Considered to have some of the top beaches in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has endless beaches for different types of travelers.
From all-inclusive resorts to undeveloped, secluded sandy beaches to escape civilization, the Dominican Republic has it.
As an island in the middle of the Caribbean, there are countless beaches in small rural towns and near large cities.
The north side is dotted with soft sand beaches, while the south side is a mix of smooth pebble beaches and powdery white sand.
Regardless of your destination or type of beach, knowing the best beaches on the island is important.
Keep reading to find out.
12 Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
12: Las Galeras
Number 12 on the list is Las Galeras, a beautiful beach that lines the waterfront in the town of Las Galeras.
Just a 15-minute walk from the main beach, you’ll find quieter, less populated beaches where you can sunbathe and soak up the warm blue waters.
Las Galeras’ beachfront is lined with large coconut palms, and the shallow waters cast a variety of shades of blue that cannot be duplicated on the northern coast.
Don’t tell anyone, because this town is charming and considered by visitors to be an undiscovered treasure.
Eleven: Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada is next on the list of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Located in Amber Cast, this golden sandy beach runs along the eastern border of Puerto Plata under stunning mountain views.
In addition to the dramatic scenery, visitors are drawn to Playa Dorada because the resort is not a towering skyscraper.
Local building codes allow developers to build up to three stories and must be spaced out from other resorts to maintain the natural feel of the environment.
10: Bavaro Beach
The list of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic is only complete by mentioning the spectacular Bavaro Beach.
Families, water sports enthusiasts and sun-seekers flock to Bavaro Beach in droves to relax at an all-inclusive resort.
Bavaro Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the Punta Cana region.
The calm waters are perfect for wading and swimming, with watercolor blue hues extending beyond the roped-off swimming area.
The sea is buzzing with parasailers, jet skiers, and boaters.
9: Las Águilas Bay
Las Águilas Bay, also known as Eagles Bay, is the perfect island spot for ecotourism and adventure.
Las Águilas Bay boasts nearly eight miles of white sand beaches on its far southwest coast.
In addition to its natural beauty and pristine environment, Las Águilas Bay remains isolated as it is part of the Jaragua National Park and is a protected area.
Visitors can take a national park tour, rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and cruise down the coastline from Pedernales, or rent a boat.
There are no restaurants or bars on the beach, just crystalline aquamarine, swimmable water, and occasional sightings of marine life.
8th place: Playa Juan Dolio
At No. 8 is Playa Juan Dolio, a lively and fun beach spot located in a small seaside town.
The golden sandy beach, surrounded by swaying palm trees, is perfect for sunbathing and playing in the waves.
Facing the Caribbean Sea, there is a breakwater, so the waves are small, and the sea water is as warm as a bath.
Located between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Playa Juan Dorio has a diverse mix of foreign and Dominican tourists, and is home to a variety of all-inclusive resorts and vacation rental homes.
7th place: Playa Rincon
Secluded and undeveloped, Playa Rincon is a picture-postcard perfect beach with white sand and tropical ideals.
If you’re looking for the most beautiful undeveloped beach in the country, Playa Rincon is the place for you.
At one end of the beach there is cover, creating calm waters perfect for swimming.
In the distance, lush mountains rise from the sea on the other side of the bay.
Restaurants are located at both ends of the beach, and there are several snack and lunch stands near the parking lot.
6: Playa Najayo
Located on the south coast of the island, Prey Najayo offers a more rustic and local feel, appealing to those seeking an authentic experience.
Compared to all the other beaches on this list, Playa Nallayo has coarse sand with exposed rocks, which makes it less appealing to visitors.
Instead, the main attraction is the swimmable sea with local wicker-roofed beach restaurants and bars. Rental beach chairs are always easy to find.
Fried sea bream with fried plantains is a local favorite. Try this combination for lunch.
5: Cayo Levantado Beach
If you’re looking to unwind and relax on a picturesque beach on a secluded island, then Cayo Levantado Beach in the Dominican Republic is the place for you.
Located off the coast of the Samana Peninsula, this beach is home to the luxury Bahia Principe Cayon Levantado Resort next to shallow turquoise waters and soft sand beaches.
The island has three beaches connected by hiking trails.
An all-inclusive, adults-only facility offering the ultimate in relaxation.
Most visitors arrive via Samana El Kati International Airport, which is the closest to the island.
4: Guayacanes Beach
This picturesque, quiet fishing village east of Santo Domingo has a quaint sandy beach and several nearby bars and restaurants serving excellent seafood.
Local fishermen can often be seen pulling their boats to restaurants with their local catch.
Although some areas of the beach are covered in seaweed and rocks, the main swimming area boasts calm turquoise waters, and the views at sunrise and sunset are spectacular.
Best of all, this beach remains a hidden gem among tourists, so it’s never crowded.
3: Sosua Beach
Sosua Beach is located in a protected bay and is full of hidden treasures beneath the waves.
Located on the north coast, Sosua Beach is sheltered by low green hills leading to golden sands and aquamarine waters.
This beach attracts a steady stream of tourists throughout the year who love its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views.
Near the beach, there is a selection of beach bars and seafood restaurants where you can enjoy a cold drink with a view.
The snorkeling at Sosua Beach is great, with lots of tropical fish swimming in the shallow waters.
2: Macau Beach
Located in Punta Cana, Macau Beach boasts wide white sands surrounded by surfable waves and palm tree-fringed scenery.
This beach attracts visitors looking for a place to sit and relax in the crystal clear water while surfers enjoy the steady swells.
Those who want to learn to surf can sign up for classes year-round.
Additionally, there are many great local restaurants on the beach where you can enjoy seafood and cocktails with stunning views.
1: Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach ranks number 1 on the list of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. It is a picturesque white sand beach overlooking the town of the same name on the south coast.
Surrounded by the sheltered waters of a shallow bay with the island of La Matica on the horizon, Boca Chica Beach is perfect for families, with plenty of marine life to see beneath the waves of sunken gardens and coral reefs.
In addition to these underwater treasures, visitors can swim to several shipwrecks in La Caleta Marine Park.
Dominican Republic Safety Overview
Read the full report: Dominican Republic Safety Review
Safety index:
Overall risk: mediumTransportation and taxi risks: mediumRisk of pickpocketing: mediumNatural disaster risk: lowRobbery risk: mediumTerrorism risk: lowFraud risk: mediumRisks for female travelers: medium
FAQ
Where are the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic?
Las Aguilas Bay is the most famous beach in the Dominican Republic.
Locals and tourists flock to this beach to enjoy countless activities, bars, restaurants, and a variety of adventurous activities.
Which beach in the Dominican Republic has the clearest water?
Las Águilas Bay is not only the most famous beach on the island, but also has the clearest water and most dramatic scenery.
The gradation of blue from the white sand to the deepest depths of the ocean is unmatched by any other beach in the Dominican Republic.
When is the worst seaweed condition on Dominican Republic beaches?
Seaweed can be a serious problem on many beaches around the island.
Specifically, the beaches near Punta Cana inherited seaweed from the Sargasso Sea, and the seaweed is at its worst during the hottest months.
And in winter, as temperatures become milder, seaweed completely disappears.
Is it safe to swim in the Dominican Republic?
As with any beach destination, it is important to heed local authorities’ warnings regarding swimming, undertow, storms, and other potential hazards.
Also, only go into the water when lifeguards are on duty.
However, if you follow the precautions and swim in the presence of a trained professional, you can safely swim at Dominican Republic beaches.
Additionally, many of the beaches on this list have calm waters year-round, so you don’t have to worry about undertow.
