16 Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic [2024 Local’s Insight]

Known for its incredible all-inclusive resorts, jungle-coated mountains, and pristine beaches, the Dominican Republic is one of the most beloved Caribbean island destinations for travelers. With its coastline rimmed with white sand, it is almost harder to find a beach in the Dominican Republic that isn’t a worthy contender among the Caribbean’s best.

From miles-long stretches of sand to hidden cove beaches, beaches in the Dominican Republic are as diverse as they come. Read on for our list of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, handpicked by travel experts and locals for your ultimate beach vacation.

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Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic

Travelers looking for the best beaches in the Dominican Republic will have no trouble finding exactly what they’re looking for, no matter where they base themselves.

Resort-heavy Punta Cana and the more exclusive Cap Cana are perched on some of the island’s most stunning shores. Those looking for a more laid-back beach destination where beach towns line the shore should consider the Samaná Peninsula, still home to plenty of more hidden stretches of sand. These are some of our top beach picks on the island ~

Keep reading for our full reviews of these stunning Dominican Republic beaches, handpicked for our best-of list by travel experts and locals alike to help you plan your dream beach getaway to the Dominican Republic.

Cayo Levantado

Best Private Island Beach in the Dominican Republic

In the heart of Samaná Bay, the white sand Cayo Levantado has long been a favorite day trip spot for travelers from around the country. With shallow, ultra-clear waters and fine, soft white sand, this tiny island is truly a dream. Just 10 minutes away from Samaná by boat, it’s easily accessible but feels like a private island adventure.

For the full Cayo Levantado experience, skip the day trip for an overnight stay at Cayo Levantado Resort, the only accommodations on the island. Recently reopened following an extensive refurbishment, this luxurious resort (the only one on the island) is now better than ever and is among the best resorts in the Dominican Republic.

Where To Stay Near Cayo Levantado: Cayo Levantado Resort

Bávaro Beach

Best Resort Beach in the Dominican Republic

Known as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Bávaro Beach is undeniably one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and it is easy to see why. This powdery-fine, 30-mile stretch of sand is part of what has made Punta Cana the resort capital of the Dominican Republic; it’s the Caribbean beach you’ve long been dreaming of.

Bávaro Beach is lined with resorts from top to bottom, so it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re looking for a hassle-free all-inclusive resort experience in the Dominican Republic, staying at one of the many resorts lining Bávaro Beach is your best choice – hands down.

Where To Stay Near Bávaro Beach: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino

Playa Cosón

Best Hidden Beach + Beach Town in the Dominican Republic

Located west of Las Terrenas on the Samaná peninsula, Playa Cosón is the untouched, jungle-fringed hidden beach you’ve been looking for. Its tranquility and hidden feel is a breath of fresh air even among the rest of the stunning beaches that surround it.

Stay at one of the smaller hotels or resorts in the area or base yourself in Las Terrenas for easy access to Playa Cosón and some of the other gems in the area. Make sure to hike up the road running parallel to the beach (towards Bella Vista Villas) for an incredible panoramic view of the beachfront before you leave.

Where To Stay Near Playa Cosón: Hotel Casa Coson

Punta Arena

The public beachfront at Cayo Levantado can get busy on weekend days with day trippers and locals alike, but Punta Arena – just a few minutes away in Los Haitises National Park – is almost guaranteed to be empty. This deserted, untouched beach emerges from the waves to make for a perfect stopover destination on a trip through the national park.

Punta Arena is a popular stop on day trips to Los Haitises, but it’s never overrun – even in high season! Soft, white, deserted sands make for a relaxing break when you disembark your boat, and though there isn’t much to see in terms of snorkeling, you’re bound to find starfish, tropical fish, and even a few stingless jellyfish here.

Where To Stay Near Punta Arena: Cayo Levantado Resort

Playa Las Canas

The off-the-beaten-path Playa Las Canas in Samaná is as beautiful, yet basic, as it gets; there aren’t any beach amenities here, and the road can be a bit tricky to navigate. However, if you’re looking for untouched and undeveloped white sand and palm-fringed shores, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Make Playa Las Canas just one of your beach stops in the area, with nearby Playa Morón, Playa El Valle, and Playa Ermitaño also worth a spot on your itinerary. Las Terrenas can make a good base for exploring the area, whether you’re looking for a resort (we recommend staying at Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo), or a smaller, more affordable beachfront cottage or hostel.

Where To Stay Near Playa Las Canas: Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo 

Playa Juanillo

Cap Cana’s Playa Juanillo is just as beautiful as Bávaro Beach just to its north, but like Cap Cana itself, this beach somehow feels much more exclusive.

Less visited and much less touristed, it’s an even nicer beach destination than its more famous neighbor. Shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, with nary a wave in sight. While there are plenty of resorts and hotels along Playa Juanillo, it manages to avoid some of the craziness, making it a perfect choice for a more relaxed stay while still being convenient to the airport and every possible amenity.

Where To Stay Near Playa Juanillo: Sanctuary Cap Cana

Playa Dorada

The pristine beauty of Playa Dorada has helped make Puerto Plata one of the Dominican Republic’s largest resort towns. It has a long history of welcoming travelers from around the world, with the first-ever all-inclusive resort in the country opening right here in 1980 to transform the island’s future as a tourist hotspot.

