Discover the Finest Beaches in the Dominican Republic—and the Perfect Hotels to Stay At

Boasting over 200 beaches along both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dominican Republic offers coastal stretches for every preference. Here, you’ll encounter sands ranging from brilliant white to deep black, waters ideal for everything from surfing to snorkeling, and atmospheres that vary from Cast Away to lively beach parties. Below are some of the top beaches in the Dominican Republic, categorized by popular tourist areas.

The La Romana Region

Playa Isla Catalina

In the 15th century, pirates utilized Catalina Island as a hiding spot while waiting to ambush Spanish ships en route to and from Santo Domingo. Today, it’s renowned for its stunning beach (think golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and clusters of small, one-story palm trees) and the coral reefs home to barracudas, eagle rays, and moray eels, located just offshore. The Catalina Wall is one of the top-rated diving spots in the Dominican Republic.

For those who prefer lounging on the sand, you'll find complimentary beach loungers and striped umbrellas, a selection of gift shops featuring local crafts, and a beach bar where they whip up piña coladas using fresh pineapple. Catalina Island is part of Parque Nacional del Este and is located 1.5 miles offshore from the Dominican Republic's mainland. Various tour operators in La Romana offer boat trips, and guests at the luxurious Casa de Campo resort can take advantage of the resort’s daily excursions to the island.

Playa Mintas

This beach boasts soft, khaki-colored sand meeting tranquil waters, dotted with palm trees and ferns. A natural rock formation about 25 yards from the shore creates a gentle swimming area, making the waves minimal. Visitors can enjoy an array of woven beach loungers and cream-colored umbrellas, two beach bars, a restaurant, two food trucks, a volleyball court, and, for those who prefer fresh water, a chlorinated swimming pool. Paddle boats, snorkeling gear, and more are available for rent at a beach shack.

Playa Dominicus

Imagine yourself lounging on a beach with a cocktail in hand, and that vision likely resembles Dominicus Beach. With its rich, eggshell-hued sand, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, and palm trees providing shade from the sun, it’s nothing short of paradise. The snorkeling here is excellent, especially near the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, where an artificial reef teems with a vibrant array of tropical fish.

Accommodation options in the La Romana area

Casa de Campo

This expansive resort, often likened to a small city, is a favorite among celebrities (having hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jordan, and Bill Clinton) along the southern coast. It boasts 247 guest rooms and 50 luxurious rental villas ranging from 3 to 10 bedrooms, blending elegance with a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a plethora of amenities, including renowned golf courses, equestrian and polo facilities, tennis courts, a marina and yacht club, eight dining options, nine bars, and a lavish spa complex.

The Punta Cana region

Playa Bavaro

Stretching over 12 miles, Bavaro is still one of the most popular beaches in the Dominican Republic, known for its turquoise waters and fine, powdered cream-colored sand. Here, you can enjoy a range of activities, from parasailing and tubing to savoring potent Cuba libre cocktails at various beach bars. Guests of nearby hotels can typically find free loungers, but visitors are also welcome to rent their spots. There are designated swimming zones along the beach, making it a favored location for motorized water sports and personal boats to dock. While the atmosphere can often lean towards lively rather than tranquil, you can find serene spots if you venture away from the main access points.

Playa Macao

For surfers, Playa Macao is arguably the top destination for catching waves in the Dominican Republic. Swells ranging from one to nine feet break along its caramel-hued shores. It's also a great spot for beginners to practice (there’s a small area for surf lessons on the southern end) and for leisurely swimming. Local families frequent Macao, and its charm lies in its simplicity—just a few stands selling Presidente beers and spots to rent worn plastic beach chairs and sun-faded umbrellas. If you're seeking a stunningly beautiful yet low-key beach, this is the place for you.

