There are many great Playas/Beaches here in Dominican Republic. Since it is on an island I guess that is an obvious statement. We have just about any type of beach that a person would like. Nice calm, white sand beaches with hardy any wave to speak of to the rough, and tumble waves that can be sometimes dangerous. We have brown sand beaches and beaches that are rocky. Whatever type beach you enjoy I'm sure you will find it here in Dominican Republic.

MONTECRISTI    El Morro (rough waves with brownish red sand).Punta Rucía, El Manantial, Monte Cristi, Bahía de Manzanillo.

PUERTO PLATA   Cabarete, Sosúa, Cofresí, Cabo Isabela, Cambiaso, Playa Dorada, La Encenada, Playa Guzmancito, Long Beach, Bahia de Luperon, Cabarete

ESPAILLAT   Playa la Hermita, Playa Rio San Juan

MARIA TRINIDAD SANCHEZ    Playa Grande (picture-new window), Playa Bretón, Playa El Caletón, Playa Diamente, Playa Preciosa,  Cabo Fránces, La Poza de Bojolo, Arroyo Salado, Playa Matancitas, Playa los Greengos

SAMANÄ (to get more info on some of these beaches on this page)   Las Terrenas, Puerto Escondido, Rincón, Playuela, Galeras, Los Cocos, Playa Colorada, Playa Fronton, Playa Madame, Playa Bonita (picture-new window)

HATO MAYOR    Playa de Sabana De La Mar, Playa el Negro, Playa de Guibia

EL SEIBO    Playa de Miches, Playa Punta Mangles, Playa Icaco

LA ALTAGRACIA    Macao, Bávaro, Punta Cana, Cabo Engaño, Cabeza de Toro, Punta Juanillo, Playa del Muerto, Playa Arena Gorda, Playa Cortecito, Puerto Escondido, Bayaibe, Playa Dominucus

LA ROMANA   Cumayasa, La Caleta, Las Minitas, Playa De Chavon, Playa De La Romana

PEDRO DE MACORIS    Playa Caribe,  Juan Dolio, Embassy, Yacanes, Villas Del Mar, Playa Las Sardomas

DISTRICT NACIONAL/SANTO DOMINGO    Playa Andrés de Boca Chica, La Caleta

See pictures of some beaches and rivers around Dominican Republic visit our picture page here (opens in new window)

For a few little helpful hints about dealing with things on the beach

Discovered at the end of the 19th century by the Italian Don Juan Vicini. This the closest beach to Santo Domingo is beautiful with its crystal clear calm waters and white sand beach.  The coral breakwater protects this beach from the waves of the Caribbean. This is why Boca Chica is called the worlds largest bath tub since the waters are virtually waveless. There are two uninhabited islands, both covered in vegetation: Los Pinitos and Las Maticas. There are also many water sports to get involved in, snorkeling, diving, and even the famous Banana Boat ride.

There are many fine restaurants and hotels here. Go out and explore a bit. It's so close to the capital (Santo Domingo) that it makes for a great day trip or an overnighter. You can still find inexpensive hotels here to spend a night after a good time partying.

Playa Juan Dolio  Juan Dolio is a smaller beach and not as hectic as many of the beach areas in Dominican Republic. It is about a  40 min drive (40 km) to the east from Santo Domingo. There are many all inclusive resorts found  in Juan Dolio, at which visitors can enjoy privacy and stay without worry of added in fees., exuberant tropical views, and lovely seascapes. Nightlife and entertainment is also close at hand in San Pedro de Macoris, the nearest city.

The beaches are not the pure white sand and the water is not usually turquise colored like one would think.  But it is very clean and beautiful. Who would want every beach to look the same? Some of the beach is a little rough for bare feet because of the shells, but no worries, there are smooth sand areas also. The public beach is small but very clean. One can walk for long distances and get away from the crowd.

Walking around the town is very simple and quite safe. Most everything is within walking distance. There are many good restaurants. The night life is very calm. Not a lot happening here but it is a nice relaxing quiet get away.

Playa Los Patos Located in the Barahona area-"The Pearl of the South" The town of Los Patos (the ducks) is a very small town. There is really not much to see and do in the town. There is a bar in the town, a pool hall, a decent sized Colmado, and good friendly hometown people. A place where everyone knows everyone. Cellular phone service is sporadic. You may have to climb a hill to make a call.

The beach is made up mostly of broken shells and can be a bit rough for bare feet. The waves are a little strong and wonderful to listen to in the night crashing on the shore (I slept outside on a roof about 8 blocks from the beach and could still hear the waves, it was wonderful). There is a cool, sweet water river that runs from the hills into the sea. The swimming is very refreshing. The locals do their daily bathing here. There are many little places to sit and eat or have a bien fria (cold beer).

