Punta Cana is a long stretch of stunningly beautiful beach areas located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque landscapes of this tropical paradise, with white sandy beaches, coconut palms, and clear azure waters, have won the hearts of tourists from around the world. The resort area is home to many hotels offering various levels of service.
Punta Cana’s beaches are a great place for a holiday where everyone can find something they enjoy. There are shallow, cozy lagoons for families with small children, tropical hideaways for lovers and those seeking solitude, and excellent opportunities for windsurfing, diving, and sailing for active beachgoers.
Eco-tourism enthusiasts visit the remote parts of the coastline within the Dominican Republic’s national parks, which are home to unique flora and fauna. When planning your trip, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each beach area to choose the most suitable option for you.
Arena Gorda
A wide sandy strip stretching for 4.5 km along the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The leisure area is a large lagoon protected from high waves by a coral reef. The water here is rarely completely calm due to the noticeable sea breeze. Arena Gorda, with its miles of white sand and palm groves, is one of the most picturesque places and has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness, eco-friendliness, and the absence of seaweed.
Here you can take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the turquoise sea and tall palms leaning towards the water’s edge. The gentle slope makes the coast convenient for family holidays with children. The white sand does not burn the children’s feet, there are no sharp coral or shell fragments, and a lifeguard station is operational. There are few sunbeds and umbrellas as the beach administration strives to maintain the atmosphere of an untouched natural corner.
Access to the leisure area is available to guests of nearby hotels or by presenting an ID. The beach is not crowded, providing all conditions for lovers of peaceful relaxation.
Bavaro
The Bavaro beach area, located 25 km from the international airport, is the pride of the Punta Cana resort. The wide coastline is covered with velvety white sand with a golden hue, and majestic coconut palms offer respite from the midday heat. The entry into the sea is very convenient, with no sharp depth drops and a smooth sandy bottom.
Located 800 meters from the shore, a coral reef reliably protects the beach area from high waves and strong currents. Bavaro maintains its high status as a clean and eco-friendly leisure spot, confirmed by the Blue Flag. The area is surrounded by comfortable hotels, offering guests free sunbeds, changing rooms, toilets, and showers.
Bavaro’s developed infrastructure allows for all the advantages of an active beach holiday. Several sea centers on the coast offer boat and catamaran rides, buggy trips, and swimming with dolphins. Daily volleyball tournaments, yoga classes, and equipment rentals for snorkeling and diving are available.
In the evenings, foam parties, spectacular discos with DJs and animators, and fiery dances on the sand take place on the shore.
El Cortecito
The coastline got its name due to its proximity to a fishing village. The villagers still make their living from fishing, supplying fresh fish to coastal restaurants and hotels. The variety and price of seafood dishes will surprise even seasoned tourists.
A small section of the coastline between Bavaro and Arena Gorda is roughly divided into two sectors. One part is the leisure zones of nearby hotels, and the other is a city beach area with many bars, restaurants, and small shops. The village population, not engaged in fishing, makes and sells a wide range of handmade souvenirs on the coast.
The section of the coastline with white coral sand and a gentle slope into the clear aquamarine waters of the ocean is suitable for adults and children. Entry to the beach area is free, and sunbeds and umbrellas are provided at no cost. The place, often visited by tourists and locals, is quite crowded.
The most popular activities among beachgoers are sailing and scuba diving. Experienced yachtsmen and diving center instructors help you enjoy the beautiful sea surface and explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Macao
Half an hour’s drive from Punta Cana International Airport is one of the few public beach areas in the country. The area attracts with its picturesque coastal landscapes. Azure waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash onto the golden sand, and the lacy shade of sprawling palms and mangroves offers a respite from the midday heat.
The Macao area, unprotected by a reef, has long attracted lovers of big waves — surfers and bodyboarders. Several surfing clubs operate on the shore, where you can rent equipment. Experienced instructors give lessons to beginners trying to stand on a board for the first time.
Near the rocky ridge, where many pelicans live, the waves are much calmer, and the sandy bottom has a gentle slope. The area is perfect for family holidays. When entering the sea, be cautious as there are occasional coral fragments on the bottom.
Arena Blanca
A wide and long strip of white sand 30 km from the airport is the uniquely beautiful leisure area of Arena Blanca. The gentle entry into the clear aquamarine waters of the ocean and the smooth sandy bottom make swimming convenient.
The semi-shade created by numerous palm trees protects against sunburn during the first days in the tropics. There is always a light sea breeze, and small waves are possible. The beach area with free sunbeds is clean and regularly cleared of litter and seaweed by professional equipment.
Favorite activities of vacationers include banana boat rides, catamaran trips, and parasailing. The surfing school offers equipment rentals and lessons for beginner surfers. With dusk, Arena Blanca comes alive with nightlife.
Loud music plays from numerous bars and restaurants offering seafood dishes, local alcoholic drinks, and cigars. Expressive animators organize fiery shows and parties on the beach, and a casino operates.
Cabeza de Toro
The half-kilometer beach area is located by the Mona Passage, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. The section of the coast with white sand, dazzling blue sea, and picturesque vegetation has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety. A coral reef protects against high waves and strong currents — the water is always calm here. The gentle slope into the sea is convenient for families with small children.
