The Dominican Republic is a blessed and desirable corner for travelers, occupying the eastern part of the island of Haiti. The Republic delights with its quintessential natural attributes of a tropical paradise. These include gentle sea and ocean bays, sprawling palm groves, and magnificent sandy stretches. The stunning beaches of the Dominican Republic will be appreciated by casual bathers, experienced divers, water sports enthusiasts, and those who prefer comfortable and tranquil relaxation.
Bavaro
Numerous tourists from different countries are attracted to the natural wealth of the Dominican Republic—the Bavaro Beach. It is located 20 kilometers from the Punta Cana International Airport. The picturesque wide shoreline is covered with white coral sand, which doesn’t heat up even on the hottest days.
The azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, in various shades of deep blue, astonish with their crystal clarity. Tall, slender palm trees create a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. A coral reef stretches along the coast, reliably protecting the resort area from large waves. The natural pool is conducive to optimal swimming conditions for both young and adult vacationers. The ocean entrance is gentle.
In close proximity to Bavaro, luxurious hotels are nestled in lush tropical vegetation. Tourists can enjoy all the benefits of a comfortable infrastructure: sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and shower cabins. Water sports enthusiasts have access to various activities: catamaran and jet ski rides, diving and snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and yacht trips.
Recommended Hotels:
- Iberostar Selection Bavaro 5*: Bungalow complex on the first shoreline, water park, Star Camp kids’ camp, evening shows, live music, fitness center (Fit&Fan program for free).
- Majestic Colonial Punta Cana — All Inclusive 5*: Two pools with Balinese gazebos, disco and nightclub Coco, Splash kids’ club, daytime and evening entertainment programs, 11 bars, 7 restaurants.
- Occidental Caribe — All Inclusive 4*: First shoreline, two large pools (lagoons), seven restaurants with cuisines from different countries, Barcy Kids Club, theater with kids’ disco, daily pool area entertainment, adults-only disco.
Uvero Alto
The quiet and peaceful resort of Uvero Alto is famous for its stunning sandy shoreline. This excellent place is ideal for those who prefer a measured, secluded beach vacation amid pristine natural beauty, away from noisy civilization. The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, the purest golden sand, and beautiful coral reefs will leave no one indifferent.
Sprawling palm trees enliven the shore with their greenery, providing cool shade for vacationers. The beach zone stretches for 50 kilometers. Several high-level service hotels are built along the coast.
Vacationers are offered a wide range of sports activities: canoe trips, water skiing, jet skiing, and boating, sea excursions, yachting, fishing, and windsurfing. Diving is particularly popular. Thanks to the coral reef, there are amazing places for deep-sea diving, where one can appreciate the beauty of marine flora and fauna.
Recommended Hotels:
- Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort & Aquagames 5*: Complex of two- and three-story buildings, water park (10 slides for adults and 10 for children), two outdoor pools, two poolside bars, El Bonche disco, dance lessons, kids’ club (ages 4-12).
- Ocean el Faro Resort — All Inclusive 5*: Coral reef near the shore, separate area for family relaxation (pool, playground) and adults-only zone (pools, bars, restaurant, beach area).
- Dreams Punta Cana 5*: First shoreline, kids’ pool, club, and playground, sports programs and entertainment, nine restaurants, nine bars.
Macao
A highlight of the southeastern part of the Dominican Republic is the Macao coast. This sparsely populated, charming place allows each tourist to truly enjoy a top-notch vacation alone with the aquamarine bubbling waters of the ocean and the long white sandy strip. Palm groves and dense tropical thickets alternate with large cliffs. The absence of modern hotel complexes and developed resort infrastructure makes Macao a “wild” recreation zone.
The territory is conditionally divided into two sections. One is designed for comfortable family leisure: the bay’s entrance is gentle, and the shore is filled with sunbeds and umbrellas. The other part of the sandy line attracts surfing enthusiasts. There are no coral reefs in this section of the water area, allowing high Atlantic waves to crash onto the shore. Several surfing clubs with professional instructors operate here.
Recommended Hotel:
- Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana 5*: Offers Unlimited-Luxury vacations, two outdoor pools and a separate adults-only pool, entertainment shows and programs, dance and Spanish language lessons.
Arena Gorda
Located near Punta Cana, the picturesque beach area of Arena Gorda is one of the best resort spots in the Dominican Republic. The coast has been honored with the prestigious “Blue Flag” award. Pearl-white velvet sand, palm groves, and crystal-clear azure bay create mesmerizing natural landscapes. Coral reefs serve as a natural barrier protecting coastal waters from high Atlantic Ocean waves.
