Dominican Republic Beaches Guide
Daniel Mode
Daniel Mode
Laura Schulthies
Laura SchulthiesThe Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola and has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you are looking for quiet and secluded or lively and fun, the Dominican Republic has a beach for everyone. The North side of the Dominican Republic is full of soft white sand beaches, which can be perfect for the water sports enthusiast. The South Caribbean coast can have white sand beaches and pebbled beaches. Meeting in the middle is the far east of the island, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea. This part of the island is full of luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. So no matter what type of beach vacation you are looking for, the Dominican Republic has you covered. Here we will discuss some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.
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The Best Dominican Republic Beaches
Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach welcomes visitors with powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Punta Cana is one of the premier areas of the Dominican Republic, with many all inclusive resorts along the beach. Bavaro Beach is perfect for swimming as the waters are calm and inviting. Past the roped-off swimming area of Bavaro Beach, visitors can participate in parasailing and boating. The shores of Bavaro Beach go on for miles. While there are many resorts and restaurants along the beach, visitors are welcome to walk along the coast to soak in all that Bavaro Beach has to offer.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, Beach Vendors, Four Access Points (Bibijagua, Jellyfish, Corales and Cortecito), Public Parking.
Stay Nearby! Explore Bavaro hotels on TripAdvisor
Macao Beach
One of the most stunning beaches in the Dominican Republic, Macao Beach (Playa Macao) is a wide, brilliantly ivory, palm-tree studded beach that surfers love. The natural beauty of Macao Beach and the lack of development makes it popular with both locals and visitors to the island. Located on the northern end of Punta Cana, the beach is known for its swells and trade winds. On-site surfing lessons are available year-round.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, Street Parking, Easy Walkways and Pedestrian Sand Paths, Pedestrian Bridge Over Mangroves For Beach Access, Chairs and Umbrellas For Rent, Restaurants and Bars At Beach
Stay Nearby! Explore Punta Cana hotels on TripAdvisor
Sosua Beach
Sosua Beach is set in a moon-shaped bay. This long stretch of beach is rimmed by green trees that provide ample shade to beachgoers. This beach is practically where the North Coast beach tourism began. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and as an excellent snorkeling spot. In addition, Sosua Beach is famous for its great fishing, various water sports options, and yacht parties. Hundreds of stores, restaurants, and bars are waiting beyond the beach tree line.
Beach Amenities: Pay Restrooms, Limited Parking Street Parking, Beachside Vendors, Rentable Chairs and Umbrellas, No Cost For Beach Access
Stay Nearby! Explore Sosua hotels on TripAdvisor
Las Galeras Beach
Close to the bay of Rincon lies the gorgeous beaches of Las Galeras, where white sand beaches meet the blue and green hues of the ocean. Visitors can walk in either direction of the main beach to reach smaller tranquil beaches. La Playita, or Little Beach, is one of the smaller beaches that’s worth the 10 minute drive from Las Galeras. This beach has calm waters which are perfect for swimming. There are a few resorts along the beach, but visitors can also catch a motoconcho or motorcycle taxi.
Beach Amenities: Public Parking Lot, Beach Vendors, Restaurant Restaurant Coco Fabuloso
Stay Nearby! Explore Las Galeras hotels on TripAdvisor
Playa Rincon
Playa Rincon is situated on the Samana Peninsula and can be reached by car or on a boat taxi from Las Galeras. Rincon Beach is quiet and underdeveloped, which makes for a great relaxing day by the water. The beach is picture perfect with palm trees shading the white sand beach meeting the aquamarine water and mountains appearing in the distance. The waves are soft, making swimming near the shore pleasant. Visitors can enjoy lunch at one of the restaurant lining the beach or grab some snacks at a few vendors near the parking lot. This is a perfect beach for those wanting a quieter day at the beach.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, Parking Lot (Located Directly On The Beach), Easily Accessible, Senior Friendly
Stay Nearby! Explore Samana Province hotels on TripAdvisor
Kite Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that is a bit different, then you can head to Kite Beach on Cabarete. As the name hints, Kite Beach is one of the top kitesurfing destinations in the world. If you’re around in February, Kite Beach will be busy holding the world championship for watersports, the Master of the Ocean. The beach has a friendly atmosphere and even newbies are welcome to join in on the sport of kitesurfing. If any visitors want to try out the sport themselves, Kite Beach has many kitesurfing schools along the sands. If you want to stay close to Kit Beach, check out Hooked Cabarete.
