In this blog, I’ll be diving into the sandy shores and crystal-clear waters of the best of the Dominican Republic beaches. Known for its stunning coastline, this Caribbean paradise is a dream destination for beach lovers.
I spent 2 months exploring the Dominican Republic beaches, basing myself in Cabarete and in Las Terrenas. While I definitely had a mixed experience when it came to working remotely from the Dominican Republic, there’s no doubt that the beaches here were some of the best I have ever seen!
While many people visit the Dominican Republic for the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, there is so much more to see and do beyond this. But, let’s start with the coast! In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 10 Dominican Republic beaches, complete with all the information you need to plan your perfect beach getaway.
So here is a list of my top 10 most beautiful Dominican Republic beaches.
Dominican Republic Beaches –
East Coast
I have split this guide to Dominican Republic beaches by location. So you can find the best beaches for you depending on where you are staying.
First up, let’s have a look at the best Dominican Republic beaches on the East Coast. This includes the hugely popular areas of Punta Cana and La Romana.
1. Bavaro Beach
Location: Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bavaro Beach, located in the famous Punta Cana area, is a true gem of the Dominican Republic.
This beach boasts the softest, powdery white sand which is exactly like the postcard beaches. The water here is calm and a beautiful teal colour, perfect for swimming or simply floating in the warm Caribbean Sea.
The Facilities
Lifeguards: There is a lifeguard at this beach, which always puts my mind at rest. Particularly as the Caribbean Sea does have a strong current in places.
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: Most resorts offer sunbeds/loungers to guests, but if you’re not staying at one of the hotels there, you’ll be pitching up on the sand.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: Most of the beach is owned by the resorts that line it. There is plenty of space for you to sit, but there actually aren’t that many bars and restaurants open to the public.
The downsides
Seaweed: Like many beaches in the Dominican Republic, there can be a lot of seaweed.
This is most common between April/May and after a big storm. We also experienced this in Cabarete, so this isn’t a Bavaro Beach specific comment.
And we’re not talking a little bit of seaweed, it’s tonnes of it. The upside is that trucks to come and collect the seaweed every couple of days and there are buoys here to stop the seaweed reaching the shore.
Sellers: There are a lot of sellers on the beach, which can get pretty tiresome.
How to Get to Bavaro Beach
From Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach is easily accessible by taxi or resort shuttle. Most resorts in the area have direct beach access.
Things to do at Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach is perfect for relaxation and swimming, but you can also go parasailing from here.
This one lasts for around 15 minutes, and you’ll have the best views of the palm lined coastline. Everything is included, so it’s a super easy, and really fun activity to do in Bavaro Beach.
2. Macao Beach
Location: Macao Beach, Punta Cana
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Macao Beach is another beauty and probably my favourite of the Dominican Republic beaches, at least of those in Punta Cana!
Known for its rugged and untouched natural charm. Unlike some of the more developed beaches, Macao retains a raw, unspoiled feel.
The waves here can be quite robust, making it a popular spot for surfing but maybe a little too big for swimming. But it’s a great for some fun wave jumping (if you’re a strong swimmer!).
There’s also almost no seaweed too (win!).
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: There are sun loungers and umbrellas here which will cost around $10 a day.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: There are quite a few options to eat and drink at along Macao Beach, but it’s pricey. I’d recommend bringing food with you but if you’re looking for a quick bite, or a cocktail then there are a few Dominican style restaurants on the beach.
Photo credit: everythingpuntacana.com
The downsides
There are still a lot of local sellers trying to sell you things (but this is super common throughout the Dominican Republic beaches.
But there are benefits to being bothered every now and again – they sell delicious and ice cool coconut water.
How to Get to Macao Beach
From Punta Cana, take a taxi or drive to Macao Beach. It’s accessible by car and is around a 30-minute drive away. By car, there is a car park right by the beach, which you can find here.
A taxi to Macao Beach will cost around 12 dollars each way in a taxi, and it is worth mentioning that it can be a little bit difficult to get a taxi back. If you can arrange transportation in advance, that’s probably your best bet.
Things to do at Macao Beach
Macao Beach is great for surfing and bodyboarding, and this is where I recommend you visit if you want to do these.
There are a few surf shops along the beach so you’ll easily be able to rent boards or take lessons if you want!
Alternatively, you can book online with Punta Cana Surf Adventures. This includes a 2 hour hands-on surf lessons and transfers to and from your accommodation in Punta Cana which will take the stress out of trying to find a taxi back.
