The Dominican Republic’s Best Beaches for Every Activity

Get ready to discover the best white sand beaches in the Dominican Republic for you and whoever you’re traveling with.

Looking for one of the best swimming beaches in the Dominican Republic? You’ll find it at Boca Chica beach. Its translucent waters are protected by coral reef, meaning this spot is home to some of the calmest water in the Dominican Republic. It’s also considered one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic for families with small children, particularly for its shallow turquoise waters that are no more than four feet deep.

Plus, if you’re staying in Santo Domingo, Playa Boca Chica is located just 20 miles east of the city. It’s considered to be the best beach near Santo Domingo, and stretches almost a mile long.  

You’ll also find the beachfront area is bustling with bars, cafes, and shops where you can mingle with the locals as well as fellow tourists. The quintessential experience at Boca Chica includes indulging in the finest fresh fish and seafood while you admire the gorgeous sand and waters at your feet. Boca Chica beach checks off all the bucket list items for a relaxing and fun time on the island.

If you’re looking to rest and relax in a secluded slice of paradise, then Rincón beach, the best beach on the Samaná Peninsula, is for you.

Did you know that Rincón beach has been ranked as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world by major travel publications? If you’re looking for a remote piece of paradise away from the bustling tourist spots, then Playa Rincón in the Dominican Republic will do just the trick.

Ermitaño beach is also a fan favorite. This blissful beach in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic, is harder to reach than others. And the most adventurous way to get here is by foot. If you love hiking, then you can’t miss this challenging one-mile trek through the mountainous jungle scenery, featuring lush vegetation and striking coconut palms.

If you’re not up for the hike, you can also drive on a bumpy road to get here, or take a boat over from nearby Las Galeras. No matter how you choose to reach Ermitaño beach, it’s completely worthwhile once you’re surrounded by sheer paradise. 

If you’re excited to ride the Caribbean waves and discover one the best beaches in the Dominican Republic for surfing, Encuentro beach in Cabarete is an ideal spot for surfers of all levels.

Beginners can learn how to catch waves and enjoy their first ride on Encuentro beach’s main peak, while the more experienced can surf on a variety of break spots. Experts will seek out this surfer’s paradise during the winter months, where they can put their daredevil abilities to the test and surf the shores during hurricane season, where waves will rise well over their heads.

With its 20 miles of incredible beachfront, it’s no wonder that Punta Cana is by far the island’s most popular resort area. It’s also home to the most popular beach in the Dominican Republic: Bávaro beach. This pristine oceanfront stretch is brimming with sky-reaching coconut palm trees and iridescent waters. It’s also a great launching pad for local excursions. Charter a glass bottom boat, a luxurious catamaran, or a speedboat to sail along the crystalline shores exploring the beautiful coastline. 

And if you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, the Barceló Bávaro Palace is located right in the heart of this Caribbean paradise. This all-inclusive gem allows you to sip on cocktails all day long, dine in any of its many restaurants offering local Dominican cuisine or international specialty dishes, and enjoy a fabulous spectacle of shows for your evening entertainment.

You can’t miss out on the best white sand beach in the Dominican Republic: Bahía de las Águilas. This five-mile long beach is located in Jaragua National Park, which forms part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is great for snapping unforgettable photos during your trip.

Jaragua is considered one of the best national parks on the island and is home to the stunning Bahía de las Águilas coastline, which features the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Dominican Republic. You can really unwind and relax here, as you won’t be able to spot a hotel, shop, or restaurant anywhere nearby. Bring a towel and sunscreen, put down your phone, and get ready to immerse yourself in this natural wonder. 

Located close to the Puerto Plata International Airport, Playa Sosua is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Dominican Republic. It features an underwater nature park that is a haven for divers and snorkelers alike.

There’s plenty to keep those resting on the shorelines entertained too. You can explore the souvenir shops, lounge in a beach chair, or visit the snack stands for a bite to eat. If you’re feeling thirsty, head to the locally-owned beach bars serving piña coladas in pineapples, or even a popular Dominican rum concoction in a fresh coconut. Come evening, enjoy a magical sunset and sip on a rum punch while you admire the anchored fishing boats freckled along the horizon. 

Just about an hour from Punta Cana lies a hidden gem: Playa Esmeralda, a pristine, little-known beach that remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Quiet and serene, it's a favorite among locals seeking a peaceful escape. It features rush greenery perfect for a scenic walk, soft golden sands, and calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It’s the kind of place that feels like your own private slice of paradise in the Dominican Republic.

Cosón beach, one of the prettiest Samaná Peninsula beaches, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty with a touch of modernity. Home to small beach bars and kite surfing schools, this picturesque spot is the perfect place to be active during the day, and unwind in the evening. The beach’s four miles of golden sand and towering coconut palms make it an idyllic setting for a romantic sunset walk.

For prime sunset watching, lay down your blanket near the area where the Cosón River meets the sea… It’s especially breathtaking. This stunning beach, along with many others in the Samaná Peninsula, truly showcases the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful coastal treasures.

Where will your first stop be on this list of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic? Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong.