Best beaches in Dominican Republic – white sand and azure water

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are ideal places for a relaxing holiday. People come here to plunge into the turquoise sea, feel the warmth of the sun and walk on the snow-white sand.

It is difficult to choose the best beach in Dominican Republic as they are all good in their own way. The quietest beaches having soft white sand an calm waters are located in the western part of Dominican Republic. In particular Boca Chica beach on Juan Dolio and beaches in the island of Saona are considered some of the best beaches in Dominican Republic. But the southern coastline also has some nice strips of sand. The rest of the beaches washed by the Atlantic ocean, such as Punta Cana, La Romana and Puerto Plata, do not border on such a calm sea. In fact in winters the waters here get quite choppy. But the rest of the year you can admire beautiful reefs in clear water.

Beach in the Dominican Republic

Photo of a beach in the Dominican Republic

Other articles on some great beaches:

Below we list down the top beaches in Dominican Republic.

1. Bavaro beach

Bavaro is one of the most noisy and crowded beaches of the Dominican Republic, located 25 km from Punta Cana Airport. This area is famous for a large number of hotels, expensive restaurants and quality service. It is also believed that this area has the most beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic. If you want to not only have a good rest, but also enjoy nature, swim in the bright turquoise water and sunbathe on the coral sand, then head to Bavaro beach.

Bavaro Beach Photo

2. Orlov Bay beach

Orlov Bay is one of the most remote beaches from the center of the Dominican Republic, which is located near the border with the Republic of Haiti.

Unfortunately, in recent years, too many tourists have appeared here, so if you want to enjoy this place alone, come here as early in the day as possible. Better still, stay overnight at a nearby hotel. It’s worth it!

Orlov Bay beach photo

There are no cafes and restaurants on the beach itself, but you can have a bite to eat at nearby hotels or buy some exotic fruit on the market. Since the main highlight of the beach is its unspoiled nature, you will not find sun loungers and showers here either.

There is white sand in this beach and the water is perfectly clear. The entrance to the sea is gentle, there are no stones and algae at the bottom. You can visit the beach for free.

Location: Jaragua National Park, Pedernales Province, Dominican Republic.

3. Playa Grande

Playa Grande is one of the 10 best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Despite its quality, it does not receive a lot of tourists.

Playa Grande Beach Photo

Playa Grande is divided into 2 parts. The first has a fashionable resort with several expensive restaurants, a golf course and a luxury hotel. And the second, where you can have an inexpensive breakfast and bask in the sun.

There are no other differences between the parts of this beach: everywhere is very clean, there are toilets, sunbeds and changing cabins. Admission is free of cost.

The fine sand on Playa Grande has a honey hue, and the Atlantic Ocean in these places is painted in a bright turquoise color. Interestingly, depending on the season, it can be very windy (which is ideal for surfers), or very calm.

Location: Area Cabrera, Dominican Republic.

4. Playa Bonita

Playa Bonita Beach Photo

Playa Bonita is one of the main attractions of the Samana Peninsula, located on the north coast. This is the largest beach, measuring 12 km in length, in the Dominican Republic.

As for the infrastructure, there are several cafes and bars near the beach where travelers recommend trying seafood dishes. Playa Bonita has sun loungers, changing cabins and toilets.

You will find that a lot of people interested in surfing or snorkeling visit this beach.

The sand on Playa Bonita is small and golden, the entrance to the sea is gentle. There are no shells, stones and algae. Entry is free.

Location: Las Terrenas area, Dominican Republic.

5. Rincon Beach

One of the pearls of the Saman Peninsula is the long, wide coastline of the Rincon. Tourists can enjoy the green hills clad in lush emerald rainforests, white velvety sand and an endlessly turquoise water bay. Along the coastline are slender rows of coconut palms. According to many travel publications, Rincon Beach is the best in the world.

The nearest village is 5 km from Rincon – this is the resort of Las Galeras. Tourists who have been here recommend not to buy excursions, but to get to the beach on foot. The reason is that it is unlikely that you will see such stunning views that open up from hiking trails anywhere else.

Rincon Beach Photo

The beach itself can be divided into several parts. The first is very crowded, because travelers are brought here on sightseeing buses. And the second part is the one that you can find only on your own. This part is located amidst incredibly beautiful nature and there is not a single soul here.

The beach is devoid of any facilities expect on the part that is intended for tourist groups. Here you can find several coastal cozy bars and cafes. They also provide guests with sun loungers in that zone.

The sand on the beach is shallow, the entrance to the water is gentle, However, in some places there are rocks and stones, and algae is also found.

