Naming the best beaches in the Dominican Republic is no easy feat. With 1,228 kilometres of powdery white sand, washed by the warm turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican’s beautiful beaches are abundant and the primary draw for tourism.
Here are Flight Centre's Travel Expert top 10 picks to help you narrow down the many beach options, whether it’s fun water sports or far-flung serenity you’re after.
1. Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana
What could be considered the most popular beach in Punta Cana, Bávaro Beach is bordered by many hotels and resorts, but the reason they chose Bavaro as their home is due to of its sheer beauty and size. Coral sand gives the beaches their appealing blanched look, and the crystal-clear water is the turquoise colour you see in travel magazines, no Photoshop required.
Boasting excellent accommodations, and bordered by shops and restaurants, crowds are common, but there is plenty of space to enjoy peace and quiet on beautiful Bavaro, too.
Where to stay near Bavaro Beach:
- Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
- The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real
- Paradisus Palma Real
- Melia Punta Cana All Inclusive Adults Only
- Melia Caribe Beach
- Dreams Palm Beach
2. Playa Rincón, Samana
Samana Province is known for its seemingly endless stretches of jaw-dropping beaches. We’re talking the talcy sands and azure waters befitting of postcards and screensavers. Named by travel publishers as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Samana’s Playa Rincon belongs on this list, too.
Towering palm trees provide a shady respite, or you can always snorkel in its calm, clear waters. For those who like waves, the northern side of Rincon provides, perfect for bodysurfing and working up an appetite to enjoy freshly caught fish at its beachfront restaurants.
Where to stay near Playa Rincon:
- Viva Wyndham
- Grand Paradise Samana
- Gran Bahia Principe, El Portilllo
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3. Sosua Beach, near Puerto Plata
The golden sand here merges with azure ocean, matching the gilded glow of the sun when it sets in Sosua Bay. Part of the Puerto Plata province, Sosua Beach makes our list for a number of reasons, including ease of access (1 km away from POP, Gregorio Luperón International Airport), beautiful scenery and activities, (Sosua Bay offers amazing snorkelling in its underwater park) or plunge into some of Puerto Plata’s best scuba diving.
Where to stay near Sosua Beach:
- Sunscape Puerto Plata
- Iberostar Costa Dorada
- Be Live Collection Marien
- Viva Wyndham V Heavens
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4. Playa Cabarete, near Puerto Plata
Welcome to the windsurfing capital of the world! Also known as “Kite Beach,” Playa Cabarete is decorated with sails on the water and kites in the sky. With plenty of activity here, including international kitesurfing championships, there are also many hotels in the area and plenty of dining opportunities.
As much of a hub as Cabarete is, you’ll still find lots of room to stretch out on the beach or enjoy unobstructed swimming. This is a great place for kids to enjoy the wonderful waves and winds that make Cabarete so well-loved.
Where to stay near Playa Cabarete:
- Sunscape Puerto Plata
- Iberostar Costa Dorada
- Be Live Collection Marien
- Viva Wyndham V Heavens
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5. Playa Fronton, near Samana
You’re on a tropical holiday, so why not find a beach so atmospherically exotic, you’ll be searching for a volleyball named Wilson to talk to? Playa Fronton is fringed with lush vegetation and rainforest, which gives way to unbelievably soft, pale sands and dreamlike ocean. Here, the ocean waves do a rhythmic bachata dance. It’s a bit of a hike to get to, but talk to one of our Expert Travellers to take care of travel and you’ll see Fronton is well worth the adventure.
Where to stay near Playa Fronton:
- Viva Wyndham
- Grand Paradise Samana
- Gran Bahia Principe, El Portilllo
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6. Macao Beach, Punta Cana
This quiet, yet centrally located beach stretches far and wide, with enough room to welcome all the travellers and locals who love it so much. You can join a surfing class and learn to ride the waves, go swimming, or just buy a fruity drink or a beer and sit under a shady umbrella. The view is superb.
Where to stay near Macao Beach:
- Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
- The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real
- Paradisus Palma Real
- Melia Punta Cana All Inclusive Adults Only
- Melia Caribe Beach
- Dreams Palm Beach
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7. Playa Bonita, near Samana
Palm trees stretch out over the waves: the perfect temptation for an Instagram-worthy travel photo. The few beachgoers around are either enjoying a leisurely surf, playing beach volleyball, or snoozing in the sun. Playa Bonita is a perfect beach for those who like laid-back days on the sand.
Where to stay near Playa Bonita:
- Viva Wyndham
- Grand Paradise Samana
- Gran Bahia Principe, El Portilllo
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8. Playa Publica Dominicus, La Romana
Not a fan of lazy beach days? Perfect! Playa Publica has your name written all over it. Between catamaran tours, whale-watching excursions, heaps and heaps of restaurants, and perfect conditions for sailing and snorkelling, there’s always something to do.
Where to stay near Playa Publica Dominicus:
- Hilton La Romana
- Dreams Dominicus La Romana
- Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus
- Casa de Campo
- Be Live Collection Canoa
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9. Alicia Beach, near Puerto Plata
Sun, sand, cliffs, mountain views… Alicia Beach is perfection. We highly recommend bringing a few dollars to rent out some beach loungers and umbrellas (when we say sun, we aren’t kidding!). While it’s a beautiful playa in its own right, Alicia Beach also serves as a great starting point on the way to Paradise Island.
Where to stay near Alicia Beach:
- Sunscape Puerto Plata
- Iberostar Costa Dorada
- Be Live Collection Marien
- Viva Wyndham V Heavens
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10. Encuentro Beach, near Puerto Plata
Craving some adventure? Head straight to Playa Encuentro. There you’ll find local surf schools, boat tours, rentals to enjoy fun water sports, and several outdoor shops to grab a drink and a bite. The atmosphere is relaxed, the waves are inviting; it’s going to be a great day.
Where to stay near Encuentro Beach:
- Sunscape Puerto Plata
- Iberostar Costa Dorada
- Be Live Collection Marien
- Viva Wyndham V Heavens
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