Many consider Playa Dorada to be among the nicest beaches in the Dominican Republic on the island’s north coast, and it’s no wonder why. The beach is an expansive stretch of white sand with shallow water, perfect for even kids or beginner swimmers. There are plenty of resorts here, but it doesn’t tend to feel overrun most of the time.

Where To Stay Near Playa Dorada: Hodelpa Emotions Puerto Plata

Punta Rucia

Two hours west of Puerto Plata, Punta Rucia has much of the beauty of the beaches of Puerto Plata but with just a fraction of the visitors. Instead of sprawling resorts, you’ll find tiny hotels and local spots for a fraction of the budget.

The beach at Punta Rucia is well worth the journey it takes to get here. Shallow water and white sands make it a dreamy spot; though there aren’t a ton of beach amenities, the tranquil, laid-back vibe certainly makes up for it. Punta Rucia is also just across the waves from the white sand Cayo Arena, making it a great spot to base yourself to enjoy two of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic in one trip.

Where To Stay Near Punta Rucia: Punta Rucia Lodge

Cayo Arena

If you’ve ever dreamed about lounging on a white sand deserted island in the Caribbean, Cayo Arena is the spot you’ve had in mind. Impossibly powdery sand and crystal clear water await at this “island” that just barely peaks above the waves off the coast of Punta Rucia. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours snorkeling and relaxing as you leave the world behind.

Access Cayo Arena via one of the many day trips that depart from Punta Rucia and enjoy this small town’s equally stunning beach, or take a day trip to Cayo Arena from Puerto Plata.

Where To Stay Near Cayo Arena: Punta Rucia Lodge

Playa Rincón

This is the spot that locals rave about again and again: Playa Rincón. Nestled among small beach towns like Las Galeras in Samaná, Playa Rincón is a big part of what makes the province of Samaná such an appealing destination for travelers looking to enjoy a beachy stay in the Dominican Republic.

It lives up to the hype, and then some. Its more remote location means it’s never crowded, but nearby local restaurants make it easy to spend the entire day here. Stay in Las Galeras for a night or two to really enjoy the area.

Where To Stay Near Playa Rincón: Chalet Tropical Biohotel 

Playa Grande

An isolated spot surrounded by lush jungles on the island’s north coast, Playa Grande is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, though few travelers ever get here. This long, untouched stretch of sand is good for both swimming and surfing, though most visitors come just to relax in one of the most beautiful spots you’ll find on the island.

Stay at Amanera, perched overlooking the beach’s west end, for the full Playa Grande experience. This resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Dominican Republic. The design-minded will love the boutique Playa Grande Beach Club on the beach’s east end, which feels like the private, plush retreat of your cool, eccentric cousin. More affordable options await in the tiny town of Rio San Juan, located just a short drive west.

Where To Stay Near Playa Grande: Amanera

Bahia de las Aguilas

Nestled within the Parque Nacional Jaragua, the protected Bahia de las Aguilas is one of the most truly untouched beaches in the country. Despite its remote location near the border with Haiti, the area is stunning and well worth traveling for – doable for a weekend trip from La Romana. It’s hard to find a more untouched, lovely beach in the Caribbean.

Where To Stay Near Bahia de las Aguilas: Eco Del Mar

Playa Esmeralda

Just over an hour north of Punta Cana, Playa Esmeralda is a stunning golden beachfront fringed with palms that welcomes just a tiny fraction of the visitors that overrun Punta Cana. You’ll marvel at how such a beautiful beachfront has remained so untouched and undeveloped when spots like Punta Cana are such a short drive away.

Access Playa Esmeralda via the small town of Miches, a few miles south of the beach. The brand-new 5-star resort along Playa Esmeralda’s beachfront, Zemi Miches, Curio Collection by Hilton makes for an unforgettable stay right on the sands, or choose from smaller, more budget-friendly hotels and hostels in the town of Miches itself.

Where To Stay Near Playa Esmeralda: Zemi Miches, Curio Collection by Hilton

Playa El Limón

Palm-fringed and undeveloped, Playa El Limón along the northern coast of the province of Samaná is the perfect beach for travelers looking to disconnect. Here you’ll find little more than white sands to welcome you to a dreamy beach you’re likely to have to yourself for a full day of snorkeling and sunning.

Nearby Playa Morón and Playa Las Canas make this area a veritable beach-hopping hotspot. Continue on to Las Galeras and Playa Rincón for even more, or head down to Cayo Levantado on the southern edge of the peninsula for even more of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.

Where To Stay Near Playa El Limón: Samana Ecolodge

Isla Saona

Located off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, Isla Saona is a stunning white sand island hidden within East National Park (Parque Nacional del Este). This unspoiled island spot, though a popular day trip destination from La Romana and Punta Cana year-round, is well worth the visit, no matter where you’re traveling from. It makes for the perfect beach day via catamaran, with many excursions offering lunch abroad and snorkeling stops along the way.

Where To Stay Near Isla Saona: Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort

Playa El Valle

The light sands and lush jungle surrounds of Playa El Valle make this one of the most visually stunning beaches in the Dominican Republic, among the countless gems that make the northern coast of the Samaná peninsula such an incredible beach destination in the Dominican Republic

Playa El Valle is visited enough to have a few small restaurants dotting the shores to serve visitors, but the roads to get here are a bit rough. Despite its beauty, it’s generally not a very populated beach and feels perfectly hidden.

Where To Stay Near Playa El Valle: El Valle Lodge