prettiest and most famous beaches in Samana Bay. It’s a short boat ride southeast of the town of Samana. Even though the beach is small and found on the northwest corner of the small 3-square-kilometer island, it’s a wonderful place to have a relaxing island vacation.
People like to call the island ‘Bacardi Island’ because it was shown in an advertisement for the famous run brand. When you get here, you’ll see why they chose this place for the ad – it’s usually calm, like a paradise, with a tropical vibe, crystalline waters, and tall palm trees. Enjoying a cold drink like rum and coke with this view is always enjoyable. Many times, Cayo Levantado is included in tours that are available in Samana Bay. These tours usually include a 10 to 15-minute ferry ride to get to the island.
Playa Encuentro Beach
Playa Encuentro beach in the Dominican Republic has a wonderful feeling, and it’s not too crowded with kites like some other places. It’s just a 20-minute trip from Cabarete and is a great spot in the Dominican Republic for people who love to surf. This Dominican Republic beach has the perfect waves making it ideal for windsurfing and a chance for you to show off your surfing skills.
The waves closer to the shore are more relaxed, so it’s good for practicing and getting better. But if you’re feeling brave, the waves a bit farther out can be really exciting and fast. The best time to be here for surfing is between September and April. So, you have a long time to enjoy the great waves and have fun in the water.
We hope our guide has shown you the 14 best beaches in the Dominican Republic! Each beach has unique features to make your beach day memorable with your loved ones. Make sure to let us know how the Dominican beaches were and which one was your favorite whilst you were on vacation.
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