Considered to have some of the top beaches in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has endless offerings for different traveler types.
From all-inclusive resorts to undeveloped and secluded stretches of sand to slip away from civilization, the Dominican Republic has it.
Since it’s an island in the middle of the Caribbean, countless beach offerings are close to small, rural towns and major cities.
Soft-sand beaches dot the north side, while the south side boasts a mix of smooth pebble beaches or powdery white sand.
Knowing the best beaches on the island is important regardless of your target destination and beach type.
So keep reading to find out!
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12 Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
Twelve: Las Galeras
Starting off the list at number twelve is Las Galeras, a stunning beach that lines the waterfront of the town of Las Galeras.
Walking just 15 minutes from the main beach, you will encounter more tranquil and less populated beaches to sunbathe or bask in the warm blue waters.
The Las Galeras beachfront boasts large coconut palm trees, while the shallow waters radiate different shades of blue that cannot be matched on the north coast.
The town is charming and considered by visitors to be an undiscovered treasure, so don’t tell anyone!
Eleven: Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada is next on this list of best beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Located on the Amber Cast, this stretch of golden sand runs along the eastern border of Puerto Plata under stunning mountain scenery.
In addition to the dramatic landscape, visitors are drawn to Playa Dorada because the resorts are not towering high-rises.
Local building codes allow developers to build to a maximum of three stories, and they must be spaced out from other resorts to maintain the natural feeling of the environment.
Ten: Bavaro Beach
A list of the best Dominican Republic beaches would only be complete by mentioning the spectacular Bavaro Beach.
Families, water sport enthusiasts, and sun seekers navigate to Bavaro Beach in droves to relax at the all-inclusive resorts.
Bavaro Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal stretches of land in the Punta Cana area.
The calm waters are ideal for wading or swimming, and the watercolor shades of blue stretch beyond the roped-off swimming areas.
The sea is action-packed with parasailers, jet skiers, and boaters.
Nine: Las Aguilas Bay
Also known as Eagles Bay, Las Aguilas Bay is the best spot on the island for ecotourism and adventure.
Las Aguilas Bay boasts white sand stretching for almost five miles on the far southwestern coast.
In addition to its natural beauty and pristine setting, Las Aguilas Bay remains isolated since it’s part of Jaragua National Park, making it a protected area.
Visitors can take national park tours, rent four-wheel drives to navigate down the coastline from Pedernales, or rent a boat.
The beach has no restaurants or bars, just crystalline aquamarine, swimmable waters with the occasional sea life sighting.
Eight: Playa Juan Dolio
Coming in at number eight is Playa Juan Dolio, a lively and fun beach destination set in a small seaside town.
The golden sand surrounded by swaying palm trees is ideal for soaking up the sun and playing in the waves.
Since the beach faces the Caribbean Sea and features breakwaters, the waves are small, the water is typically calm, and the ocean is as warm as bath water.
Between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Playa Juan Dolio is a diverse mix of foreign visitors and Dominicans, so there are various all-inclusive resorts and vacation rental homes.
Seven: Playa Rincon
Remote and undeveloped, Playa Rincon is the ideal tropical white sand, postcard-perfect beach.
If you’re searching for one of the most beautiful undeveloped beaches in the country, Playa Rincon is it.
At one end of the beach, a cover creates calm waters ideal for swimming.
The lush green mountains in the distance rise from the ocean at the opposite end of the bay.
The restaurant is at each end of the beach, and several snack and lunch stands can be found near the parking area.
Six: Playa Najayo
Located on the island’s south coast, Play Najayo is a more rustic and local escape, appealing to those seeking an authentic experience.
Compared to all other beaches on this list, Playa Najayo has coarse sand with outcropped rocks, which leads to less visitor charm.
Instead, the main appeal is the swimmable waters with the local rattan-roof beach restaurants and bars; hired beach chairs are always easy to find.
Fried snapper served with fried plantains is a local favorite, so take advantage of this combination for lunch.
Five: Cayo Levantado Beach
If your goal is to kick back and relax on a picturesque beach in the privacy of a secluded island, then Cayo Levantado Beach is your Dominican Republic destination.
Located off the Samana Peninsula coast, this beach has the Luxury Bahia Principe Cayon Levantado resort next to shallow turquoise waters and soft-sand beaches.
The island boasts three beaches, which are connected by hiking trails.
The resort is an adults-only, all-inclusive facility for the ultimate relaxation.
Most visitors arrive through Samana El Catey International Airport, the closest to the island.
Four: Guayacanes Beach
This scenic and quiet fishing village east of Santo Domingo offers a quaint strip of sand with several nearby bars and restaurants that serve unbeatable seafood.
It’s common to see local fishermen pulling their boats right up to the restaurants with the local day’s catch.
Some areas of the beach are covered in seaweed and rocks, but the main swimming area boasts calm, turquoise waters, and the view at sunrise or sunset is incredible.
Best of all, this beach continues to be a hidden secret among tourists, so it doesn’t get crowded.
Three: Sosua Beach
Sosua Beach is in a sheltered bay with plenty of hidden treasures beneath the waves.
Located on the northern coast, Sosua Beach is sheltered by low-lying green hills that give way to the golden sand and aquamarine waters.
This beach experiences a steady flow of visitors throughout the year who love the easygoing vibe and stunning scenery.
A respectable selection of beach bars and seafood offerings to enjoy cold drinks with a view is close to the beach.
Snorkeling at Sosua Beach is excellent, with plenty of tropical fish swimming in the shallow waters.
Two: Macao Beach
Located in Punta Cana, Macao Beach boasts a wide strip of white sand set among surfable waves and palm-fringed scenery.
The beach attracts visitors searching for more laidback destinations to sit in the crystal clear waters while surfers enjoy the consistent swells.
Those wanting to learn to surf can enroll in year-round classes.
In addition, the beach has access to many excellent local restaurants where you can enjoy seafood and cocktails with a fantastic view.
One: Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach is number one on this list of best beaches in the Dominican Republic, a picturesque stretch of white sand overlooked by the town with the same name on the south coast.
Lapped by sheltered waters in a shallow bay with La Matica cay on the horizon, Boca Chica Beach is family-friendly, with plenty of marine life to view under the waves in sunken gardens and coral reefs.
In addition to these underwater treasures, visitors can swim to several shipwrecks in La Caleta Underwater Park.
Dominican Republic Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Dominican Republic Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous beach in the Dominican Republic?
Las Aguilas Bay is the most famous beach in the Dominican Republic.
Locals and tourists flock to this beach to enjoy countless activities, bars, restaurants, and various adventurous activities.
Which Dominican Republic beach has the clearest water?
Besides being the most famous beach on the island, Las Aguilas Bay also has the clearest water and some of the most dramatic landscapes.
The gradation of blues from the white sand to the deepest parts of the ocean is unmatched by any other beach in the Dominican Republic.
What time of the year is the seaweed the worst on Dominican Republic Beaches?
Seaweed can be a significant problem at many beaches around the island.
Specifically, beaches near Punta Cana inherit seaweed from the Sargasso Sea, the worst during the hottest months.
Then, the seaweed completely disappears in the winter due to the milder temperatures.
Is it safe to swim in the Dominican Republic?
Like at any other beach destination, it’s critical to follow the warnings from local authorities regarding swimming, undertows, storms, and other potential hazards.
Also, you should only enter the water when a lifeguard is on duty.
However, if you follow the precautions and swim with trained professionals present, then it’s safe to swim at beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Also, many beaches on this list have calm waters throughout the year, so undertows are rarely of concern.