We highly recommend Playa Los Patos for a nice quiet get away. You wont see many tourists in the area. It is more a Dominican hangout so there will be less vendors to bother you when you try and relax.

Good shell collecting beach. Good surfing for beginners. Many eco-tourism type things to do and see in the area.

See our picture collection of Los Patos.

Boca Chica is known for its Sex tourism. If you want it it is there if you don't want it then don't look. It is still a great place for a good family time. At night when they close off Calle Duarte to traffic. The partying begins. Chairs and tables are set up in the street for a giant party. Very interesting if your into people watching. You can see things happening here that you would never imagine. (Once I entered the street and was approached by a woamn wanting to show me pictures of men that I could get to know for a price. I couldn't beleive it. First I was offended that she thought I needed to "pay" for an escort then I had to laugh as I watched her approaching others. She was so slick.)

     There are a few spots along the shore where fresh water runs into the salt. It is nice to know these spots for a little refreshment. Ask the locals where they are located if your interested.

For more information on hotels, restaurants and everything pertaining to Boca Chica check out this site

Playa Guigia is the only beach in the City of Santo Domingo. Located on the Malecon, George Washington Blvd. near the Sheraton Hotel. This beach is very polluted with gas and oil and garbage. It is a good surfing spot though. A very small beach with no place to sit on the sand. There are a few vendor spots along the road to sit to eat and drink. But the beach is not one where one would like to hang out.

For some helpful hints on beach going go to our puddle page (opens in new window)

For some helpful hints on beach going go to our puddle page (opens in new window)

For some helpful hints on beach going go to our puddle page      (opens in new window)

How to get from Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo to Boca Chica by Bus.

Palenque Beach (picture-new window) in the San Cristobal region This beach is about a 1 hour drive from Santo Domingo. This is a more "Dominican" beach. It is not frequented by tons of tourists. There are much less humans than at Boca Chica beach. This beach is dark sand with brownish waters. It is not the crystal blue that one would think of here in Dominican Republic. It is a beautiful beach just the same. Just different. They serve some great fish at a great price also. There are places to rent chairs. There are some interesting places on this beach. There are small dancing pavillions where you can hang out. There are beach vendors but they are not as pesty and bothersom as on other beaches. The oysters hear are very tasty. Every time I have been there someone tries to sell me a string of fresh crabs to take home to cook (they were very, very good). It is a nice family beach.

Palenque is good beach for diving and surfing. Here can be found the remains of the French galleon Diómedes Imperial that  sank in 1806.

There are a few hotels in the area but they are not fancy

Salinas de Bani , Bay side and Sea side. The bay side seems to always have a lot of wind and waves and the  the water is a bit shallow. The Sea side is usually crystal clear but the water is not the turquoise blue. This is more of a beach frequented by locals.

Playa Las Galeras or The Fisherman’s Beach. The main beach of Las Galeras located in the North East of the island near Samana. More populated and larger beach beach.

Playa Madame, a white and pink sand beach, is a few kilometers away from Las Galeras downtown. It is a small, natural and undeveloped beach and is only accessible by boat or a 30 minute walk in the tropical forest. This is a little beach, but totally natural with no developments! There are caves close by to explore.

Playa Fronton is one of the most beautiful beach of Las Galeras. This beach is great for snorkeling and has a huge mountain directly behind. Only accessible by taking a 2 hour jungle walk or by boat.

Playa Caleton also known as the Lovers beach. Many excursions to Gri-Gri Lagoon (pictures included ) will take you there. 

Playa Colorada easily reached by car, walking or boat from Las Galeras. There is a wild undeveloped beach and a private one which you can swim.

Playa el Valle between Samana and Las Galeras accessable by car. A good surfing beach with strong current and waves that can be dangerous.

Playa Bonita near Las Terranas. This beach is known for its fun waves and it tranquility. It is said by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.(pictures of the beach-opens in a new window))

If you are interested in checking out these beaches there is a great hotel near to all. Hotel Moorea Beach.  Has all the amenities of a large hotel but is small and peacful. For more information on this hotel check out their web site here.

See many pictures of different beaches throughout Dominican Republic here - opens in a new window

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Here are a few great water tours available in Dominican Republic. There are many more available on all of the great beaches here.

If you are looking for more things to do in Dominican Republic please check out our main pastimes page. Here you can book different tours before you arrive.

Punta Cana is the essence of tropical peace and tranquility. Get away and experience some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean where you will get up close and personal with the abundance of amazing ocean life!

Come and experience the 3 best excursions - the Scubadoo, Glass Bottom Boat and a Sunset ExcursionIn, Under and Above the crystal clear and warm waters of the Dominican Republic