3. Juanillo Beach
Location: Juanillo Beach, Cap Cana
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana is a picture-perfect paradise. Its soft, powdery sand and shallow turquoise waters make it one of the best Dominican Republic beaches for families.
The beach is often less crowded than some of the more famous ones, allowing you to enjoy a serene and relaxing day by the sea.
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: There are loungers at the beach clubs that you can pay to use. One is Juanillo Beach Club and the other is Scape Beach Club.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: There’s a beach club here where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and fresh seafood. The service is pretty slow, but the quality is good.
There’s also a seafood restaurant in the Hyatt Hotel called The Shutters, which is a great option for dinner (breakfast and lunch is for Hyatt Club Members only).
The downsides
While Juanillo Beach is described as a “public” beach, unlike Bavaro or Macao Beach, you do have to pay an entrance fee.
It’s $20 per person to enter the beach if you’re not staying at a nearby hotel or are a Cap Cana resident.
However, this cost covers your sun lounger and umbrella, with the rest being put towards food and drink at one of the restaurants.
At certain times of the year, this is one of the Dominican Republic beaches that suffers with seaweed invasion. As with Bavaro there are preventative measures in place, but there is only so much that can be done for this.
How to Get to Juanillo Beach
If you’re staying in Cap Cana, it’s a short drive or walk to Juanillo Beach. From Punta Cana, it’s around a 15-minute drive in a taxi.
Things to do at Juanillo Beach
Juanillo Beach is really for relaxing and enjoying some chill time. It’s perfect for those staying in Cap Cana and don’t have beach access, or those who fancy a change from their hotel.
The water is gorgeous and calm, so it’s the perfect place to relax with a book.
Dominican Republic Beaches –
North Coast
Now let’s take a look at some of the best Dominican Republic beaches on the North Coast. The north coast is super popular with wind and kite surfers due to the consistent and strong winds.
It’s home to the beautiful town of Cabarete, a kite surfing hot spot and Puerto Plata, a super popular place with US visitors.
4. Kite Beach
Location: Kite Beach, Cabarete
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kite Beach in Cabarete is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. If you’re into kiteboarding or windsurfing, this is the place to be.
The beach offers constant winds and shallow waters, making it ideal for these adrenaline-pumping activities.
Even if you’re not into extreme sports, Kite Beach’s lively atmosphere, with colourful kites dotting the sky, is a sight to behold.
You can watch the pros in action or take a kiteboarding lesson if you’re feeling adventurous.
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: You can grab a chair at one of the beachside cafes or kite schools, but loungers are relatively hard to come by.
It’s not really a sunbathing beach, as there are always so many kites on the sand. If you’re in Cabarete and want to sunbathe, I recommend heading down to Cabarete Beach.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: There are lots of lovely beach bars and restaurants on Kite Beach. My favourites are El Cocotazo Cafe (for the best happy hour cocktails) and Mesa Taina (for the most delicious sushi!).
How to Get to Kite Beach
From Cabarete town centre, Kite Beach is just a short drive or walk along the coastline.
If you’re waking along the beach to get here, I was told to avoid doing so after dark.
Also, you need to be careful of high tide because there’s a point very close to Kite Beach where it’s difficult to cross without getting soaked!
Also, where hotels, apartment complexes and kite schools have been built along the coastline, it’s difficult to find an entry point to the beach from the road.
I used the Mesa Taina entrance and the one through Kite Point Kiteboarding School (which also serves amazing food!).
Things to do at Kite Beach
Kite Beach is known for kiteboarding and windsurfing. There are SO many schools to choose from, it’s almost a bit overwhelming.
I would say that kiteboarding on Kite Beach is a challenge because it’s so wavy, so you have that to contend with before you even try and get the board on your feet. They say that if you can kite board on Kite Beach, you can do it anywhere!
I also loved going to a beachside café and watching the pros in action – honestly, you won’t believe the number of kites there are on a windy day, which is pretty often in Cabarete from November onwards!
5. Playa Grande
Location: Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playa Grande is another breathtaking beach in the Dominican Republic. It’s known for its expansive shoreline, making it easy to find a quiet spot to relax.
I absolutely love this beach because it’s almost never crowded. It’s also one of the longer Dominican Republic beaches, so if you love walking with your toes in the water, this is a fabulous option.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the lush surroundings and the chance to spot humpback whales during their migration season (January to March).
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: You can rent loungers from Playa Grande Hotel at around 750 pesos for two beds and an umbrella.
