Ask travel enthusiasts why they recommended a vacation in the Caribbean, and many will answer that it is the weather, but many others would say it is the beaches. And chief among the most sought after of those destinations are the Dominican Republic beaches. With more than 200 beaches and several regions popular with travelers, this half of the island of Hispaniola (the other half is the country of Haiti), rates highly with beachgoers from all corners of the globe.
Naturally, many have a few basic questions about the beaches, including:
Where are the best beaches in the Dominican Republic?
Which is the best side of the Dominican Republic?
Where is the best swimming in the Dominican Republic?
Let’s first consider the basic geography of the Dominican Republic as many don’t realize that almost the entire coastal area can be said to be home to some of the finest of the Dominican Republic beaches.
For example, one of the most famous spots in the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana, with its amazing beaches, excellent golfing, fantastic restaurants, and premium villas. Yet, if you head north to Puerto Plata, you also find some of the best beaches in DR, and east of there is Playa Grande. There, visitors can experience the Amenera resort as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The island also has the Samana Peninsula along the northeast coast and has some of the best Dominican Republic beaches for whale watching.
As one expert noted, the beaches also appear in areas ideal for specific activities, noting that on the “north side of the island, endless soft-sand beaches line the coast. Some of these are surfer havens and kiteboarding destinations, others offer tranquil retreats for swimming and snorkeling… The Caribbean Coast on the south side of the island has a mix of powdery white sand or smooth pebble beaches, depending on the region…On the far east end of the island, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, is Punta Cana, with a combination of gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts.”
With more than one thousand miles of coastline, nine unique zones, and an endless array of things to see and do, the DR is more than just amazing beaches. However, they are among the most common reasons for travelers to pay a visit.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best of the Dominican Republic beaches.
Bavaro Beach
Located in coveted Punta Cana, it is a white sand beach that provides direct access to some of the calmest Caribbean waters. It has a protective reef that creates the ultimate swimming and wading, but the beach itself is a draw with its excellent walking and its access to some of the best resorts in the country.
Playa Rincon
Located on the Samana Peninsula and near the town of Las Galeras, it is a golden sand beach with gentle waters and a long and elegant stretch of palms that offer excellent shade at all times. It is part of a cove and enormous bay flanked on one side by the mountains. It features at least one restaurant and several food shacks and is easiest to reach by water.
The beach of Las Galeras itself is also one of the most beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic. Lined with enormous coconut palms and calm shallow waters, it is often described as an undiscovered treasure.
Playa Dorado
Close to Puerto Plata, it is the main beach in the area and is flanked by premium resorts. It offers excellent swimming and water sports and is among the more scenic of all the Dominican Republic beaches.
Cayo Levantado
Known as Bacardi Island, it features a divided beach that is private along one side and open to the public at the other. Both are ideal, but travelers fortunate enough to gain access via an accommodation at the resort along the shores will enjoy world-class facilities in addition to the amazing beach.
Playa Grande
Tucked between Puerto Planta and Punta Cana, it is actually close to Rio San Juan. It is rated as one of the most beautiful coral colored Santo Domingo Republica Dominicana beaches. With its bigger waves and palm-lined beach, its local food stands, and its quieter nature, it is appealing to all.
Kite Beach
As its name implies, this is a windier beach. Close to Cabarete, it is a kiteboarding destination with an international fan following. It is where the Master of the Ocean World kiteboarding championships are held, along with other surfing and water sports events. Cabarete Beach, nearby, is also a beach of note for its shallower waters, calmness, and friendly atmosphere.
If you are eager to find a few Santo Domingo beaches, one of the most highly rated of them is Boca Chica Beach. This is a 20 mile trip from the capital city and on the southern coast. It is frequently described as one of the finest as well as one of the most popular beaches in the entire country. With calm and shallow water along with glistening white sands, it features a coral reef that serves as a natural break between the beach and the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best swimming beaches in the Dominican Republic and ideal for families.
As an article from Travel + Leisure said of the DR – no “matter the time of year, no matter your mood, there is a beach for you in this beautiful, varied country, which has nearly 1,000 miles of coast and nine distinct ecological zones.”
These are but a few of the Republica Dominicana’s best beaches. Still, if you are eager for something else – such as pure white sands and far fewer beachgoers – you might also want to consider a villas in Barbados, a Barbados villas, or a stay in famous St Barts. Each offers its own collection of beautiful beaches, water sports, and amazing luxury rentals that will add up to an unforgettable tropical escape.