Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic

This huge thirty-mile stretch of powdery white sand, bright blue Atlantic Ocean and hundreds of palms is home to lots of hotels, restaurants and shops. The water’s protected by coral reefs, creating what’s essentially a huge natural swimming pool.

Besides the beachfront flea market, there’s oodles to do on Bavaro beach: speedboat rides, parasailing, kitesurfing, SUP, sea kayaking. 

Perfectly pairing a dreamy Caribbean beachfront with impressive surf on the north end of Punta Cana - Macao’s a top spot for surfer’s, with small to mid-sized waves of bright turquoise crashing onto gloriously light sand and surf schools teaching the technique.

It’s worth checking the forecast before you take to the water to avoid any strong currents or undertow. The northern end of the beach is your best bet for a quieter atmosphere. 

This lovely long, beige sand beach has a bundle of resorts on the seafront and was the first beach in the Caribbean to be awarded a Blue Flag.

You can’t miss the tall, striped Lighthouse – a bar belonging to one of the resorts. Diving is popular here, one of a bundle of watersports available. 

By hook or by crook, hike, drive or hop on a boat to see the ridiculously pretty Rincon for yourself. Taking a little more effort to reach (15 mins from La Galeras on dirt track/boat) keeps the cove fabulously quiet.

It’s worth the journey: cameras at the ready for the miles of powder white sand, where quiet waters gently lap on one side, and livelier waves roll to and from on the other. Coconut and almond groves play backdrop. 

Take a boat taxi from Samana port to the tiny ‘Bacardi’ island with its typically Caribbean white sand beaches, palms and clear waters. The public beach is on the eastern edge of the islet, the rest being taken up by resort and private beaches. 

This beach takes a while to get to (you can walk, boat taxi or drive from Las Galeras) but that’s half the charm of it. The rest of the charm lies in the white sands, seriously turquoise water, and dramatic cliff face which rock climbers can scale. The sea is perfect for swimmers and snorkelers. Visit in the first half of the day to get the sunshine, or later if you prefer the shade from the mountain. 

Playa and Costa Dorada are two neighbouring beaches east of Puerto Plata city – both with golden sands and sea protected by a reef. Playa Dorada was the Dom Rep’s first tourist spot and is a blue flag certified beach in a gated community of hotels. All manner of water and land activities are available here, from snorkelling to horse riding.   

Just along from Cabarete beach, this one’s well worth experiencing even just as a spectator. When the wind’s up, kites fill the air as their surfers take to the waves. Schools are available for beginners and keen kiters can rent equipment.  

Twenty minutes east of Puerto Plata, this U-shaped Bay and its coral formations keeps the turquoise water nice and sheltered, making it perfect for divers (there’s an incredible underwater garden). And with white sand, palms and beach shacks selling cocktails, food and souvenirs, there’s as much to enjoy out of the water as under.  

Boca Chica Beach and immediate surrounding area is often classed as one of the most beautiful destinations of the Dominican Republic. Boasting several all-inclusive resorts and fine dining opportunities, it’s difficult to imagine this as the little fishing village it once was.  

Sitting about a 25 minute drive from Santo Domingo, this stretch of pristine white sand and clear, calm, waters, set against a backdrop of palm trees, offers a prime location for relaxation. Enjoy the views from under the shade of an umbrella whilst sipping a tropical fruit smoothie or step out into the cooling shallow sea which is protected by a reef, meaning that it’s rarely deeper than a metre and mostly a lot less.