Other restaurants may also have loungers for rent.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: There are a bunch of small stores at the beach where you can pick up some refreshments and souvenirs but also some restaurants.
The food is excellent at the Playa Grande Hotel, and you could easily spend a whole day here.
How to Get to Playa Grande
Playa Grande is around 1 hour 15 minutes from Cabarete.
The nearest towns to Playa Grande are Rio San Juan (9km away) or Cabrera (15km away). From Rio San Juan, you can take a short drive or hire a local taxi to Playa Grande.
You could stay at a bungalow in the Playa Grande Beach Club which are absolutely beautiful, and you’d have this incredible beach right on your doorstep.
Things to do at Playa Grande
Playa Grande is popular among surfers due to its waves. It’s also an excellent spot for beachcombing and taking leisurely strolls.
If you’re spending a day there, the Beach Club also has a spa. Get a massage whilst listening to the sound of the waves.
6. Playa Dorada
Location: Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata is a well-developed beach with a range of amenities.
It’s actually located within a resort complex, so it’s a bit of a mission to get to it if you’re not a guest at the resort.
To access it as a non-guest, you have to enter on the west side of the beach (by Playa Cano Grande) and walk up 1-2 kilometres so it depends on your appetite for exercise! Rest assured; you’re rewarded by absolutely stunning sandy beaches.
However, it’s also a really nice resort to stay on as I think this is the best beach in Puerto Plata as well as one of the best Dominican Republic beaches overall.
Tip! If you’re having trouble accessing Playa Dorada because you’re not staying at the resort, try Pueblito Beach next door. Jack’s Kite & Grill is a lovely place to grab a bite to eat.
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: If you’re a guest, loungers and umbrellas are provided by resorts.
If you’re accessing the beach as a non-guest to the non-reserved areas, you can pitch a towel. However, I do think you can pay for to hire loungers that are in the non-reserved areas.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: The resorts offer various dining options. Otherwise, head to Jack’s Kite & Grill which I mention above!
Photo credit: visitarepublicadominicana.org
How to Get to Playa Dorada
From Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada is easily accessible by taxi or resort shuttle.
Equally, if time is tight, you can get picked up either Amber Cove or the Taino Bay cruise terminal in a round-trip to Playa Dorada.
Things to do at Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada offers a variety of water sports and activities. You can go snorkelling, jet skiing, or take a catamaran cruise.
The beach is also home to an 18-hole golf course if you want to work on your swing during your beach holiday.
For something a little less strenuous, how about horse-riding along the beach in Puerto Plata? The perfect way to explore.
Dominican Republic Beaches –
Samana Peninsula
The Samana Peninsula is famous for being home to more than 2,000 humpback whales during their birthing and calving season in January to March.
It also has the pretty towns of Las Terrenas and Las Galeras which each have their fair share of beautiful white sand beaches.
7. Playa Anclón
Location: Playa Anclón, Las Terrenas
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playa Anclón near Las Terrenas is a little gem on the Samaná Peninsula.
It’s one of my favourite Dominican Beaches because it feels totally hidden. It’s a more tranquil and secluded option compared to some of the more popular beaches.
The soft, bright white sand and gentle waves create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful day of sunbathing and relaxation.
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: Bring your own beach gear, as there is nothing here!
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: While there are no facilities directly on the beach, Las Terrenas is just a short drive away, offering a variety of dining options to satisfy your hunger after a day of sun and surf.
How to Get to Playa Anclón
From Las Terrenas centre, take a short drive to the beach. It’s accessible by car or bike.
At one point, you come off the road and drive up a dirt track towards Villa Manglar. Go past this and you will reach the beach.
You can also leave your bike here and walk up the dirt track if you don’t fancy it. If you’ve got a car, this is definitely what I recommend, as the dirt track is very narrow.
The track can be muddy to walk, particularly if there has been a storm or lots of rain. However, it’s only around 5–10 minutes.
Things to do at Playa Anclón
Playa Anclón is perfect for a relaxing day, beachcombing, and taking in the natural beauty.
Snorkelling is also a good idea here because the water is so still and clear.
8. Playa Bonita
Location: Playa Bonita, Las Terrenas
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playa Bonita, as the name suggests, is a beautiful beach near Las Terrenas. It’s known for its gentle waves and coconut palms along the shores.
It’s also called Punta Bonita because the beach is on a point, which makes for incredible views. The beach is a popular spot for beachcombing and taking leisurely strolls.
