The 20 Best Beaches in Dominican Republic

Map of the Best Beaches in Dominican Republic

Here are all of the best beaches in Dominican Republic displayed on a map. To save the map to your Google Maps account, either open the map to full screen on a mobile device or click the little star next to the title at the top of the map (desktop only).

Playa Bavaro

Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is one of the most visited tropical destinations in the world. And it's for a good reason: the beaches are nothing short of spectacular.

If you're searching for the best beach in Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach is the most beautiful stretch of white sand and calm waters.

Without many waves, Bavaro Beach is a fantastic place for stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. Lined with palm trees right along the coast, Bavaro Beach is one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic without a doubt.

Playa Bavaro extends for about 30km, so you won't have a problem finding a place to lay down your beach towel and soak up the sunshine.

Where to Stay at Bavaro Beach

If you're visiting Punta Cana and longing for the most relaxing holiday possible, consider booking an all inclusive vacation at one of the top Dominican Republic beaches.

Lopesan Costa Bavaro Hotel in Punta Cana is a five star, luxurious resort with everything you'd ever need for a memorable holiday in the Caribbean.

In addition to a stunning beach setting, you can lounge about in six swimming pools, a magnificent infinity pool, and enjoy unlimited food and drink.

Playa Rincon

A little farther north in Samana, you'll find a beach that's completely opposite from the resort lined ones in Punta Cana.

Playa Rincon is an untouched, undeveloped stretch of beach that's also a fantastic place to go snorkeling. Walk along the palm tree lined white sand beaches.

Admire the lush green mountains off in the distance. Playa Rincón is a little more remote and difficult to reach, but it's well worth the effort.

While you won't have any resort vibes here, you will find a few local restaurants and food stalls.

If you're visiting from nearby Las Galeras, you can travel here for the day by ferry boat. Otherwise, it's a four hour drive from Puerto Plata or an eight hour journey from Punta Cana.

Where to Stay Near Rincon Beach

Playa Grande

Playa Grande sits on the northeast side of the island, and it's another relatively undeveloped beach in a remote area. It's one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic for its spectacular stretches of sand.

There are also opportunities to go hiking near the sandy beaches.

The waves at Grande Beach can be a little larger than other Dominican Republic beaches, so they're perfect for water sports and windsurfing.

You can enjoy some peace and quiet without any crowds or mass tourism nearby. Regardless, the north coast of the Dominican Republic is stunning.

Where to Stay Near Grande Beach

Whether you stay in the small town of Rio San Juan (transfer from Puerto Plata to get there) or take a day trip from Puerto Plata, Playa Grande is the ideal beach for those seeking serenity.

You can also stay closer to Grande Beach at Cabrera Chalet boutique hotel in nearby Cabrera. This cozy hideaway up on the hilltop features an outdoor swimming pool, gardens, a sun terrace and a bar.

Cayo Levantado

The gorgeous island, Cayo Levantado, surely tops many lists of the best beaches in Dominican Republic. This island is easily reached by boat, and you might know it as the Bacardi Rum island from the TV commercials years ago.

There are three stretches of white sand beaches, and the interior of the island is a tropical forest. Why not spend part of your day relaxing on the beach, and the other half exploring the dense jungle on a hiking adventure?

You can take a day trip to Cayo Levantado from Bávaro aboard a luxury catamaran. Enjoy the best of both worlds: stay at a luxurious all inclusive resort in Punta Cana and savor a quieter beach at Cayo Levantado.

Whether your goal is to work on your suntan or to snorkel with the fishes, Cayo Levantado is one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic.

Where to Stay Near Cayo Levantado

As you can visit Cayo Levantado on a tour from Bavaro, it makes sense to stay in Punta Cana.

The Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro is an incredible all-inclusive resort hotel with two outdoor pools, nine restaurants, and a spa and wellness center. There's also a gorgeous beach steps from your room.

Playa Dorada

Playa Dorada is a spectacular beach along Dominican Republic's Amber Coast near Puerto Plata. You'll fall in love with the golden sands, twinkling waters, and distant mountain scenery.

The waves here are a little rockier, so this beach lends well to many water sports like water skiing and wind surfing.

If you're taking an ocean cruise to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, you can easily take a taxi to Playa Dorada for a day at the beach. Escape your fellow cruise ship guests and relax on one of the most stunning Dominican Republic beaches.

Where to Stay Near Dorada Beach

If you're looking for the perfect hotel on Dorada Beach, check out the Casa Colonial Beach & Spa. It's a 5-star luxury property with an outdoor pool, an adjacent golf course and a beach bar.

