10 Best Beaches In The Dominican Republic

Those seeking sunshine and surf will find them on Dominican Republic beaches. And, there’s a large range of these seaside sites to choose from, making them ideal destinations for any kind of traveler. From the high-energy north to the cityside Santo Domingo beaches to the rugged south, each region of the Dominican Republic offers a different kind of beach experience — outdoorsy and adventurous individuals can make adrenaline-pumping memories, while laid-back leisure seekers can find their bliss.

The best beaches in the Dominican Republic are just a Royal Caribbean cruise away, so these lush and tropical shores are more accessible than you might think. But if you aren’t sure where to start or how to narrow down exactly where to go, I’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the best beaches in the Dominican Republic by region, including Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samaná, La Romana and Cabo Rojo.

At A Glance: Beaches In The Dominican Republic

● Best overall: Puerto Plata beaches.

● Best for families: Cabo Rojo beaches.

● Best for snorkeling: La Romana beaches.

● Best for surfing: Punta Cana beaches.

● Most scenic/remote: Samaná beaches.

Best Puerto Plata Beaches

Puerto Plata on the north coast has some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic for those with kids, watersports enthusiasts and anyone who wants resort infrastructure. In fact, some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic are right here. It’s all high-energy, coffee trees and great waves.

Here are the best beaches in Puerto Plata:

1. Kite Beach

Kite Beach has loads of options for those who want to get out on the water. Try your hand at kiteboarding or windsurfing for some high-octane fun. To cool off after a day in the sun, check out the great beachside dining options and bars.

● Best for: Sporty and active travelers. 

● Crowd level: Medium.

● Water type: Surf.

● Facilities: Yes.

2. Playa Dorada

With a family-friendly atmosphere and resort infrastructure, Playa Dorada is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic for travelers with littles in tow. Drink in the mountain and sea views while you enjoy the leisurely Amber Coast. Plus, some of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic are right there.

● Best for: Families and leisure travelers.

● Crowd level: Medium.

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: Yes.

3. Playa Sosúa

Those who want to slow down and soak up the stunning Dominican Republic beaches should look no further than Playa Sosúa. With ample snorkeling opportunities in the crystal blue waters, fluffy sand for lounging and fantastic local dining to boot, it’s an idyllic spot to spend the day. As the water is also shallow and sunlit, it’s also a fabulous pick for those with kids who want to swim.

● Best for: Those seeking local experiences and beautiful beaches. 

● Crowd level: High

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: Yes.

Best Punta Cana Beaches

The beaches in the eastern region of Punta Cana are well-equipped with some of the best all-inclusive Dominican Republic resorts and amenities. The warm waters are filled with wildlife for snorkeling, the waves are a choice for surfing and the sand is famously soft. So, Punta Cana beaches are the name of the game if you’re dreaming of swaying coconut palms and playing in the sea.

Here are the best beaches in Punta Cana:

4. Playa Bávaro

This Dominican Republic beach is insanely beautiful and has something for everyone. The fluffy white sand and resort amenities are perfect for travelers who want luxury and lounging moments. Meanwhile, the calm and bright blue water offers incredible swimming and, below, coral reefs that make for epic snorkeling opportunities. 

● Best for: Adventure travelers and swimmers.

● Crowd level: High.

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: Yes.

5. Playa Macao

With quiet shores and laid-back vibes, Playa Macao is one of the best Punta Cana beaches for travelers on the hunt for both peace and time on the water. The surfing is smooth, so it’s a prime pick for surfers who don’t want to have to fight crowds but still want solid waves — there’s even a surf school for newbies. There’s also horseback riding if land-based fun is more your speed.

● Best for: Surfers and travelers who want to slow down.

● Crowd level: Low.

● Water type: Surf.

● Facilities: Yes (but limited).

Best Samaná Beaches

Here is the best beach in Samaná:

6. Playa Rincón

This might be the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic with its lush coastline, bright white sand and the swaying palms hanging over the saltwater. There are low to non-existent crowds, so it promises a peaceful and quiet beachday. After you’ve had your fill of the shore, grab some grub from one of the vendors or wander over to the restaurants (like Brassa del Mar) for some seafood. 