There’s a little place which serves grilled fish straight from the BBQ, you can actually see him making it, and they do the BEST piña coladas – they blend the inside of a pineapple, so it goes to purée and then add local rum to it – so good!
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: There aren’t any sun loungers here, it’s a pitch up your towel kind of beach.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: There is a little ‘restaurant’ on the beach which consists of a barbecue and a bar, so it’s nothing fancy, but it’s just what you need!
How to Get to Playa Bonita
Drive or bike from Las Terrenas to Playa Bonita. It’s a short distance, between 10–12 minutes away.
I hired a moped during my time in Las Terrenas, and it was a very pretty drive over to Bonita, and there was a car park right by the entrance to the beach, where you walk down the side road here.
Things to do at Playa Bonita
Playa Bonita is ideal for relaxation, swimming and sunbathing.
Add a couple of fresh piña coladas into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for a beautiful beach day. Sunset is also a fantastic time to visit this beach. Because it’s on a point, the sky is absolutely stunning all around you.
9. Playa Rincón
Location: Playa Rincón, Las Galeras
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playa Rincón is a beautiful beach on the Samaná Peninsula, but it’s not the beach that is the best bit!
While the beach features powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm trees providing natural shade, it’s the Caño Frío river, which flows into the sea here, which makes this beach one of the best Dominican Republic beaches in my opinion.
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: This is a wild beach, with very limited facilities here. It’s very much a no frills beach.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: This is actually my least favourite part of the beach. There are lots of little food stands and shacks where you can buy drinks and food right where Caño Frío joins the bay.
I didn’t like it because it looks a bit of an eyesore, and it’s right next to the beautiful river and bay. But, that said, If you want a beer or a cocktail, you’ll be able to get it here.
How to Get to Playa Rincón
I travelled to Playa Rincón by car from Las Galeras. It’s not too far, and it takes around 30 minutes to get to. If you’ve not got a car, you could get a cab, but you would definitely need to arrange a lift back beforehand.
However, there are so many beaches to see in this area, my recommendation would be to hire a car and do a beach hopping day.
Things to do at Playa Rincón
Take a dip in Caño Frío, meaning Cold Creek. This is a gorgeous river with crystal clear water, it’s super shallow and super cold!
It winds all the way through the forest before reaching the bay of Rincón. Take a dip in the water or a boat up the river for around 200 pesos.
10. Playa Frontón
Location: Playa Frontón, Las Galeras
Dominican Republic Beaches Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Last but certainly not least, Playa Frontón is a hidden gem accessible by boat or a hike through lush forests.
It’s a secluded and unspoiled beach with clear waters and excellent snorkelling opportunities. The surrounding cliffs add to the dramatic beauty of this spot.
Remember to pack your snorkel gear if you plan to explore the underwater wonders here.
The Facilities
Sunbeds/Sun Loungers: This is a secluded, wild beach – no sun loungers to be seen here!
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants: Nothing here. Make sure you take supplies whether you hike or boat to the beach.
Photo credit: visitarepublicadominicana.org
How to Get to Playa Frontón
Reach Playa Frontón by booking a boat tour from La Playita in Las Galeras (around 2000–2500 pesos for 2 people) or take a nature walk through the forest which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
I heard people saying that some hikers being robbed in the forest. So, if you want to hike then go in a group and use map.me or all trails or go with a guide – safety first!
If you’re staying in Santo Domingo and are keen to see some of the best Dominican Republic Beaches, I recommend taking a tour with a guide to show you the best of the hidden coastline.
On this full-day tour, you’ll go on an incredible adventure with a private guide. First you’ll head off to Fronton by boat where you’ll do some of the best snorkelling ever!
Then as a bonus you’ll also visit Madama, a totally virgin beach. I’d totally recommend this if you’re short on time. While it’s a long day, everything is included and you’ll see some unforgettable beaches.
Things to do at Playa Frontón
Playa Frontón is perfect for snorkelling, but I recommend taking water shoes because there are a lot of sea urchins!
Also, just be careful because the current is quite strong. Otherwise, the water is super clear, so enjoy the underwater views!
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy these Amazing Beaches!
So, these are my top 10 Dominican Republic beaches!
They all offer a diverse range of experiences, from serene relaxation to exhilarating water sports.
Whether you’re seeking a well-developed beach with resort amenities or a hidden gem off the beaten path, the Dominican Republic has something to offer every beach lover.
So, pack your beach essentials and get ready to explore these stunning Caribbean gems.
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