Bagua Spa, the onsite spa, offers rejuvenating treatments and massages. The property is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Playa Boca Chica

Playa Boca Chica is one of the most popular beaches in Dominican Republic. It's near the city of Santo Domingo, so it does tend to be more crowded than other beaches in the DR.

It's very family friendly with calm waters, protected by a natural coral reef that acts as a barrier between the beach and the Caribbean Sea. The water is shallow and perfect for couples and families alike.

If you're thinking about visiting Boca Chica Beach, I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid some of the crowds. However, if you're the life of the party, you'll love Boca Chica Beach.

There's beach volleyball tournaments, cafes, bars, and so much more. Even though it's an overly touristy region, it's still one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic.

Where to Stay Near Boca Chica Beach

Las Palmeras by Graziano is right on Boca Chica Beach. You can't get much closer! These are private, self-catering apartments with 24 hours of security.

There's an outdoor pool, gardens, and each apartment comes with its own terrace offering sea views. It's a highly rated property that's ideal for couples.

Playa Cabarete

Cabarete is another town on the north coast of Dominican Republic with magnificent beaches. If you love water sports, take a trip to Kite Beach in Cabarete. It is an internationally acclaimed beach for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Each year, participants travel from all over the world to take part in the Master of the Ocean championship. Athletes can compete in four different sports: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand up paddleboarding. Attend the event to watch professional athletes in action.

Even if you are just a beginner, Cabarete is the perfect place to learn many water sports. There are several kiteboarding schools to help you try a new sport for the first time.

If you're a thrill seeker looking for a new challenge, Cabarete is one of the best places to visit in Dominican Republic.

Where to Stay Near Cabarete Beach

Velero Beach Hotel is a beachfront accommodation at Cabarete Beach that's perfect for couples, families and friends. At the beach out front, there's a small reef that forms shallow pools at low tide, which are fantastic for families with small kids.

The property is sheltered from the wind, but it's a great location for windsurfers out on the water. There's also a restaurant right on the water where you can dine and watch the sunset.

Playa Sosua

Just west of Cabarete, Sosua is a fabulous destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Only 20 minutes from Puerto Plata, it's possible to take a day trip to Sosua Beach.

With a large coral reef surrounding the beach, it's an ideal place to go diving or snorkeling. It's easy to discover many fish and admire the underwater sea life.

Even if you aren't a fan of underwater exploration, Sosua is one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic. It's famous for its gorgeous golden sands and glistening waters.

There are nearby shops and restaurants if you'd like to partake in some retail therapy. Furthermore, it's possible to rent umbrellas and lounge chairs for the beach. Sosua has a laid back atmosphere without being too remote: the best of both worlds.

Where to Stay Near Sosua Beach

The Piergiorgio Palace Hotel is a four star property perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a beautiful beach in Sosua.

This accommodation used to only be a restaurant, but its Italian fashion designer owner transformed the property into a stunning hotel.

It pays homage to the Victorian era with its winding quartz staircase, high ceilings, dreamy verandah and gazebo. Enjoy breezy views from this unique hotel in the Dominican Republic.

Las Galeras

At the end of the Samana Peninsula, Las Galeras is a sleepy seaside village where you won't see many tourists. While there aren't any all inclusive resorts here, you will find many restaurants, hotels, and apartments for rent.

Playa Las Galeras is a beautiful beach to enjoy on the shores of Las Galeras.

There are also opportunities to participate in scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking tours, ATV tours, boating, and other activities.

It's also possible to book a day trip to the beaches of the Samana Peninsula: Las Galeras, Playa Fronton, and Playa Rincon. With a tour of the best beaches in Dominican Republic, you'll get a great taste of what the area has to offer.

If you decide to stay a while in Las Galeras, don't be surprised if you end up having the beach all to yourself. For that reason alone, it's one of the best beaches in DR.

Where to Stay Near Las Galeras

Wyndham Alltra Samaná Resort is an all-inclusive resort in a secluded beachfront location in the DR.

There are two outdoor pools, a children's pool, complimentary water activities, garden scenery, and an absolutely stunning beach. There are ample sun loungers, so you'll never feel like it's overly crowded. This is truly paradise in Las Galeras.

Playa Minitas

Playa Minitas in La Romana is great for a couples trip or family fun. It's near many popular all inclusive resorts, and the waters are quite calm. While you can enjoy many water sports here, it's safe for children to go for a swim, too.