No sharks or other predatory underwater inhabitants swim here. The shoreline is equipped with comfortable sun loungers and sunshades. Water temperatures year-round remain at +28-30 degrees. The only drawbacks of the beach area are the absence of public restrooms and restaurants. Vacationers are advised to bring their own food.
Recommended Hotels:
- Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda 5*: Eight three-story villas, water park, two lagoon-type pools with freshwater, evening entertainment shows.
- Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro 5*: Two adult pools and two kids’ pools, two poolside bars, shopping and entertainment complex, kids’ water park, seven beach restaurants.
- Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana 5*: Beautifully maintained area, kids’ club (ages 4-12), playground and pools, lake-shaped pool, animators, nightclub.
El Cortecito
El Cortecito’s coastline is popular among tourists. The magnificent wide shoreline with tall sprawling palms is covered with white coral sand. An impressive coral reef creates a natural barrier to strong currents, protecting vacationers from encounters with dangerous predatory ocean inhabitants. The water entrance is gentle and convenient for both children and adults. The resort area boasts a well-developed infrastructure.
Visitors to El Cortecito are provided with comfortable vacation conditions. Numerous seafood restaurants, cafes, currency exchange points, ATMs, pharmacies, shopping centers, and souvenir and grocery stores line the coast. Entertainment includes diving, snorkeling, and kiteboarding. Sunbeds and umbrellas belong to El Cortecito’s hotel complexes. The cleanliness of the coastal bay water and sand has earned the beach an international “Blue Flag” award.
Recommended Hotel:
- TRS Turquesa Hotel — Adults Only 5*: Adults-only complex, 13 restaurants, 14 bars (six of them on the beach), seven pools, disco, daytime activities, and evening entertainment shows.
Cabeza de Toro
Cabeza de Toro is among those Dominican shores that have received the prestigious “Blue Flag” award for cleanliness and comfort. The dazzling white coral sand strip is washed by turquoise bay waters. Numerous diverse palms with lush green crowns create natural shade and give the beach area a special charm.
This place attracts lovers of secluded and peaceful family vacations. The calm waters are perfect for safe swimming for children, as well as for fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Sunbeds and sunshades are available for vacationers. Active guests of Cabeza de Toro can enjoy various beach activities: jet skiing, canoeing, banana boat rides, yacht sea trips, volleyball, and football courts. Hotels surrounded by their own extensive park areas are built along the shore.
Recommended Hotels:
- Be Live Collection Punta Cana 5*: Recommended for family vacations, rooms with garden, ocean, or pool views, nine pools (including for children), disco, dance lessons, animation programs.
- Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana 5*: Unlimited Luxury concept, night shows and entertainment, sports activities, clubs for children (ages 3-12) and teenagers (ages 13-17).
- Catalonia Royal Bavaro — Adults Only 5*: Adults-only complex, cozy villas and cottages, two outdoor pools, evening shows, live music.
Boca Chica
This resort area attracts vacationers with its stunning shoreline. It is located in a picturesque bay surrounded by tropical vegetation. The beach zone stretches for over two kilometers. The coast is covered with velvet white sand, which contrasts vividly with the lush palms with bright green leaves.
Boca Chica is essentially a large pool. The emerald natural lagoon of the Caribbean Sea is exceptionally calm and shallow. This is facilitated by the coral reef, forming a natural breakwater near the shore. The absence of high destructive waves makes Boca Chica an ideal spot for family vacations with children, who can safely frolic in the warm turquoise bay.
The entrance to the crystal-clear waters is gentle, with a soft sandy bottom. Tourists can rent catamarans, canoes, jet skis, and kayaks or book a sea trip or fishing expedition. The underwater world of the resort impresses avid divers and snorkeling enthusiasts with its diverse marine fauna.
Recommended Hotels:
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach 4*: Located on the first line, Pelican Beach Club, activities for adults and children, nine mini-golf courses.
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden 4*: Two children’s pools and two adult pools, spa center, casino, six restaurants, pool bar, nightclub.
Playa Caribe
In the bustling resort of Juan Dolio lies one of the compact and cozy beaches of the southeastern part—Playa Caribe. The sandy shoreline is crescent-shaped, framed by sugar cane plantations and magnificent palm groves. This less crowded picturesque place is particularly appealing to extreme water sports enthusiasts.
The coast is not protected by coral reefs from strong winds and sea waves. Surfers from all over the world come here to tame the water element on their boards. Vacationers can take introductory surfing courses on the beach and enjoy appetizing seafood dishes at one of the local cafes.