Beach Amenities: No Amenities Available
Stay Nearby! Explore Cabarete hotels on TripAdvisor
Bahia de Las Aguilas
Bahia de Las Aguilas is near the town of Pedernales and is a part of the Jaragua National Park, which is a UNESCO nature reserve. This 5-mile long beach is one of the least crowded beaches as it is undeveloped. Many visitors come from Barahona on day trips to enjoy the turquoise waters and white sand beaches. This is the perfect beach for those that want some peace and quiet while relaxing near the water. Be sure to pack a picnic and an umbrella as there is no shade or vendors here.
Beach Details: Mainly Accessible By Boat – You will pay around $3 USD at the entrance and to hire a boat it’s around $68 USD to take you to the beach. Located In Jaragua National Park – there is a fee to enter of 100 pesos. No Additional Amenities Are Available
Stay Nearby! Explore Pedernales hotels on TripAdvisor
Playa Bonita
Playa Bonita is just as beautiful as its name suggests. This cozy, crescent-shaped, ivory-sand beach has a calm cove that acts as a swimming pool, making the western side of the beach a great place for families to swim. The eastern side of Playa Bonita offers surfing schools, perfect for those looking for adventure. This is an excellent beach if you want a bit of seclusion and to avoid crowds. Other popular activities at Playa Bonita include surfing, a variety of watersports, snorkeling, and diving.
Beach Amenities: Road Side Parking Available, Beachside Vendors (can be aggressive, say “No Gracias”), Rentable Shaded Areas, Restaurants Offer Restrooms
Stay Nearby! Explore Las Terrenes hotels on TripAdvisor
Playa Moron
Playa Moron is one of Samaná’s most secluded and historic beaches, but few make it to the golden sands here. You will drive past farmlands, fruit trees, and on bumpy gravel roads to reach the beautiful beach entrance. Those looking for seclusion will love swimming in the turquoise waters of Playa Moron. Keep in mind there are some strong currents at this beach. While enjoying the warm sunshine on the beach, you will notice the original 18th-century French canons. These were used when Napoleon’s army invaded in 1802.
Beach Amenities: Access Road Can Be Muddy After Rain, Restaurant Offers Parking, Restrooms, and Rentable Chairs
Stay Nearby! Explore Las Terrenes hotels on TripAdvisor
Golden Beach (Playa Dorada)
Playa Dorada is on the Amber Coast of the Puerto Plata area of the Dominican Republic. This beach is known for its smaller resorts. The beach’s golden sand lies along the coast and meets the turquoise waters with a gorgeous mountain view as the backdrop. This beach lies on the Atlantic Ocean so the waves can be a bit higher than in other parts of the Dominican Republic. The beach is known for a few water sports like windsurfing and water skiing.
Beach Amenities: Public Parking, Public Restrooms, Public Showers, Rentable Beach Chairs and Sun Beds
Stay Nearby! Explore Puerto Plata hotels on TripAdvisor
Playa Juan Dolio
Playa Juan Dolio is between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Tourists and locals love this beach for its lively vibe. Visitors can relax on the white sand beach of the palm-lined shores and look out to the turquoise waves. The water here is quite shallow, which is comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. This beach has recently experienced a revival with new upscale restaurants and accommodations.
Beach Amenities: Paid Street Parking Around $8 USD, Public Beach Chairs and Umbrellas, Restaurant and Bars With Restrooms
Stay Nearby! Explore Juan Dolio hotels on TripAdvisor
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