Top-Rated Beaches In The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful coastal parts in the Caribbean, making it difficult to name the top beaches there. In fact, there are more than 200 beaches to pick from! The country shares about half of the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west and has a 1,288-kilometer-long coastline.

The Dominican Republic’s shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, and they boast a variety of magnificent beaches with different scenery, vibes, and characters. From the peaceful southern seaboards to the rocky northern Amber Coast, where thrill-seeking surfers may experience frequent ocean swells.

1. Macao Beach

White sands and clear waters with plenty for adventure-seekers

Macao Beach (Playa Macao) is a long stretch of white sand in Punta Cana that is recognized for its serene palm-fringed beauty and surfable waves. The beach appeals to visitors looking for a relaxing area to sunbathe beside clean seas, while surfers are drawn to its exposed beach break with steady swells.

Those who want to learn to surf can enroll in classes all year. Macao Beach also has various local restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the views while eating Dominican-style seafood such as shrimp stew and paella.

2. Guayacanes Beach

A quiet and scenic fishing village with calm surf

Guayacanes Beach is the principal beach in the little fishing community of the same name located east of Santo Domingo. The tiny strip of white sand is surrounded by restaurants and homes, and local fishermen are frequently seen drawing their boats in with their catch of the day.

It’s worth noting that some portions of the beach are rocky and covered with seaweed, so bring water shoes or appropriate footwear for exploring. Nonetheless, the vista is breathtaking, whether at sunrise or dusk, and it rarely gets crowded. You may easily hire beach chairs at the few onsite beach bars, then sit back and enjoy the view while sipping a cold one.

3. Boca Chica Beach

The main beach of the Dominican capital

Boca Chica Beach (Playa Boca Chica) is a stunning stretch of white sand on the Dominican Republic’s south coast, overlooking the town of the same name. The tiny bay’s sheltered waves kiss the sparkling coast, and the mangrove-forested La Matica cay may be seen on the horizon.

Beyond the family-friendly beach, beneath the waves, you’ll find a thriving aquatic life among coral reefs and sunken gardens. La Caleta Underwater Park (Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta) contains all of these underwater highlights, as well as several shipwrecks.

4. Sosua Beach

A sheltered bay with treasures beneath the waves

Sosua Beach is a hidden treasure along the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. Despite being surrounded by low-lying green hills, this small crescent of pale golden sand bordered by blue seas draws a regular stream of visitors who enjoy the magnificent scenery and laid-back atmosphere.

There are plenty of restaurants selling local Dominican seafood, as well as beach bars where you can enjoy cold beers and cocktails while admiring the landscape. Discovery and thrills await on the ocean and beneath the waves; you may snorkel just off the beach and see tropical fish in shallow waters. Scuba divers depart from Sosua for more amazing offshore locations.

5. Cayo Levantado Beach

A small beach escape on a tiny islet

Cayo Levantado Beach (Playa Cayo Levantado) is one of Samana Bay’s most beautiful and well-known beaches, located a boat trip southeast of Samana. The beach may be small, located on the northwestern tip of the little 3-square-kilometer cay, but it provides the ideal island hideaway.

The cay was given the appellation ‘Bacardi Island’ after appearing in an advertisement for the well-known spirit. Once here, you’ll see why they chose this site – a typically calm, paradisiacal, tropical setting with white beach and towering palm palms. Ordering an iced rum and coke with a view is never old. Cayo Levantado is frequently included in tours of Samana Bay, which involve a 10- to 15-minute ferry ride.

6. Playa Najayo

A rugged sandy beach on the Dominican Republic’s south coast

Playa Najayo is one of the best beach coves on the Dominican Republic’s south coast, offering a rustic and authentic retreat. Unlike many of the smooth white-sand beaches on Hispaniola’s northeastern coast, Najayo has coarse sand and rocky outcrops, yet swimmable waves, which add to its less-touristy appeal.

Nonetheless, along the beach, you’ll find local rattan-roofed beach bars providing cool beverages and cocktails, and beach chairs for rent are always available. If you’re hungry, get the fried snapper with fried plantains (tostones). The beach is located in the province of San Cristóbal, approximately one hour southwest of Santo Domingo.

7. Las Aguilas Bay

The secluded Eagles Bay of the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s most popular beach for adventure and ecotourism is Las Aguilas Bay (Bahía de las Águilas), also known as Eagles Bay. The beach on the far southwestern coast is approximately 8 kilometers long and made of white sand. Aside from its immaculate environment and natural beauty, much of its attractiveness stems from its remoteness – it’s a protected area within the Jaragua National Park, approximately a 6-hour journey west of Santo Domingo and an hour south of Pedernales.

To reach there, take a boat or a 4×4 from Pedernales and go down the shoreline. For a charge, local guides at the national park entrance can take you on a tour of the coast’s top attractions. No beach bars or eateries… Just swimmable, crystalline teal-to-aquamarine seas, with the odd sighting of manatees, turtles, and green iguanas in their native habitat.

8. Playa Caleton

A tiny, ‘hidden’ cove on the north coast

Playa Caleton is a small beach in a bay off the north coast of the Dominican Republic. This sandy crescent is surrounded by rocky, low-lying hills covered with rich vegetation. The cove itself is ringed with trees for shelter, but there are still lots of sunny spots on the beach if you want to tan.

You may eat a delicious, inexpensive lunch right on the beach or crack open a cold one while admiring the vista. The narrow seascape has large boulders in the water, but the waves near to the coast are calm and ideal for families to swim and snorkel in. Just beyond the woody outcrop to the west is the much smaller and more private Playa de Los Enamorados. Despite being ‘hidden’, they are easily accessible along a sandy trail from the fishing town of Río San Juan.

9. Playa Juan Dolio

A natural and unspoilt public beach in Guayacanes

Playa Juan Dolio is the public beach in the small seaside village of the same name on the Dominican Republic’s south coast. It is one of the beaches in the district municipality of Guayacanes that is more well-known for its public access. Its natural location features coconut groves on the sand that border blue waters.

The beach is well-kept, and the coastal strip is naturally protected by an offshore reef. This means that excellent swimming and snorkelling possibilities await just off the sand. Beach chairs and umbrellas are widely available for hiring at the beach bars. Local peddlers frequently stroll the beach, selling fresh coconuts, souvenirs, and homemade jewelry.

10. Bavaro Beach

Punta Cana’s long and wide Coconut Coast

Bavaro Beach is one of the Dominican Republic’s longest and broadest white-sand beaches. This area of Punta Cana on the Dominican Republic’s easternmost edge is known as the Coconut Coast (La Costa del Coco) because it is fringed with coconut palms for the majority of its length. The area also has many luxury and all-inclusive resorts for couples and families, as well as modern nightlife and entertainment amenities.

The beach runs for around 48 kilometers. It has lots of action on the sand and in the waves, with ziplining, windsurfing, parasailing, sea kayaking, and sailing all accessible. A magnificent offshore reef shields half of the beach, giving swimmers and snorkelers plenty of room to romp and explore.

12. Playa Rincon

Enjoy seclusion on this untouched beauty

Playa Rincon (Rincon Beach) is one of the Dominican Republic’s most idyllic beaches, with off-white, silky sand and clear blue waves. Located on the Samaná Peninsula, the beach remains blissfully unspoiled, despite its popularity among locals and lucky visitors.

Swaying palm trees dot these three miles of lovely seascapes, ideal for reading or sunbathing. One half of the beach has calm seas perfect for snorkelling and swimming, while the northern side has good waves for bodysurfing. Enjoy freshly caught fish served at Playa Rincon’s rustic coastal eateries or the fire-hearth cookshops with picnic tables.