These Dominican Republic Beaches Are Closed Until Further Notice Due To Dangerous Conditions

Last Updated 3 months ago

Officials in the popular coastal destination of Puerto Plata have taken the rather unusual decision to shut down public beaches in the province due to hazardous swimming conditions.

The decision, which was officially announced this week, was taken to protect locals and travelers amid strong currents and dangerous waves.

a tropical storm in the caribbean with strong with

In a country that values safety above all else, authorities are ready to implement restrictions on short notice due to bad weather and other factors.

And although most of the city’s public beaches will remain closed until further notice, travelers can still enjoy much of what Puerto Plata has to offer.

stormy weather over the caribbean ocean in the dominican republic

With that in mind, here’s the latest on the beach safety situation in Puerto Plata and what it means for visitors.

Travelers Urged To Take Precautions Amid Strong Currents

Puerto Plata is one of the most popular resort hubs in the Dominican Republic outside of Punta Cana. Home to a handful of popular white-sand beaches and dozens of resorts, the coastal destination welcomes thousands of travelers daily.

This week, unsafe sea conditions forced officials to temporarily close public beaches in the entire province. As a result, authorities have placed red flags on beaches across the province to warn residents and travelers over highly dangerous swimming conditions.

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Travelers are thus barred from entering public beaches or partaking in any sort of aquatic activities on beaches in the Puerto Plata area. While the situation may seem alarming and even radical, it’s not unusual for authorities to take measures to protect travelers, especially in a country that prioritizes the safety of visitors.

Fortunately, drownings are extremely rare in the Dominican Republic thanks to extensive efforts to boost swimming safety. From extra lifeguards during the busy summer and winter seasons to the strong presence of civil protection units, beaches in the Dominican Republic are among the safest in the country.

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And while officials take precautions to guard travelers from harm, it’s still important to exercise caution while enjoying the country’s beaches. Public beaches in and around Punta Cana, Samaná, and La Romana are likely to have on-duty lifeguards during working hours, but more remote shores lack supervision.

Travelers can also pay attention to the country’s color-coded warning system. A green flag indicates safe swimming conditions, whereas a yellow one means travelers should be careful due to strong currents and waves.

Try These Puerto Plata Activities When Beaches Are Closed

Sun-seeking travelers might be disappointed to find out their tropical vacation might not occur as planned – but not to worry. Puerto Plata is one of the most versatile destinations in the Dominican Republic and one of the fastest-growing resort hubs on the Caribbean island.

From its towering mountains to its vibrant tropical culture, Puerto Plata is packed with unique activities for travelers to enjoy. One of the most iconic attractions in the country, the Puerto Plata Cable Car is an experience worth adding to any Puerto Plata itinerary.

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Taking travelers all the way to the peak of the 2600-foot-high Mount Isabel de Torres, the cable car offers some of the best views in town.

Puerto Plata is also famous for its family-friendly activities, including Monkey Island by Runner’s Adventures. The top-rated tour takes travelers to a protected natural area where they can meet and interact with adorable and inquisitive squirrel monkeys.

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Meanwhile, those wishing to experience vibrant Dominican culture can visit Puerto Plata’s bustling downtown, home to several museums dedicated to local arts and crafts, including the Dominican Amber Museum.