Cabeza de Toro is known for its developed infrastructure. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, children’s animation and lifeguard services operate, and there are areas for beach football and volleyball. Staff daily clean up litter and seaweed. Uninterrupted internet access creates conditions for remote work and online entertainment.
While relaxing in Cabeza de Toro, you can enjoy banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat tours, or snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the coral reef, home to tropical underwater fauna.
Juanillo
The three-kilometer shoreline located in the exclusive Cap Cana area in the south of the resort is a true jewel of the Caribbean coast. Juanillo is a fairy-tale landscape of blue sky reflected in the serene azure waters and white sand framed by majestic palms.
Access by special passes ensures the leisure area’s relative seclusion, making the coastline an ideal place for wedding ceremonies and unique photo sessions. The coral reef that blocks high waves and the gentle entry into the sea make the beach section attractive for families with small children.
Staff diligently maintain the cleanliness of the area, daily clearing the swimming zone of seaweed. The developed infrastructure provides vacationers with all options for comfortable relaxation: sunbeds, sunshades, and changing cabins.
At the yacht pier, tourists can rent boats, kayaks, and catamarans. The rich marine life of the coastal area offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Children’s slides and trampolines on the shore diversify the leisure of the little ones.
Uvero Alto
A wide, long coastline to the north of the resort is the beach area of Uvero Alto. The coastline with golden sand and coconut palm groves is washed by the emerald waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Eight hotels with various service levels are located on the beach, alternating with sections of wild beach zones.
These places are popular with newlyweds dreaming of spending their honeymoon in relative seclusion. Uvero Alto offers romantic walks along the surf’s edge, enjoying sea sunsets, and horseback riding in preserved areas.
The right part of the coast, protected by rocks and a coral reef, is preferred by those who enjoy quiet relaxation and families with children. The left part of the sandy strip, with high waves, attracts surfers, sailors, and water skiers.
Not far from the shore is one of the longest and most beautiful coral reefs, densely populated with exotic fish and other marine life. The crystal-clear water allows you to enjoy the underwater world’s beauty while snorkeling or diving.
Eagle Bay
Located in the center of the Jaragua National Park on the border with Haiti, this is the most amazing beach area. Getting here is not easy — you need to drive all day or sail for several hours by boat. This difficulty in access protects this pristine spot from crowds of tourists.
Those who dare to undertake this challenging but unforgettable journey will see the country’s pristine beauty. The unique plant and animal life of this place is protected by law, prohibiting the construction of hotels and campsites.
Numerous cacti and other exotic plants bloom here, and birds with bright tropical plumage flutter everywhere. Large flocks of graceful pink flamingos are fascinating. On the coast, large rhinoceros iguanas can be seen, and in the evenings, huge sea turtles crawl ashore to lay eggs.
The bay is protected from waves by a coral reef, home to the largest red sea stars in the Dominican Republic and millions of colorful coral fish. The pristine white sand and crystal-clear water beckon you to swim or explore the underwater world.
Playa Grande
A two-kilometer sandy strip on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic near the town of Rio San Juan attracts vacationers with its extraordinarily picturesque landscapes. Soft fine sand of a golden color with a warm honey hue borders the bright emerald waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Palm groves and rocky cliffs with pelicans and seagulls, which allow themselves to be photographed, stretch along the shore.
The restless water and underwater currents are not always safe for long swims. There are several shallow lagoons for children to swim. The beach area offers free showers and toilets, and sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
High waves provide excellent opportunities for surfing enthusiasts. In winter, professional competitions are held here, and in the summer season, beginners train under instructors’ guidance. There is a rental point for surfing and diving equipment, boats, kayaks, and catamarans.
Many small restaurants and cafes are located along the coastline, where the signature dishes are grilled lobsters and sea bass. On weekends, the beach area can be overly crowded as locals often come here for recreation.
Playa la Vacana
A section of the Atlantic Ocean coastline in the northeast of the resort is a suitable place for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Soft golden sand, sprawling palms, and the absence of tourist crowds create an atmosphere of tranquility. The smooth sandy bottom and the crystal-clear azure water provide excellent swimming conditions for those not afraid of high waves and seaweed. The most comfortable time here is from November to April, when the ocean is calmer.
Infrastructure on the stretch of coastline is completely absent. The best pastime in the beach area is calm and measured relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of modern megacities. Here, no one will disturb you from enjoying majestic sea sunsets, admiring tropical vegetation, and watching the myriad sparkling sprays in the raging surf.
A fish restaurant located on Playa la Vacana rents out tents. This is the only way to stay overnight for those who wish to linger in this secluded picturesque spot for a few days.
Playa Palmera
The sandy strip is surrounded by the Eastern National Park and is inaccessible from the shore. The only way to reach this corner of pristine nature, located opposite Saona Island, is by boat. The pristine tropical paradise remains off the tourist radar due to its difficult accessibility.
People come to this untouched world by human civilization to restore their inner balance and experience complete relaxation. The section of white sand, surrounded by picturesque trees and shrubs, creates an impression of complete unity with nature.
On the sparsely populated shore, you can calmly sunbathe, swim in the crystal-clear water, and take long walks along the surf’s edge. The rich underwater world of the coast — red sea stars and various exotic fish — will delight snorkeling enthusiasts.