With 800 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with neighboring Haiti, has a beach to suit every need. Many of the Dominican Republic’s best beaches are lined with resorts, restaurants, shops and more, so you have any amenity you could need nearby. Whether you want to test your skills on the epic waves that roll in on the island’s north coast or escape to a secluded stretch of sand, we share the best Dominican Republic beaches for your perfect day in the sun.
On the calm Caribbean side, Dominican Republic’s numerous fringing reefs make for great snorkeling from the shore, but not all beaches on the island are safe for swimming and snorkeling. When traveling with little ones, a day at a beach with crashing waves or strong rip currents can turn a relaxing vacation into a high-stress situation. This list starts out with the Dominican Republic’s south coast beaches, where the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea laps gently at white-sand shores, offering a safe, fun and beautiful beach experience for your family. However, big waves and strong currents aren’t all bad—whether it’s your first time attempting to get up on a board or you’re an expert at riding the waves, the Dominican Republic has a surf spot for you, too.
1. Playa Dominicus
In Bayahibe, a small fishing village situated between Punta Cana and La Romana, you’ll find Playa Dominicus, where currents are gentle and waters are placid. Open to all visitors, this is the first beach in the Caribbean to earn the Blue Flag distinction that recognizes outstanding safety, monitoring and management. An offshore reef protects the shallow bay and nearby restaurants and arts and crafts shacks make it easy to grab a snack or escape from the sun for a bit when your kids need a break.
2. Playa Minitas
Located within Casa de Campo, a luxury resort in La Romana, Playa Minitas is a beautiful beach with calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike the busier public beaches, this private stretch of sand is well-maintained and promises a peaceful escape from the crowds. While primarily for resort guests, visitors can access the beach with a day pass, making it an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a quieter, more upscale beach experience.
Thanks to its location on the Caribbean side of the island, the waters here are calm and crystal-clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling without worrying about strong currents. For those after adventure, paddleboarding and kayaking are available, or you can simply relax in a lounge chair beneath the shade of a swaying palm. The beach club restaurant serves fresh seafood and tropical drinks, making it easy to spend the whole day soaking up the sun.
3. Bàvaro Beach
On the island’s east coast, where Caribbean and Atlantic seas meet you’ll find Playa Bàvaro in Punta Cana. A quintessentially palm-fringed stretch of pristine sands and calm waters, thanks to the offshore reef that protects the bay, this beach is a popular tourist destination that retains its natural beauty with small coves where you and the kids can tuck away for an afternoon siesta. Playa Bàvaro is lined with resorts and packed with activities like banana-boat excursions and kayak rentals, ensuring your family never gets bored.
4. Playa Encuentro
First-time surfers should head to Playa Encuentro in Cabarete, where consistent surf year-round and a lifeguard on duty make it a great beach for learning. The area known as Bobo’s Point is uncrowded and forgiving—the perfect spot for catching your first wave. Several surf schools have set up shop here and will guide you through the basics.
In addition to offering easy waves for beginners, areas of Encuentro are ideal for skilled surfers. Expert surfers know to hit the beach in the winter when ocean swells make for quality waves. One section known as The Left is best for intermediates and experts, and waves in the Coco Pipe area are known to barrel during a north swell.
5. La Preciosa & El Barco
Further to the east, La Preciosa serves up great surf during a swell but there are currents and rips and a decent paddle-out is required, so surfing here definitely requires plenty of experience. Nearby El Barco offers similar conditions. The Gran Bahia Principe San Juan is just a 20-minute drive to these expert surf spots.
6. Sosua Bay
At Sosua Bay, the water is calm and clear enough that you can even bring your children along for a snorkel. Just 50 meters off the beach, you’ll arrive at the reef and there are several resorts nearby if you’d like to stay close to this snorkeling experience.
7. Playa Rincón
For a quieter, more secluded beach experience, head to Playa Rincón—a postcard-perfect beach with palm trees, soft sand and brilliant turquoise waters. The crowds are light here due to lack of easy access—it requires a vehicle with four-wheel drive or a boat from nearby Las Galeras to bring you in. Here, the Caño Frio river flows into the sea, and there’s plenty of shade, courtesy of the palms and seagrape trees that fringe the shore. Despite Playa Rincón’s relative seclusion, there are a few small eateries here where you can grab lunch.
8. Playa Morón
You’ll want to hire a local guide to help you get to Playa Morón, as the roads are not easy to traverse, but it’s well worth the trip. This perfectly paradisiacal beach features a 17th-century cannon, calm waters and a rainforest landscape bordering the cove. Amenities are few, so pack a cooler and prepare to spend a day in blissful solitude.