● Best for: Foodies and nature-seekers. 

● Crowd level: Low.

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: Yes (but limited).

Best La Romana Beaches

Here are the best beaches in La Romana:

7. Bayahibe Beach

Located on a rocky and scenic coastline, Bayahibe Beach is absolutely stunning. The calm and electric blue water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. After, lounge in the white sand or stroll the bars and shops for a taste of the local culture. 

● Best for: Adventure travelers and history fans.

● Crowd level: High.

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: Yes.

8. Isla Saona

Isla Saona is situated within Cotubanamá National Park, home to some of the most beautiful and overall best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can look for sea turtles, manatees, whales, starfish and dolphins in the water or via boat ride. Lounge in the shade of the coconut palms, enjoy the powder-soft sand and check out the most important turtle nesting area in the country for a well-rounded beach day.

● Best for: Wildlife seekers and boating fans.

● Crowd level: Medium.

● Water type: Calm (but waves can get bigger, so surfing is possible).

● Facilities: Yes.

Best Cabo Rojo Beaches

The Cabo Rojo cruise port is both secluded and connected. It’s highly accessible for families cruising to the Dominican Republic, offering a direct link to amenities-packed beaches. Meanwhile, much to the delight of adventure travelers and outdoorsy cruisers, this southwest region also encompasses Jaragua National Park. There’s literally something for everyone.

Here are the best beaches in Cabo Rojo:

9. Playa Cabo Rojo

Parents with toddlers or those wanting an easy beach day will especially appreciate Playa Cabo Rojo. If you’re seeking easy cruise port access, ample facilities and resort vibes, this is perhaps one of the best Dominican beaches for you. Plus, with carnival rides and pools to boot, it’s impossible for even hesitant teenage travelers to get bored. 

● Best for: Families and those who want a quick beach stop.

● Crowd level: High.

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: Yes.

10. Bahía De Las Águilas

Accessible by boat from Cabo Rojo, Bahía de las Águilas (“Bay of the Eagles” in English) is a protected portion of Jaragua National Park and encompasses some of the most impressive coral reefs in the Dominican Republic. Enjoy the iridescent waters and secluded shores, look for rhino iguanas and Pelagic birds, take a dip and make sure to have your camera ready — it’s ridiculously scenic everywhere you look.

● Best for: Photographers and eco-tourists.

● Crowd level: Low.

● Water type: Calm.

● Facilities: No.

How To Plan A Beach Trip On A Cruise To The Dominican Republic

Dominican beaches are always worth the trip. Few places on earth promise more magnificently beautiful scenery, diverse vacations or impressive wildlife.

When planning a cruise to the Dominican Republic, it can be tricky to narrow down which of the amazing beaches to visit. I recommend first determining whether you want wilder spaces or resort infrastructure. From there, decide if you want calm water for swimming and snorkeling or bigger waves for surfing and other watersports. This will help you decide which of the plethora of Dominican beaches to visit on your cruise. Keep in mind your sailing schedule and how far out you want to venture from your port, and you’ll be ready to pick the perfect Dominican Republic beach trip for you. 

If you’re cruising to the beaches in the Dominican Republic, here’s what to pack:

● Reef-safe sunscreen.

● Swimsuit.

● Sunglasses.

● Sunhat and/or sun umbrella.

● Water bottle.

● Towels.

● Wallet. 

● Day bag to carry items.

● Cover-up or clothing to wear post-swim.

● Ziplocks or waterproof bags for phones and valuables.

● First Aid kit or basic emergency medical supplies (bandages, for example).

● Hand sanitizer and wipes.

● Watershoes or flipflops (use watershoes if you’re going somewhere rocky).

● Insect repellent (for inland excursions before or after).

● Snorkel and/or goggles (optional).

● Binoculars (optional, but great for wildlife spotting).

● Snacks (optional, but important if you’ll be somewhere remote).

● Toilet paper (only necessary if you’re going to a Dominican beach without any facilities).

● Water spray bottle (optional, but a good idea if it’s going to be really hot or you have little kids who need to stay cool).

Cruise To The Dominican Republic For Beach Bliss