The beaches of the Dominican Republic are dazzling, untouched jewels that glisten in the Caribbean sun. With almost 800 glorious miles of beautiful coastline, the country boasts some of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. With so many beaches on one island, it can be difficult to plan a vacation around it. So to help you out, I’ve outlined a list of ten of my favorite beaches in the Dominican Republic below.
10. Coson Beach, Las Terrenas
The magnificent beach of Playa Cosón in Bahía de Samaná stretches for more than three glorious miles and is home to a number of vacation villas, as well as restaurants and a large resort. It is a place of stunning natural beauty characterized by crystal clear waters and a type of medium grain sand that is a rich golden tan color. A great place to sunbathe, Playa Cosón is also a good place to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
9. Big Beach
Located between Cabrera and Río San Juan, Playa Grande is a true gem. Offering great views set in a cove surrounded by cliffs, the beach has more of a deserted island feel. Clear water and beautiful gorgeous sand complete the perfect scene that stands out as a very relaxing place to swim, snorkel and sunbathe.
8. Saona Island
Part of the Parque Nacional del Este, right in front of Catalinita Bay, this is a very popular island beach. With over a thousand tourists visiting every day, you certainly won’t be alone if you go here, but you’ll soon see why everyone does. Reached by catamaran, sailboat or motorboat, the beach boasts magnificent turquoise waters that contrast with the rugged beauty of the limestone cliffs. A place where dolphins are often seen, the 22 kilometers of white sand and idyllic palm trees that surround this island provide the perfect place to relax while you wait for them to show up.
7. Cosambar Beach
One of the best beaches in Puerto Plata, Cosamber Beach is a quiet crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand. A popular hotspot where semi-permanent snowbirds and tourists try to escape the winter chill back home, this beach has a laid-back vibe and paradisiacal nature. A decent place to snorkel, the best part of this beach is that although the area has a decent number of holiday accommodation units, the region has yet to be fully developed to the point that it is overrun with tourists.
6. Caleta Beach
One of the most spectacular beaches in the entire Dominican Republic, Playa Caleta in La Romana has a very friendly atmosphere. A great beach for children as the water is quite shallow and there is plenty of shade from the tall palm trees that line the golden sand, the presence of small fishing boats only adds to its charm.
5. Raised Key
Another Samaná beauty, Cayo Levantado is another little piece of paradise boasting clean, unspoiled beaches fringed with giant coconut palms interspersed with lush flower gardens. With warm water and a mostly calm environment, this is a fantastic place to enjoy a bit of solitude.
4. Luperon Beach
Lined with beautiful coconut palms and stretching for over a mile long, the beach of Playa Luperón sits on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place to dive, snorkel, or windsurf, though not really swim. But with plenty of umbrellas, beach loungers, bars, and water sports equipment available for rent, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.
3.Punta Cana
Perhaps the most famous beach in the Dominican Republic, this pristine, private beach with its white sand, azure waters, and verdant tropical landscaping is as beautiful as it is pleasant. As well as being a great place to soak up the sun, for those who like to be a bit more active, catamaran trips, speed boats, banana boats and party boats are all available here. The marine life in this area, which can be seen up close by snorkelling or on a glass bottom boat tour, is also particularly impressive.
2. Lady Beach
Wild but pristine, this secluded little beach could easily sell a million postcards. A beautiful golden beach surrounded by jagged cliffs and lush forest foliage, this little gem, although difficult to reach at the end of the very rugged path that leads to it, is well worth the trip. Especially since you can explore some of the wonderful caves and lagoons that it houses.
1. Macao Beach
Rightly acclaimed by UNESCO, Playa de Playa is a fantastic beach. Home to the picturesque fishing village of El Macao, which is located just south of Uvero Alto in Punta Cana, the beach has brilliant white sand and is highlighted by an offshore shipwreck that is a popular dive site. The rough waters create good surfing conditions and the views of and over the cliffs looming over the beach are simply stunning.