Beaches in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a great holiday destination if you're looking to habe fun and relax. With temperatures ranging from 20° to 30° all year round and sea temperatures varying between 26° and 29°, you'll find that the beaches here are great for both sunbathing and swimming. There are so many to choose from, which is why we've drawn up a list of the best beaches on the island.
Treat yourself to one of the many activities that the coast of Punta Cana has to offer such as jet skiing and paddle boarding. Or head to the north and southwest to discover wild and unspoilt nature, like the bay of Las Aguilas or the region of Barahona. Although it's not necessarily a reputed diving area, water lovers will be pleased to know that the Carribean sea has beautiful coral reefs and great snorkeling spots.
Those looking for something more adventurous will enjoy learning to kitesurf or windsurf up in the north where winds are ideal for water sports. Head to Cabarete or Las Terrenas, known worldwide for the perfect sailing conditions!
| Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | Jul | August | sept. | Oct | nov. | dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea temperature | 27° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° |
The most beautiful beaches
Punta Cana
Without a doubt, one of the prettiest beaches in the world with turquoise water, white sand and coconut trees. It's a popular tourist destination, especially since so many hotels, bars and restaurants have opened up along the seafront.
Cayo Levantado (Samana)
Cayo Levantado is a paradise island just off Samana, also referred to as Bacardi Island. The Dominicans claim that it is the most beautiful island in the country. It takes less than 20 minutes to get there by boat. Once you're there you can enjoy the spectacular beaches, worthy of a postcard. La Playa Grande and La Playa Honda both boast fine white sand, crystal clear water and hundreds of coconut trees ! Part of the island is private and is only accessible to guests of the Gran Bahia Principe luxury hotel. The rest of the island however, is yours to roam freely. Discover the walking paths and secret viewpoints from where you can spot humpback whales between January and March.
Sosùa (Puerto Plata)
Sosua is located roughly 15 miles from Puerto Plata and close to Cabarete. Both the beach and the city are nestled in a U-shaped bay blending shades of blue and a strip of white sand. Divers will have a great time exploring underwater treasures such as Airport Wall (underwater tunnels), ZingaraWreck (shipwreck) and the stunning coral reefs. There are plenty of small restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine. You can also rent parasols and sunbeds.
Playa Dorada (Puerto Plata)
Dorada beach is another stunning beach of beautiful clear waters and fine white sand. Located about half an hour from Sosua, this resort is more adapted to tourists and offers accomodation, restaurants, golfing and nightlife.
Las Aguilas (Barahona/Pedernales)
Getting to this beach is a challenge: a two-hour drive from Barahona to Cabo Rojo, then you'll need to take a boat or a barge to get to your final destination. The beach is protected by the Jaragua National Park and there are no toilets, restaurants or any other infrastructure so make sure you plan your trip beforehand. The difficult journey is what makes it such a gem: clean, quiet and as stunning as any other dream beach with warm, shallow water to swim in.
Bavaro (Punta Cana)
Bavaro beach is ideally located, only 20 minutes from Punta Cana Airport and is appreciated by tourists who don't want to go out of their way. There are dozens of hotels, restaurants, shops and private beaches along the 30 miles of coastline.
Playa Rincon, Las Galeras
Often listed in the top 10 beaches in the world, Playa Rincon is worth a visit. Ten minutes from the village of Las Galeras, Playa Rincon is based at the end of a rocky dirt track that can only be accessed by 4x4 or buggy. An area that isn't fully adapted to tourism but where you can enjoy riding a horse or bodysurfing in the bay.
Punta Rucia
Far from the crowds of tourists, this small fishing town is both charming and colourful. Lay back and sunbathe to the sound of the Carribean sea or take a picnic to Ensenada Beach. While you're there, head to Estero Hondo National Park and rent a canoe to meet the manatees that live there.
Playa Colorada, Las Galeras
The quiet beach of Playa Colorada is home to a truly unspoilt nature. Getting there is quite tricky. Go past the small village of El Frances and park at the edge of the rainforest, then walk for about half an hour through the lush vegetation. Once you're there, you'll find a private beach as well as a public beach with no infrastructure. There is no coral reef protecting the beach so the water is deep and ideal for swimming.
Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
As one of the most imposing beaches in the country, Playa Grande is aptly named. Half a mile of golden sand, transparent waters and palm trees where there are a number of conveninent equipments and facilites. The multi-coloured casitas rent out loungers, surfboards and snorkeling gear. Currents are favourable to surfers and other water sports making Playa Grande one of the top spots on the Amber Coast.
Playa Diamante, Cabrera
Stationed on the north coast, Playa Diamante is a striking beach that is set back into a cove, giving an wonderful charm. You can walk out into the water for 200 feet before it even gets above your knees which is ideal if you're with younger children.
Playa Coson, Las Terrenas
Further down from Playa Bonita, you'll come across Playa Coson, a huge white sand beach alongside a coconut grove. The waves are quite strong, in fact they're ideal for surfing. You'll definitely be hungry after a long day in the sun so head over to Luis, a local restaurant that serves food on the beach. Try a grilled fish, fresh lobster or octopus at great prices !
Playa Saona
Saona Island is the largest offshore island of the Dominican Republic, with a surface area of over 40 square miles. Sail there from Bayahibe and explore miles and miles of beautiful beach. There are only two small fishing villages on the island: Adamanay and Mano Juan. These little villages are decorated with colourful houses, painted with lime which gives the island a typically Dominican charm. Otherwise known as “The Pearl of the Carribean”, this island is sheltered from strong winds and currents. It's also part of the protected area of the Eastern National Park, home to dolphins, turtles and tropical birds.
Playa Ermitaño, El Limon
This quaint beach is only accessible by boat. After an hour at sea, you'll be able to explore this magnificent virgin beach, an absolute gem! The perfect setting of blue skies and clear water, lined with coconut trees that will protect you from the sun. Remember to bring a picnic as there are no restaurants on site.
La Playita, Las Galeras
A 15-minute walk from the village of Las Galeras will lead you to this “baby beach” which is less than half a mile long. Bordered by cliffs on one side, this sheltered beach offers beauty unlike most. Restaurants, sun loungers and parasols are also available. The water is turquoise blue with white sand, a typically “Dominican” beach that is ideal for a family day out.
Playa La Ensenada, Punta Rucia
North of the island, near the town of Punta Rucia and in the heart of the lagoon, lies Ensena beach. A lively beach with clear waters and golden sand where you can watch magnificent sunsets. A great place to enjoy all sorts of animations with roughly fifty huts that serve cocktails, grilled fish and breakfast at unbeatable prices.
Playa El Vallé, Samana
Playa El Vallé is located between two mountains on the north coast of Samana. The vegetation here is dense and tropical. The small village almost seems like something from the Robinson Crusoe novel with two small restaurants that sit directly on the beach. Enjoy a traditional Dominican dish or fresh fish, surrounded by beach and mountains. Some might even call it heaven.