Juanillo
One of the most mesmerizing beaches is the Juanillo coast. The three-kilometer resort area spans the closed territory of the luxurious tourist district of Cap Cana. A wide strip of dazzling white velvet sand is washed by the emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea. The lush greenery of coconut palms enlivens the turquoise-white shoreline. High waves are rare here, and the descent into the crystal-clear bay is gentle. Juanillo has long been a favored spot for wedding ceremonies and romantic photo sessions.
The beach zone is equipped with all necessary resort attributes, allowing for a serene and first-class vacation amid pristine tropical nature. Tourists have access to sun loungers with soft cushions, comfortable beds, sun shades, and restaurants. Carefree time at Juanillo is varied with boat, catamaran, and kayak rides, water skiing, jet skiing, diving, and fishing. Trampolines and water slides are available for young vacationers.
Caleton
Surrounded by picturesque cliffs and tropical vegetation is the stunning Caleton. The cozy shore is crescent-shaped and stretches along the closed territory of the elite tourist residential complex of Cap Cana. The beach zone essentially belongs to the luxurious five-star Caleton hotel complex. If tourists are not guests of this hotel, they cannot access the shore for free.
White sand, palm groves, and an aquamarine lagoon create truly picturesque landscapes. Couples often come here to hold wedding ceremonies and photo sessions. A wooden gazebo on the rocky cape has heard millions of love declarations. Near the shore is a vast green area with a pool, restaurant, and golf course.
Recommended Hotel:
- Xeliter Caleton Villas 5*: Villas on 32,000 acres of tropical gardens, three restaurants and three bars, two tennis courts, yacht club.
Fronton
At the eastern tip of the Samana Peninsula lies one of the most secluded and remote beach sections of the Dominican Republic—the Fronton coast. This stunningly beautiful pristine natural corner is a narrow strip lying at the foot of a majestic 90-meter rocky cliff.
The shore is covered with white sand, contrasting vividly with the emerald splendor of coconut palms and the turquoise sea water. Crabs crawl over the massive stone boulders, and geckos skillfully navigate the trunks of slender palms. There are no resort amenities here: sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, shower cabins, or restaurant services. Local residents sometimes set up an improvised cafe-shop for Fronton visitors, selling fresh seafood and cool drinks.
Vacationers can have a picnic on the shore, enjoying the serene tropical splendor and complete isolation from civilization. The warm, crystal-clear, calm turquoise bay will appeal to snorkeling enthusiasts. The stunning clarity of these waters allows for admiring colorful corals and exotic marine life.
Rincon
One of the gems of the Samana Peninsula is the long, wide shoreline of Rincon. It is tucked away in a beautiful bay. Tourists can enjoy the soothing natural landscapes: green hills with lush emerald tropical forests, white velvet sand, and an endless turquoise calm bay. Rows of slender coconut palms line the shore.
Rincon stretches for four kilometers away from hotels, villas, and guesthouses. This wild and sparsely populated place is perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the warm, crystal-clear waters alone with pristine nature. There are a few cozy beachfront bars and cafes. They also provide sun loungers and sunshades for vacationers.
Cayo Levantado
Five kilometers from Samana Bay lies the small coral reef island of Cayo Levantado. It is famous for its wonderful white sandy strip, shining in the sun’s rays. The shore is washed by the azure bay of the Atlantic Ocean and dotted with coconut palms. This tropical corner is chosen by lovers of quiet and peaceful time. Here, the whisper of the surf merges with the rustling of exotic tree leaves.
In addition to admiring the island’s stunning landscapes, travelers can enjoy water treatments, sunbathe, kayak, snorkel, and engage in other active water sports. The developed infrastructure offers guests of Cayo Levantado a first-class vacation. There are restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops on the shore. The beach area is equipped with all necessary amenities for visitors: sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and shower cabins.
Recommended Hotels:
- Bahia Principe Luxury Cayo Levantado 5*: Exclusive and luxurious rooms, beachfront villas with jacuzzis on the terrace, waiter service at the pool and beach.
- Bahia Principe Luxury Samana — Adults Only 5*: Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, jacuzzi, WE Wellness Experience program at the spa, culinary shows.
Catalina
The uninhabited island of Catalina offers tourists the chance to feel like Robinson Crusoe or the owner of a private shore. This picturesque place attracts visitors with its magnificent beach of fine, clean sand and the turquoise bay of the Caribbean Sea. The natural beauty of the shore is striking. On the island, one can enjoy a leisurely vacation under the shade of palms, swim in the calm azure waters, and bask on the silky white sand. Banana boat rides and tasting local dishes will provide many pleasant impressions.