Location: Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic.

6. Whale Beach

Whale Beach Photo

Whale Beach, located on the Samana Peninsula, is named so precisely because dozens of humpback whales come here every winter to breed and swim back to the cold shores of Iceland, Greenland and Canada. The official name for this place is the Humpback Whale Sanctuary in the Dominican Republic.

Perhaps it is already clear to you that you should not expect to sunbathe on this beach. Hundreds of people come here every day just to see whale mating and simply admire these mammals. It makes for quite a grand sight. For example, males humpback whales, in order to attract the attention of females, often perform various tricks.

  1. The whale swims, and, raising its flippers, hits them hard on the surface of the water.
  2. They jump over the water.
  3. There are competitions between a group of whales (from 2 to 20 individuals). They can swim in circles, bang their heads against each other and even inflict wounds in order to attract the attention of a female.
Whales with people near the beach

Please note that you cannot go watch whales alone. You must come here as part of an organized group. The cost of the trip will be as follows:

  • tour cost – $45 (for children – $35)
  • food for marine animals (required) – $5
  • lunch in the cafe at the reserve – $5 (fish, vegetables, drink and dessert)

Also remember that it makes sense to visit the reserve only from December to the end of March – at this time many whales flock to this area. But the rest of the year it is an ordinary beach.

Interestingly, tourists are not forbidden to swim in this place – you can quite rightfully frolic in the water with whales.

Since this is a nature reserve, there is no infrastructure here with the exception of one cafe. As for the beach, the sand here is fine and yellow and the entrance to the water is gentle.

Location: Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic.

7. La Playita beach

La playita beach

The list of the best resorts and beaches of the Dominican Republic will not be complete, if you do not name the La Playita Beach. It is a wild beach in the northwestern part of the country, located 15 minutes walk from the town of Las Galeras.

Since most tourists get hotels directly in Las Galeras, there are very few tourists on La Playita. Cafes, restaurants and sources of entertainment are also not present.

The sand on the beach is shallow and white, the entrance to the water is gentle. At the bottom, stones and small shells are sometimes found. Due to its favorable location, wind and undercurrents are absent in this part of the Dominican Republic. You can visit La Playita’s white sand beach for free.

Address: Las Galeras, Dominican Republic.

8. Saona Island

Saona Island

Saona is a tropical island that is part of the East Dominican National Park. This is a nature reserve known in the world under the name of Bounty Island. The nature of this place is fascinating: white sand, clear water, hundreds of starfish and colorful fish in the waters of the Caribbean Sea and dozens of coconut palms on the shore.

Previously, the island of Mano was located on the island, but after Saona became a popular tourist attraction, many locals decided to move out of here and earn money by renting their houses on the seashore. With the exception of these houses, there is absolutely nothing on the beach.

The sand is white and very shallow. The entrance to the water is gentle, in some places there are rocks and stones.

In addition to the white sand beach, the island of Saona is definitely worth a visit for the following reasons.

    1. Pool with starfish. This is a shallow sandbank in the middle of the sea, in which many starfish live
    2. Mango thickets
    3. Caves that are located in the rocky part of the island. Interestingly, in the 20th century, archaeologists found artifacts in these caves dating from the 5-6th century BC.
    4. Rainforest where you will see a huge number of birds and animals.
Starfish on Saona Island

Unfortunately, you cannot get to the island on your own – you need to buy an excursion from one of the travel agents.

Location: Saona Island, Dominican Republic.

9. Macau Beach

Macau beach

Macau is one of the best white sand beaches in the Dominican Republic that has managed to maintain its exotic look. Like centuries ago, it is incredibly clean, is visited by few people and has various species of birds and animals living in the mango thickets.

Palm groves and dense tropical thickets are interspersed with large cliffs. The lack of modern hotel complexes and developed resort infrastructure makes Macau a zone of “wild” relaxation.

The beach is divided into two sections. One of them is intended for a comfortable family pastime: approaching the bay is gentle, the shore is filled with sunbeds and umbrellas. The other part attracts fans of surfing. In this part of the water area, coral reefs are completely absent. High waves of the Atlantic Ocean roll ashore. Professional instructors of several surf clubs are constantly working here.

Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

10. Juanillo beach

Juanillo is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic, which annually falls into the list of the best in the world. And although there are no good restaurants and cafes on Juanillo Beach according to tourists, this place is always very popular.

