The Dominican Republic is packed with bright turquoise water, soft sand and beaches for every kind of traveler. Whether you are visiting for romance, family time or an off‑the‑grid escape, there is a stretch of coastline that fits your style.
The best beaches in the Dominican Republic are Bávaro Beach and Macao Beach in Punta Cana for classic resort and surf days, Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata for families, Bahía de las Águilas in Cabo Rojo for untouched nature, Playa Rincón in Samaná for dramatic beauty and Bayahibe and Isla Saona near La Romana for boat trips and crystal‑clear Caribbean water.
Below is a region‑by‑region guide to the Dominican Republic’s top beaches to help you choose the right spot for your trip.
Best Beaches in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, on the island’s north coast, is known for its golden sands, mountain views and balance of adventure and relaxation.
1. Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
Best for: Families, swimming, full-service beach days
Playa Dorada offers soft golden sand, warm swimmable water and a lineup of all-inclusive resorts. It’s ideal for travelers who want calm seas and a comfortable beach experience with restaurants and amenities nearby. Compared with the wilder beaches in Cabo Rojo or Samaná, this one is all about ease and convenience.
2. Kite Beach (Cabarete), Puerto Plata
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing, active travelers
Kite Beach in Cabarete, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, is globally renowned for its consistent wind and thrilling water sports scene. Beginners and pros gather here to surf and kiteboard, with beachfront schools and rental shops lining the sand. The beach also has a relaxed town vibe, perfect for travelers who want a mix of adrenaline and culture.
3. Playa Sosúa, Puerto Plata
Best for: Snorkeling, budget travelers, local energy
Protected by a calm bay, Playa Sosúa is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic for snorkeling. The reef is easily accessible from shore and the beach is alive with music, food stands and handmade crafts. It’s more casual and local compared to nearby resort beaches.
Best Beaches in Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic
Cabo Rojo, in the far southwest, is where the wild beauty of the Dominican Republic truly shines.
1. Bahía de las Águilas, Cabo Rojo
Best for: Nature lovers, seclusion, photographers
Bahía de las Águilas, inside Jaragua National Park, is one of the nicest beaches in the Dominican Republic thanks to its untouched coastline and dazzlingly clear water. It’s six miles of pure white sand with no hotels, no restaurants and no crowds. Compared with Punta Cana’s resort beaches, Bahía de las Águilas feels completely wild and remote.
2. Playa Cabo Rojo, Cabo Rojo
Best for: Off-grid travelers, scenic backdrops, quiet retreats
Framed by red cliffs and salt flats, Playa Cabo Rojo is quieter and less visited than Bahía de las Águilas. Its reddish sands and shallow blue water make it an ideal stop for those wanting natural beauty without the development of the resort towns.
Best Beaches in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is home to some of the Dominican Republic’s best beaches for first-time visitors, with luxury resorts and postcard-perfect shorelines.
1. Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana
Best for: Resort stays, families, long walks
Bávaro Beach is one of the best beaches in Punta Cana and a favorite for travelers looking for clear water, soft white sand and easy access to food, drinks and excursions. It’s perfect for couples or families staying at nearby resorts.
2. Playa Blanca, Punta Cana
Best for: Laid-back swimming and beach bars
Located near Cap Cana, Playa Blanca offers soft white sand, clear shallow waters and a more relaxed vibe compared to Bávaro. It's ideal for a quiet day of swimming and lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
3. Macao Beach, Punta Cana
Best for: Surfers, ATV day trips, local flair
Compared with Bávaro Beach, Macao Beach feels more rugged and less commercial. Surfers love it for the waves and it’s a popular stop on local ATV tours. Small restaurants serve fresh-caught fish, making it feel more authentic and spontaneous.
4. Juanillo Beach, Cap Cana (Punta Cana)
Best for: Couples, swimming, romantic scenery
Juanillo Beach is tucked inside the exclusive Cap Cana area and offers peaceful waters, upscale beach clubs and a quieter vibe. It’s one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic for couples seeking relaxation and scenic beauty.
Best Beaches in La Romana, Dominican Republic
La Romana offers Caribbean-facing beaches with calm, crystal-clear water and access to offshore islands.