Catalina’s main treasure is the rich underwater world of the coastal zone. The shore is surrounded by a luxurious coral reef, home to many exotic marine creatures. The sea water is extraordinarily clear, with visibility up to 30 meters.
Bay of Eagles
Visiting the astonishing Bay of Eagles will leave a lasting impression. This prominent national natural treasure of the Dominican Republic has preserved its pristine beauty and cleanliness, untouched by civilization. The bay is far from popular tourist routes. The journey from the Punta Cana resort takes about eight hours.
The long trip is generously compensated by the landscapes that unfold. In this region, impenetrable tropical jungles give way to savannah. Giant cacti complement the unique scenery. The jewel of the bay is the endless sandy strip with the turquoise and calm bay of the Caribbean Sea. A rocky cliff rises above the many-kilometer-long shore.
The completely wild beach, with no infrastructure, is inhabited by pelicans, iguanas, flamingos, and turtles. Tourists can enjoy swimming in the calm emerald waters, savoring the extraordinary silence. Snorkeling enthusiasts will admire schools of bright exotic fish, sea stars, and other marine life.
Diamante
In a closed bay in the north of the country lies the sandy strip of Diamante. Crystal-clear ocean waters wash the narrow shore with numerous trees, whose canopies provide shade along the entire beach area. The bay reliably protects the shore from high waves. Shallow water, a gentle bottom, and absolute water calm are ideal for family vacations with children. The bay waters almost entirely cover the beach, making the constantly wet sand glisten in the sun. Diamante is particularly popular among the locals of the Dominican Republic.
Minitas
Lovers of a peaceful beach vacation will find a place in the sun on the magnificent shore of La Minitas. The wide shore is covered with light-brown soft sand and bordered by the emerald greenery of luxurious coconut palms. Coral reefs protect Minitas from strong currents, creating a natural pool with gentle warm azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. The sandy gentle bottom and gradual depth increase allow both young and adult tourists to safely enjoy swimming in the calm bay.
The shore is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. There are also bars, restaurants, shower cabins, changing rooms, and toilets. For active recreation enthusiasts, various water activities are offered: banana boat rides, kayaking, and catamaran rides, sailing, and exciting boat trips on the open sea. Diving will provide unforgettable emotions. The local marine flora and fauna will leave no one indifferent.
Dominicus
The resort area of La Romana boasts one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic—Dominicus. It became the first coastline in the Republic to receive the prestigious international “Blue Flag” award for pristine cleanliness, comfort, and safety. The stunningly picturesque natural landscape captivates: a long white sandy strip, a grove of tropical palms, and the aquamarine bay of the Caribbean Sea.
The beach area is divided among hotel complexes and public sections where locals relax. Dominicus is popular among those who enjoy swimming in the shallow turquoise waters. Divers can see various exotic underwater inhabitants and a sunken cargo ship. Bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops are available for tourists. The shore is equipped only with sun loungers and sunshades.
Palenque
Palenque guarantees tourists a secluded and peaceful vacation. The picturesque shore lies away from popular tourist resorts near Santo Domingo. Palm groves, lush tropical vegetation, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea with a turquoise hue, and gray-black sand make up a first-class natural complex for a memorable stay on this beach.
Vacationers at Palenque can relax on sun loungers in the shade of lush palms, take water treatments in the crystal-clear warm bay, and enjoy the stunning silence. Activities include kayaking and diving. Diving enthusiasts will find a sunken ship inhabited by marine life. Near the beach area is a seafood restaurant. Regulars recommend trying the appetizing dish of fried fish and vegetable bananas (plantains).
Palmar de Ocoa
On the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic lies the wonderful sandy strip of the cozy and secluded province of Azua—Palmar de Ocoa. The shore stretches for about nine kilometers and is covered with unique large gray sand. A mountain massif with emerald tropical greenery creates mesmerizing landscapes. The azure waters of the Caribbean Sea are perfect for refreshing swims on a hot day.
This place lacks a developed infrastructure, allowing vacationers to fully appreciate the untouched beauty of nature. The deep bay and rich underwater world favor exciting sport fishing and diving. Near Palmar de Ocoa, locals engage in growing grapes, bananas, onions, and peppers.
The beaches of the Dominican Republic offer a diverse range of experiences, from secluded natural havens to bustling resort areas with all the amenities. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Dominican Republic’s beaches have something for everyone.