Juanillo beach

The beach area is equipped with all the necessary resort attributes, allowing you to indulge in a serene and first-class vacation in the lap of pristine tropical nature. At the disposal of tourists there are sun loungers with soft pillows, comfortable beds, sunshades and restaurants. You can also indulge in boat trips on catamarans and kayaks, water skiing and jet skiing, diving and fishing. Trampolines and water slides are installed for young vacationers.

White sand is very fine, the water has an azure hue. The entrance to the sea is gentle, but sitting in the water is not very convenient, since the bottom is covered with small corals and algae are sometimes found.

Juanillo Beach is one of the most popular venues in the Dominican Republic for weddings and photo shoots. If you came to the country for a honeymoon, do not miss the opportunity to visit this picturesque place.

Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

11. Cocya beach

Cocya beach

The famous Dominican Republic beach is located in the resort town of Cocya. This popularity is explained by its location – it is located 7 km from the airport, and is surrounded by hotels on all sides.

However, do not be afraid that there will be too many people – the beach is large and there is enough space for everyone. It is also nice that while relaxing on the beach, you will not see numerous hotels – they are hidden from the eyes of tourists by mango trees.

The sand on the beach is of coral origin, which means that it does not warm up so quickly in the sun, and you can safely walk on it. The entrance to the dark turquoise water is gentle, and there are no stones and shells on the seabed. A significant plus is the fact that in this place there are no strong currents and winds – reefs reliably protect tourists from this.

The beach is open to all comers. Cocya has many restaurants, shops and cafes. Throughout the beach you will find free showers, toilets and changing cabins.

Location: Puerto Plata, Cocya, Dominican Republic.

12. Arena Gorda

Arena Gorda

In the vicinity of Punta Cana is a picturesque beach area – Arena Gorda. It is one of the best beach resort places in the Dominican Republic. This coastline has even been awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag Award. Pearl-white sand, palm groves and crystal clear azure bay – all this creates a bewitching landscape. Moreover coral reefs provide natural protection from the high waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sharks or other predatory fish do not swim here. There are several hotels and restaurants nearby. The sand is white and very soft, even in the heat does not burn legs. The water on the beach is crystal clear, there are no stones and shells. Hotel staff clean algae and trash every morning.

Interestingly, there are no sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. Hotel owners wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a wild beach, so most tourists relax under palm trees. Entry is free.

Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

13. Catalina Island Beach

Catalina Island Beach
Catalina Island Beach

Imagine a small uninhabited island where you can lie on the silky sand surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. This is Catalina island with an exceptionally transparent Caribbean Sea, where water shimmers in all shades – from saturated blue to pale turquoise. Amazing views and one of the best places that the Dominican Republic offers to you. The photos of the beaches of Catalina speak for themselves.

You can get here only by water, which means that the beach is unlikely to be attacked by crowds of tourists. But you can experience a unique feeling of private relaxation on a yacht near a fabulous beach. Swimming off the coast of Catalina Island is indescribably good, because thanks to the coral reef surrounding the island, there are practically no waves. By the way, a small rocky lagoon attracts not only beach lovers, but also divers. The underwater world of the local coral reef is so rich that you can find a fascinating diving program for any level of difficulty.

Macau beach

Algae in the Dominican Republic beaches

Another point that needs to be considered before booking your holiday in Dominican Republic is the algae situation. Of course, after a long flight, no one would want to discover not the azure sea from magazine photos, but algae on a hotel beach.

Until recently, this phenomenon was extremely rare, but due to changes in currents in the Sargas Sea, algae began to emerge unpredictably off the coast of the Dominican Republic.

Some hotels clean them and regularly clean the beaches. Unfortunately one cannot guess which hotel does this and which does not. It definitely does not always depend on the cost and “star rating” of the hotel. The Dominican Republic Live Agency recommends that you find out in advance about the situation with algae in the hotel you have chosen.

Here are the beaches on which we have never seen algae:

  • beaches of Saona
  • Rincon on the Samana Peninsula
  • Orlov Bay beach
  • Catalina island beach
  • Cayo Levantado Island
  • Fronton Beach

These are the best algae-free beaches in the Dominican Republic. But when the sea currents bring algae, they can be found on the beaches of Bavaro, Macau, Juanillo beach and even on Caleton beach, although the latter two are considered premium.

Summary

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are some of the best in the world, and if you have long wanted to visit a place which combines beautiful nature with good service, you definitely need to come here.

  • Bavaro beach
  • Orlov Bay beach
  • Playa Grande
  • Playa Bonita
  • Rincon Beach
  • Whale Beach
  • La Playita beach
  • Saona Island
  • Macau Beach
  • Juanillo beach
  • Cocya beach
  • Arena Gorda
  • Catalina Island Beach


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