Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic – 2022

When we think about the Dominican Republic, the first thing that comes to mind are the sprawling, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. This is no exaggeration, since the beaches in the Dominican Republic, bathed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, are one of the country’s main attractions.

If you want to make the most of your trip to paradise, it’s a good idea to start planning how you’re going to enjoy your days in Punta Cana. To help you organise and start planning your trip in your mind, take a look at this ranking of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic that you just can’t miss.

PLAYA BÁVARO 

Without a doubt, Playa Bávaro is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, confirmed by the many people who visit it and even by UNESCO.

Playa Bávaro offers a variety of activities that will allow you to enjoy a few incredible days in the Dominican Republic. But, in addition to all the sports and games you can do in Playa Bávaro, you can also completely disconnect from everything, as you get a tan under the golden sun or enjoy the sea breeze under the shade of a coconut tree. You can find everything in Playa Bávaro, meaning your holidays should be perfect without having to leave this area. 

In Playa Bávaro, we can say that fun is guaranteed thanks to the selection of leisure activities it has to offer. Those who love to shop can find stores with traditional island crafts, home décor, clothes with a touch of exclusivity, or souvenirs to take back home. But that’s not all, this area is also a favourite among young people because of all the nightlife where music and fun are never lacking.

Another characteristic that makes Playa Bávaro one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic is that it has an incredible selection of hotels and the most luxurious resorts, such as our hotel in Playa Bávaro, where you can make your trip to Punta Cana simply unforgettable that you’ll want to repeat as soon as possible.

From the time the sun comes up until the sun goes down, Playa Bávaro has many attractions that make it one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic and a favourite destination among couples, families or groups of friends.

PLAYA JUANILLO

This is one of the quietest beaches on the island. It is located in the Cap Cana area, and it is a paradise especially for those travelling with children. The area offers the perfect spot for snorkelling and discovering the wonders of the underwater world. In addition, Playa Juanillo has an excellent variety of restaurants where you can enjoy a succulent lobster.

PLAYA BLANCA

This beach is characterised by the calmness of its waters and for being an ideal environment for practicing water sports such as kitesurfing, paddle boarding or scuba diving. Its access is restricted and you must travel here by car, so you will need to carry your personal identification and that of your vehicle with you at all times.

If you are passionate about photography, it’s important to know that this area is full of coral reefs that you can explore that’ll give you an incredible memory of your trip to Punta Cana. We recommend that you travel with an underwater camera, because the pictures you’ll take will be simply out of this world. Are you ready to discover more of Playa Blanca?

PLAYA DE BAYAHIBE 

This beach can be a peace haven, or it can also offer you endless adventures. Due to its proximity, it is associated with the beaches of La Romana, in the Dominican Republic. As a strong point, it has an underwater museum that recreates shipwrecks from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as perfect places for those who love hiking, such as the Padre Nuestro trail, or incredible caves like the Cueva del Puente, which is full of bats. In addition to all of these attractions, its white sand makes it a perfect place for relaxing and its waters are full of underwater life, making this area an ideal space for those who enjoy a day of fishing.

SAONA ISLAND

This island is known around the world for its mangroves and vegetation. Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, it is the final destination for many tours that depart from different areas of Punta Cana, so getting here is easy. It’s a protected space with important places such as the Turtle Sanctuary, in which different species of sea turtles nest and make it that much more special. But that’s not all, there is so much more to discover on Saona Island.

PLAYA GRANDE 

If you love to surf and you’re looking for a place to have fun practicing this sport, it’s time to learn about one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic located in the north of the country: Playa Grande. In winter the surf tends to be stronger, making it the ideal setting for riding the waves with your surfboard. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some relaxation, in summer the waters are much calmer.

As a touristy destination, on Playa Grande you can find a wide variety of restaurants, beach bars and rental services for sunbeds or surfboards to have fun or sunbathe on the beach. You can also try some of the fresh seafood or just cool off with a delicious cocktail on the sand.

CAYO LEVANTADO

If you’re planning to travel to the beaches in the Dominican Republic between January and March, remember to stop by Cayo Levantado. This island is located in the northeast of the country and is a paradise for those who love marine wildlife, since during these months you can see a massive migration of humpback whales, which are part of the island’s daily life.

In addition, it has lush vegetation, proof of which is a visit to the Los Haitises National Park, which in addition to the spectacular nature, also has bars and restaurants that offer visitors the best dishes of Dominican cuisine and fresh Caribbean drinks that you can enjoy on the island’s white sandy beaches.

BEACHES OF SANTO DOMINGO

Did you ever stop to consider the fact that the capital of the Dominican Republic is a coastal city? That means that Santo Domingo has its own beaches, which make it that much more special..

Keep in mind that these beaches are more urban. In other words, they don’t look like others such as Playa Bávaro with its endless sandbanks and coconut trees.

The beaches in Santo Domingo are well worth a visit. Some, like Playa de Güibia, are among the most famous. In addition to sunbathing, swimming or getting a refreshing drink at a beach bar, there are other attractions such as a beautiful viewpoint where you can enjoy the sunset, which will become one of the most special moments from your holidays on one of the best urban beaches in the Dominican Republic.