4 Best beaches in Dominican republic
I have to admit I try to visit different places than the majority of tourists. I do my best to search for great places that are somewhat hidden or unique in a way. And although I’ve met many people from my home country Slovakia who go on cool holidays to Dominican republic, it would be a shame not to visit this beautiful country.
I hope we all know that Dominican republic is sharing the Hispaniola island with Haiti (roughly at a 2:1 ratio) and after Cuba it’s the second largest Caribbean country (both by population and area). What does it mean to us? 1,288 km long Dominican republic coastline must have really stunning beaches, right?
Recently I came across an article about the best beaches in the Dominican republic and decided to give you some ideas in case you visit the Spanish-speaking island.
We all heard of Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, one of the main Caribbean destinations, but there are many other beaches worth your visit. Just remember that calmer beaches are on the Western side of the island (the Caribbean Sea) while those bordering the Atlantic Ocean usually have more turbulent waters.
Punta Cana Dominican republic
4 best beaches in Dominican republic:
1. Playa Boca Chica
Located just 30 km east of Santo Domingo means it can get overcrowded, however, it is still an awesome option for both the capital city locals or tourists. The calm sea here is great for families with kids and those not fond of waves. I am sure almost everyone would enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear sea or sunbathing on the white sand beach under the palm trees even surounded by hundreds of other like-minded people.
2. Playa Dorada
Situated on the Northern part of the island, this Atlantic Ocean golden sand beach is the exact opposite of Boca Chica. It’s full of all-inclusive resorts where you can eat at restaurants, sip on local mamajuana drink or step in when you need to use bathrooms or changing rooms. In winter, the sea can get too rough here for swimming. For that reason, Playa Dorada offers plenty of different activities if you wish to get active, such as windsurfing, kayaking, sailing or water skiing. You can even go to the cinema in the shopping mall, go golfing or have fun with go-karts.
3. Playa Rincon
This would be my favorite beach if I could choose as it is here where I could find my peace and quiet away from the masses. It must be stunning if even the Conde Nast Traveller pointed it out as one of the top 10 Caribbean beaches. The off the beaten path beach is hard to get to through the Cape Cabron cliffs – or you can take a 4-hour drive from Puerto Plata or take a 20-minute boat from Las Galeras. Once there you would get rewarded with perfect snorkeling and swimming. The unspoilt almost 3 km long Playa Rincon has only little vendors with drinks and sea food, and some beach chairs, no hotels yet. Which is why I give it thumbs up!
4. Isla Catalina
Many small offshore islands and cays belong to the Dominican republic and Isla Catalina is one of them which definitely should not be missed. It can be found somewhere halfway between the two major country attractions Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Isla Catalina would be your place if you are into quiet sunbathing or snorkeling. If you carry a snorkeling gear with you, go check out the pirate William Kidd shipwreck located just 21 m from the island coastline. Then, if you get more time, you can even pay a guide to take you to the mangroves and reefs around the island.
Before your visit, check out what other things to do in Dominican republic.
Have you been to the Dominican republic? Which other beaches would you recommend? Share in the comments below :)
