7 must-visit beaches in the Dominican Republic

Located 20 miles east of Santo Domingo, Playa Boca Chica is considered the capital’s main beach, stretching almost a mile long. This stretch is certainly up there with being one of the best family beaches in the Dominican Republic, particularly for its shallow turquoise waters that are no more than four feet in depth.

With the translucent waters protected by coral reef, Playa Boca Chica is the best swimming beach in the Dominican Republic, where families can feel safe taking a refreshing dip with the kids. Expect a bustling beachfront that is backed by 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 ahead of you. 

Picture-perfect Playa Rincón is located on the Samana Peninsula and has been ranked by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. If you are looking for a remote spot of paradise away from the bustling tourist traps, then Playa Rincón will do just the trick.

Sprawl across the white uncrowded sands surrounded by coconut trees or take a plunge into the warm turquoise waters for a soothing afternoon swim. The scenery is utterly stunning, capturing every visitor’s eye - and you can also admire the virgin coconut forest and the picturesque cliffs of Cabo Cabrón.

Accessing this blissful stretch is harder to reach than others, but completely worthwhile once you are amidst sheer paradise. Either drive down the bumpy road - a four-wheel-drive is recommended - or hire a boat from nearby Las Galeras.

If you’re keen to ride the Caribbean waves and discover the best surfing beaches in the Dominican Republic, Encuentro is an ideal beach for surfers of all levels. Located in the town of Cabarete, beginners can learn how to catch waves and enjoy their first ride inside the main peak at Encuentro, whilst the more experienced can surf on a variety of break spots, offering different types of waves and direction.

The professionals will find the Dominican Republic a 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 the head.

If surfing doesn’t tickle your fancy, this stretch is also a stunning location where you can soak up the rays amidst tropical beauty.

With its 20 miles of incredible beachfront, it is no wonder that Punta Cana is by far the Dominican Republic’s most popular resort area, attracting two-thirds of all visitors to the country.

The pristine stretch that runs along Punta Cana is brimming with sky-reaching coconut palm trees and iridescent waters, where you can go for a refreshing swim, enjoy a spot of fishing, or dive in and explore the underwater life; getting a close up view of the most exotic of creatures and shipwrecks.

Charter a glass bottom boat, a luxurious catamaran, or a speedboat and sail along the crystalline shores exploring the beautiful coastline.

The most beautiful and developed beach across Punta Cana is undoubtedly the Bávaro stretch. If you’re looking for the best beach hotels in the Dominican Republic, Barceló Bávaro Palace is located right in the heart of the Caribbean paradise. As one of the best luxury hotels in Punta Cana, it accommodates both families and couples alike, with exclusive packages to cater to each. This all-inclusive gem allows you to sip on cocktails all day long, dine in any of the 11 restaurants offering local Dominican cuisine or international speciality dishes, and enjoy a fabulous spectacle of shows for your evening entertainment.

Simply lie beneath the sun and listen to the sound of the Caribbean breeze wafting through the palm trees, or explore the exhilarating selection of water sports, from kayaking to diving and windsurfing.

Set on the southern coast, the bustling beach of Juan Dolio is popular with both the Dominican locals and the tourists, where you will see plenty of beach bums laying beneath the rows of coconut trees and soaking up the rays. The pristine stretch is lined by restaurants and bars, as well as high end shops if you’re looking to treat yourself. 

Playa Dorada is Puerto Plata’s primary resort beach, situated on the Amber Coast. The stunning mountain scenery against the gorgeous turquoise waters is a sight for sore eyes, where you will feel relaxed and a world away from your everyday life and stresses.

If you fancy a break from the sun baking, head to Puerto Plata for an exquisite dining experience and an afternoon of shopping.

Located close to the Puerto Plata International Airport, Playa Sosua features an underwater nature park that is a haven for divers and snorkelers. There is plenty to keep those resting on the shorelines entertained too - you can explore the souvenir shops, 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 and a popular 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.