1. Bayahibe Beach, La Romana
Best for: Families, snorkeling, small-town charm
Bayahibe Beach is gentle and shallow, making it a safe and fun option for families. The beach is also the starting point for boat tours to Isla Saona and its nearby town offers a local Dominican experience with good food and friendly locals.
2. Isla Saona, La Romana
Best for: Day trips, swimming, nature photography
Isla Saona, part of Cotubanamá National Park, is a tropical paradise with bright white sand and waist-deep turquoise water. It’s reachable only by boat and is often considered one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
3. Dominicus Beach, La Romana
Best for: All-inclusive resorts, calm water, eco-conscious travelers
Dominicus Beach is a laid-back spot with Blue Flag certification, known for clean sand, calm seas and plenty of space to swim or relax. It’s a good pick for couples or travelers staying in nearby resorts.
Best Beaches in Samaná, Dominican Republic
Samaná is lush and full of natural drama, with beaches that feel like Caribbean secrets waiting to be discovered.
1. Playa Rincón, Samaná
Best for: Remote beauty, swimming, long walks
Playa Rincón is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. With nearly three miles of white sand, it offers wide open space, light surf and a peaceful ambiance far from any hotel zone.
2. Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island), Samaná
Best for: Island day trips, couples, clear water
Cayo Levantado (also called Bacardí Island) in Samaná Bay is known for its crystal-clear water and soft white beaches. It’s a popular half-day trip from the mainland and perfect for couples seeking a beach escape with palm-lined shores.
3. Playa El Valle, Samaná
Best for: Solitude, jungle scenery, dramatic cliffs
Tucked between green hills, Playa El Valle feels completely off the map. The waves are stronger here, but the scenery is wild and beautiful. Compared with the main beaches in Punta Cana, this one feels completely untouched.
Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic by Traveler Type
- Best beach for first-timers: Bávaro Beach (Punta Cana)
- Best beach for families: Bayahibe Beach (La Romana)
- Best beach for couples: Juanillo Beach (Cap Cana) or Cayo Levantado (Samaná)
- Best beach for nature lovers: Bahía de las Águilas (Cabo Rojo)
- Best beach for surfers: Macao Beach (Punta Cana)
- Best beach for remote escapes: Playa Rincón or Playa El Valle (Samaná)
FAQs About Beaches in the Dominican Republic:
1. What is the nicest beach in the Dominican Republic?
Arguably, the nicest beach in the Dominican Republic is Bahía de las Águilas in Cabo Rojo, known for its crystal-clear water, white sand and remote natural beauty. It’s part of Jaragua National Park and feels completely unspoiled.
2. Which part of the Dominican Republic has the best beaches?
The part of the Dominican Republic with the best beaches is Punta Cana for resorts and ease, Samaná for natural beauty and Cabo Rojo for remote, wild coastlines.
3. Where is the clearest water in the Dominican Republic?
The clearest water in the Dominican Republic can be found at Bahía de las Águilas, Isla Saona and Playa Blanca in Cap Cana. These beaches are known for their calm, transparent turquoise water and excellent swimming.
4. Which beach in the Dominican Republic is best for families?
The best beach in the Dominican Republic for families is Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata. It has calm water, gentle waves and plenty of beachfront resorts nearby. Bayahibe is another great choice with clear, shallow water and a laid-back vibe.
5. What is the least crowded beach in the Dominican Republic?
The least crowded beaches in the Dominican Republic are Bahía de las Águilas in Cabo Rojo and Playa El Valle near Samaná. Both are largely undeveloped and require more effort to reach, which means fewer visitors and a peaceful experience.
6. Is Bahía de las Águilas worth the trip?
Yes, Bahía de las Águilas is absolutely worth the trip from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana if you’re looking for raw, natural beauty and solitude. It’s a long drive, but the scenery and serenity make it one of the most breathtaking places in the country.
7. What is the best beach in the Dominican Republic for couples?
The best beach in the Dominican Republic for couples is Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana. It’s quiet, scenic and perfect for sunset strolls or private cabana lounging. Playa Rincón and Cayo Levantado also offer romantic scenery in more natural settings.