Playa Limon

Playa Limon (not to be confused with Playa El Limon on the Samana Peninsula) may not be as well-known because it's located at the far edge of Punta Cana, with many other fantastic beaches between it and the airport. Getting here requires some intention, but those who make the trip are rewarded with a breathtaking Atlantic beach that's often nearly deserted. The palms gracefully arch towards the water, and gentle waves lap against the golden sands. Plus, the nearby freshwater lagoons make it an excellent location for birdwatching—you might even spot a flamingo or two.

Where to stay in the Punta Cana area

Finest Punta Cana

While the Punta Cana area can be bustling with international tourists and numerous hotels, this stylish all-inclusive resort, located on the serene Uvero Alto beach at the northern tip of Punta Cana, offers a tranquil escape that accommodates all types of travelers. Divided into two distinct sections—one for families and one exclusively for adults—the resort features 455 suites that maintain a spacious atmosphere. Guests can indulge in 15 diverse dining options (including Shoji, a Japanese restaurant, and Duke’s, which specializes in beachside lobster), 13 bars (including swim-up options), a full-service spa with a variety of treatments and hydrotherapy pools, and a daily lineup of activities to keep children engaged and entertained.

The Samaná Peninsula area

Playa Fronton

Playa Fronton is another breathtaking beach with soft, white sand and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. The underwater landscape features vibrant coral reefs filled with urchins and sponges, teeming with butterflyfish, triggerfish, angelfish, needlefish, and more. Nestled at the base of a dramatic rock cliff, which attracts climbers and those intrigued by dark, enigmatic caves, Playa Fronton is somewhat off the beaten path (it's where Colombia’s version of Survivor was filmed). The simplest way to reach the beach is by hiring a boat from Las Galeras, but adventurous souls with a knack for jungle navigation can opt for a two-hour hike instead.

Playa Rincon

A bit tricky to access and even harder to leave, this three-mile stretch of pristine white sand, embraced by a dense palm forest, resembles a scene from a rum advertisement. With very minimal development (just a few family-owned beach shacks and rental spots for loungers and snorkeling gear), it offers an enchanting sense of seclusion. If you stroll a little further along the shore, you may feel as though the entire beach is yours. In spring, keep an eye out for humpback whales off the coast, as they return here to mate each year.

Where to stay on the Samana Peninsula

Dominican Tree House Village

For those who don’t mind a drive to the beach, Dominican Tree House Village stands out as one of the most distinctive (and eco-friendly) accommodations on the Samana Peninsula. Each of the 22 stilted cabins is open on three sides (with mosquito nets for comfort), featuring either a queen or king-size bed and hammock chairs, perched above the treetops for breathtaking views of the lush jungle surrounding you.

Puerto Plata and the northern coast

Playa Grande

With its golden sands and sparkling turquoise waters, Playa Grande boasts a handful of pastel shacks serving freshly caught lobster and fried plantains, along with rentable beach chairs available for just a few dollars. It’s the perfect spot to relax for an afternoon. A surf school is also available for lessons, but be cautious: the waves can become quite powerful, and locals often advise being wary of the undertow, so swim at your own risk.

Cayo Arena

A quick catamaran journey will take you to Cayo Arena, commonly referred to as “Paradise Island,” which is technically more of a sandbar than a true island. What makes this spot unique is its convenient snorkeling access to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including schools of surgeonfish, octopus, crabs, yellowtail snappers, and damselfish that swim (or scuttle) remarkably close to the shore.

Where to stay on the northern coast

Amanera

Perched on a cliff overlooking Playa Grande, this highly sought-after Aman property features 25 villas, some equipped with private pools and all boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning coastal views. According to Dinogo contributor Laura Begley Bloom, "The heart of the resort is Casa Grande, where you'll find the main restaurant serving organic produce, fresh seafood, and modern takes on Dominican dishes, along with a bar offering custom Amanera cigars and an impressive rum selection, and an infinity pool. At the beachfront Beach Club, guests can savor lunches with their toes in the sand, enjoy candlelit dinners, and take ceviche cooking classes."