Otherwise, what's not to love: golden sands, peaceful waters, and palm trees for days. Playa Minitas is one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic, especially on the southern end of the island.

Where to Stay Near Playa Minitas

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in La Romana is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean. This 7000-acre luxury resort contains a full-size replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village and amphitheater. 

There are 17 on-site restaurants, five bars/lounges and five coffee shops/cafes. Guests have access to their own four passenger cart to tour the property.

There's also a swim-up bar, a beach bar and a poolside bar.

Playa Encuentro

Playa Encuentro is not your typical relaxing white sand beach, but rather a beach for surfers. Described as a "perfect right-hand reef break," there are endless big waves here. Go surfing in the early morning for the best waves.

Encuentro Beach has several top surf schools and surfboard rentals right on the beach. You can learn how to surf if you've never attempted the sport before. It's also fantastic for those who already know how to surf and would like to improve their skills.

Where to Stay Near Encuentro Beach

Cabarete Boutique Eco Lodge Beachfront is one of the best places to stay near Encuentro Beach. It's a four star property with a budget-friendly price tag.

Enjoy the swimming pool, gardens, fitness center, and of course, the beach. Snorkeling and cycling are popular activities to do from the resort, and you can rent bikes on site.

Playa Coson

Playa Cosón is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Samaná Peninsula. It's located near the town of Las Terrenas. In total, Coson Beach is home to 6km of white sand and you'll find one of the best sunsets in the DR here, too.

Playa Coson is a fantastic beach destination for watersports. You can go snorkeling or diving here to view aquatic life. It's also very popular for kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing.

Not into water activities? It's an amazing beach to simply relax and soak up the sunshine. There are also restaurant serving local cuisine, and some even have their tables set up on the beach.

Where to Stay Near Coson Beach

There are several boutique hotels on the eastern and western sides of Playa Coson. One of the most luxurious properties in Las Terrenas is the Viva Wyndham V Samana all-inclusive resort, and I highly recommend that you stay there.

There's an outdoor pool, a tennis court and a spa, plus you can enjoy daily activities and unlimited non-motorized sports.

Playa Ensenada

Playa Ensenada is one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic, often referred to as a natural swimming pool.

There's a lengthy coastline with soft, powdery sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. The water is fairly shallow, so it's great for families with small children.

There are plenty of amenities on Ensenada Beach, like umbrellas, loungers, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and a beach restaurant. It's one of those beaches where you can arrive and stay all day long, simply relaxing in the sunshine.

Where to Stay Near Ensenada Beach

One of the best places to stay on Ensenada Beach is the Punta Rucia Lodge. You can't get much closer to the beach than this!

You can stay in a tropical bungalow overlooking the sea. Plus, there are also beautiful gardens and an infinity pool to experience. Punta Rucia Lodge offers modern and elegant amenities with beachy vibes.

Playa Caleton

Playa Caletón is a small, crescent-shaped beach near the fishing village of Río San Juan. This is one of the more authentic Dominican beaches serving many locals who live in the area. There are some trees around providing a natural shade and many sunny spots, too.

There aren't many amenities here, just the wonders of nature. You'll need to bring your own beach chairs, towels, and watersports equipment if you're interested in paddling or floating around.

Enjoy the lush vegetation and surrounding rocky scenery at one of the most beautiful beaches in Dominican Republic.

Where to Stay Near Caleton Beach

There aren't too many hotels near Caleton Beach. You can stay at Cabrera Chalet boutique hotel in nearby Cabrera, the same recommendation that we made for Playa Grande.

Playa Calolima

Playa Calolima is a pretty Dominican beach in El Portillo, and it's easily accessible by tourists. Therefore, it's a popular choice and can get busy during high season.

There's a spacious coastline and there are five beaches in total within a 5km distance. If one beach is too busy, just hop over to the next one!

This is a clean beach with calm, clear waters. The waters are shallow, making it great for families.

There aren't any vendors or restaurants on Calolima Beach, so it's quiet and peaceful. Relax beneath a palm tree or enjoy the bright sunshine at this magnificent beach.

Where to Stay Near Calolima Beach

The best place to stay near Calolima Beach is the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo all-inclusive resort. It has fantastic reviews and it's located right on the beach.

There are a wide array of activities on-site or in the area, like windsurfing and snorkeling. Enjoy the spa and six restaurants on the property.

