December 14, 2024, 6:36 am | Read time: 7 minutes
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country located right next to Haiti on the island of Hispaniola, and it is closely associated with images of paradise. The island’s beaches have fine, white sand and crystal-clear water. And, of course, there is also the glorious sunshine. TRAVELBOOK shows which of the beaches are best for enjoying all this and presents six of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.
The beautiful eastern part of the island of Hispaniola is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of picturesque beaches. This can make it difficult to choose one of them for a vacation in the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, many of these beaches can be easily integrated into almost any roundtrip. If you spend a longer period of time here, you have a good chance of discovering all six most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Overview
1. Playa Bonita on Samaná
Towering palm trees and the aroma of grilled fish set the scene at Playa Bonita, nestled on the Samaná peninsula in the north of the country. We consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, and not just because of its tranquility. Unlike many other beaches, there are hardly any hotels or restaurants near Playa Bonita. This natural tranquility is highly appreciated by people from home and abroad alike. Playa Bonita is located in a beautiful bay in the vacation resort of Las Terrenas. Right next to the beach is a rocky mountain called Punta Bonita. The top of the mountain is a popular destination, especially at sunset, as the view from up here is truly breathtaking. During the day, the beach also offers ideal conditions for surfing thanks to its great waves.
Our tip: If you prefer calmer waters, you can simply walk past Punta Bonita. There is another beach hidden here called Playa Coson, which is not as exposed to strong waves due to its location. The bars “Mosquito” and “Coyamar” are also highly recommended.
2. Playa Rincón on Samaná
Feel the warm sun on your face and the soft sand beneath your feet at Playa Rincón, situated at the far end of the Samaná peninsula. In the north of the Dominican Republic and very close to Las Galeras, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country is waiting to be discovered. White, fine sand and the turquoise sea speak for themselves and represent exactly what one imagines the beaches of the Dominican Republic to be. In addition to the meter-high palm trees, there is also a beautiful mangrove forest here. The fish near the shore feel particularly at home in its shade. So be sure to pack your snorkel and dive in! Another special feature here is the small river, which flows into the sea right by the beach and can be seen in the photo. Playa Rincón is also particularly suitable for long walks.
Our tip: At the northern end of the beach, there is a small beach restaurant that serves freshly caught fish and seafood.
3. Playa Cayo Levantado on Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado, a verdant oasis amidst the vast sea, boasts one of the Dominican Republic’s most stunning beaches. The tiny island became famous a few years ago because the commercial for a well-known rum manufacturer is said to have been filmed here. Some therefore affectionately call it the “Bacardi Island”. The long side of Cayo Levantado consists almost entirely of sandy beaches, as the photo clearly shows. It offers a pure Caribbean feeling, with countless palm trees providing shade and creating the perfect conditions for a long day at the beach. The island can be reached by boat from the town of Samaná in around fifteen minutes. Boats leave from the Simi Baez jetty throughout the day to head for the island.
Our tip: Cayo Levantado is home to a hotel as well as several small cafés, stores, and restaurants. The small island therefore offers everything you need for a successful day out. Humpback whales pass through the waters of the Bay of Samaná from January to March. So if you are planning a vacation at this time, you should definitely not miss the chance to experience this.
4. Playa Catuano on Saona
With crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, the island of Saona stands apart from Hispaniola and the rest of the Dominican Republic, by the serene Catuano Channel. Playa Catuano is located directly on the coastal side of the canal. The beach looks as if it has been taken from a postcard and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.
As it does not face the open sea, the waves here are unusually gentle. This provides the best conditions for snorkeling and observing the many fish in the crystal-clear water. It goes without saying, however, that this beach is exceptionally unsuitable for surfing. In addition to a military station, the remains of a pier that was destroyed by a hurricane many years ago can also be found here. Since then, the remains of the pier have provided a refuge for numerous fish. So if you go snorkeling here, you should definitely make a detour to the pier.
Our tip: There are several beach bars along Playa Catuano, all of which serve delicious Dominican cuisine. The Bandera Dominicana dish is highly recommended. It is considered the national dish and consists of rice, meat, red beans, and tostones — deep-fried pieces of plantains.
5. Bahia de las Aguilas in Pedernales
Swept by fresh breezes and boundless horizons, Bahia de las Aguilas, or the Bay of Eagles, truly lives up to its majestic name. The atmosphere here is characterized by great freedom and a touch of wilderness due to the strong nature conservation. Both humans and animals benefit from this in equal measure. Turtles can be seen laying their eggs here every year. Bahia de las Aguilas is located in the middle of Jaragua National Park and measures an impressive 37 kilometers. The bay is home to Pedernales Beach, which we consider to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. In addition to its spaciousness, it also offers good conditions for snorkeling and is very popular with families with children due to the gentle waves. This makes it a real all-rounder. This is also reflected in the beach’s public.
Our tip: The nearby Babylia Beach is also highly recommended. It is less than five kilometers away and can be easily reached by car or public transport.
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6. Playa San Rafael: A Hidden Gem
Challenged by a rough sea, rugged coast, and coarse stones, San Rafael Beach stands out with its unique, pebbly charm. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, we consider it to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Because there is usually no shortage of soft sandy beaches here. As a result, the gray pebbles of Playa San Rafael offer a welcome change.
The surroundings of the beach also fit this picture. The wind seems stronger here, the waves higher, and everything seems rougher and wilder than on the other beaches in the country. Many people appreciate this, and word of this spot has already spread, especially among surfing fans. Nevertheless, it is still considered an insider tip by many, which is why there are far fewer people here than elsewhere. This beach is less suitable for families. Due to the strong currents, it is only recommended for those who can swim well.
Our tip: There are several cafés and bars nearby. They serve “Presidente”, one of the most popular Dominican beers. Incidentally, it tastes particularly good on the beach at sunset.