Top 5 Most Popular Beaches In The Dominican Republic

Last Updated 2 years ago

The Dominican Republic’s stunning tropical beaches attract millions of tourists to the island each year. Warm tropical waters, soft white sand, and colorful coral reefs are just a few of the qualities that guests can enjoy while visiting the island’s beaches. With hundreds of locations to choose from, we’ve picked the top spots around the island. From the Atlantic shores up north to the Caribbean beaches down south, Dominican beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful.

Bávaro And Punta Cana Beaches

Routinely featured among the world’s top 10 beaches, Bávaro beach is a must-see location just north of Punta Cana. The beach measures a whopping 30 miles in length, making it one of the largest in the country. Numerous restaurants and resort hotels can be found alongside the beach, and the area has a vibrant nightlife. Tourists can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including snorkeling, touring the area on catamarans, or kitesurfing.

Juan Dolio Beach

Juan Dolio’s beach stretches for 6 miles and is dotted with seaside amenities from restaurants to upscale resorts. Juan Dolio is an excellent choice for visitors looking for Caribbean beaches near the country’s capital, Santo Domingo. Located just half an hour from the Las Américas International Airport, Juan Dolio is easy to reach and offers plenty of outdoor activities.

The beach has two public entrances, one by the entrance of the town and another besides Club Hemingway. It is also a major resort destination, and one of its largest resorts just reopened after undergoing a major renovation including upgrades to rooms and hotel amenities.

Saona Island Beaches

Saona island as well as its numerous beaches are a must-see if you’re ever in the area. The remote island enjoys a spectacular location in the Caribbean sea with a selection of tropical beaches. Located in the southeastern part of the island, the only way to reach this tropical paradise is by boat from Bayahíbe, Punta Cana, or Santo Domingo.

The quick boat ride is totally worth it, with visitors welcomed by the island’s palm trees and fine white sand. The island is quieter compared to other busy tourist hotspots and offers guests a glimpse of authentic Caribbean nature. The island’s status as a national park means its wildlife is protected. It is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and its waters contain spectacular and colorful coral reefs.

Playa Bonita

As its name indicates, the Playa Bonita, or a beautiful beach in English, is known for its colorful sunsets which are best enjoyed in summer. The western half of the beach is ideal for swimming thanks to its calm waters. Meanwhile, more adventurous travelers can head to the eastern side to catch some waves, perfect for surfing enthusiasts. The beach has several boutique hotels such as the charming Mosquito Boutique Hotel featuring French colonial-style architecture. If you’re feeling hungry, the restaurants near Hotel Atlantis offer Caribbean-inspired dishes.

Punta Rucia Beach

Of the many beaches in Puerto Plata, Punta Rucia beach is definitely one to have on your radar. Its unique natural surroundings thanks to its combination of crystal-clear tropical water as well as spectacular mountain views make it one of the best in the Dominican Republic. Here, two aspects of Dominican nature meet to create a unique experience. Offering a smaller selection of bars and restaurants compared to other beaches, Punta Rucia is calmer and less crowded. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling with large coral reefs just off the shore. Isabela Bay is especially good for rare aquatic species.