Playa Macao

Playa Macao in Punta Canada is one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic, hands down. It's a wide sandy beach and a favorite among surfers and outdoor adventurers. Despite having all-inclusive resorts nearby, this is a public beach for everyone to enjoy.

There are many restaurants on Macao Beach and it offers an authentic side of the Dominican Republic through its food. As I mentioned before, it's an ideal beach for surfing and you can also learn to surf on the beaches of Punta Cana.

You can also get picked up from many hotels and resorts in Punta Cana in the Macao Beach area to embark on a small group snorkeling trip. You'll visit a coral nursery, a deserted beach and a natural pool. Book your tour here.

Where to Stay Near Macao Beach

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana is a luxurious all-inclusive resort on Macao Beach.

Justin and I stayed at a Dreams property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and really enjoyed it (Dreams Vallarta Bay).

The resort offers delicious food, drinks, swimming pools, a fitness center, a world-class spa, a kids center, water slides and so much more.

Playa Bayahibe

Playa Bayahibe is a brilliant white sand beach near La Romana, and it's often overlooked by tourists visiting nearby islands.

It's best described as a Caribbean beach paradise. These clear waters are perfect for snorkeling from the beach, and you might even spot starfishes, cuttlefishes and manta rays.

Once the tourists return from day trips around 5:00pm, the bars and restaurants come alive with happy hour specials. This is also a magnificent place to view the sunset in the Dominican Republic.

Where to Stay Near Bayahibe Beach

The Secrets La Romana Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort is the premiere place to stay on Bayahibe Beach. There's a family version of the resort right next door for those traveling with children.

Receive world-class service at this 5-star accommodation. There are two swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, a beautiful garden, a bar, and a private beach area.

Playa El Valle

Playa El Valle offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Dominican Republic. It's located in a valley between two lush mountains at the mouth of the river.

You can swim in the river or swim in the sea, take your pick! There can be rip currents on this beach, so sometimes it's better to swim in the river or not swim out too far.

There are picturesque views all around, whether you gaze off into the sea or at the rocky cliffs around you. It's free to visit El Valle Beach. There are amenities at this beach, including washrooms, umbrellas, beach loungers and a restaurant.

Where to Stay Near El Valle Beach

While there aren't too many hotels surrounding El Valle Beach, the top place to stay is the nearby El Valle Lodge. This is a gorgeous eco property with a garden, a terrace, and an outdoor swimming pool.

You can easily order an a à la carte, vegetarian or vegan breakfast. It's also very easy to request vegan options at the restaurant. In addition to a beach trip, you can also enjoy hiking the area's trails from the lodge.

Playa Isla Catalina

Catalina Island is actually part of a three island archipelago with Saona and Catalinita, situated in the southeast of the country.

Catalina Beach is a wonderful, postcard perfect beach lined with palm trees. It's best known for its snorkeling and diving. There are many coral reefs and a "Living Museum of the Sea" featuring Captain Kidd's shipwreck just off the island's shores.

Catalina Island is not inhabited and the main focus is protecting the marine and wildlife habitats. As it's a small island off the main island, you will need to travel there by boat.

You can book your Catalina Island tour from Punta Cana or take a Catalina Island tour from La Romana.

Playa Juanillo

Is this the best beach in the Dominican Republic? Have I saved the best for last? I don't like to pick favorites, but Playa Juanillo ranks up there at the top of this list of the best beaches in Dominican Republic.

Juanillo Beach offers miles of pristine beach with twinkling waters and tall palm trees all around.

This beach is located in the luxurious resort area of Cap Cana. It's best to access the beach while staying at one of the resorts.

Juanillo Beach is open to the public, though you will need to leave your ID with a security guard upon entering if you aren't staying at one of the hotels on the beach.

Where to Stay Near Juanillo Beach

Cap Cana has numerous luxury properties, and one of the best resorts is the Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock (adults only).

Situated right on a vast beachy expanse, this 5-star accommodation in Punta Cana features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and terrace. It's a highly rated resort where you'll receive the celebrity treatment.

Wake up each morning to a view of the stunning turquoise waters. There's nothing better than that.

More Blog Posts About Dominican Republic

Looking for more articles about the Dominican Republic? These will help you plan your trip! If you're visiting from a cruise ship and it docks at the Amber Cove cruise port, here are the best things to do in Amber Cove. You may not want to leave the port!

Visiting Puerto Plata from a cruise ship? Here are the 10 best Puerto Plata shore excursions for your next trip to the Dominican Republic. These tours make for perfect day trips on the northern coast of the DR.