top-rated beaches in Dominican Republic
Today we are going to talk about 9 top-rated beaches in Dominican Republic that you must visit this summer. The Dominican Republic boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, whether you’re looking for stunning secluded bays, vast expanses of soft sand or lively nightclubs and restaurants on the sand. If you want to know more about these beaches, here we go…
Cabarete Beach, Cabarete

Considered one of Dominican Republic’s premier beach resorts, Cabarete has plenty to offer, from year-round warm weather and crystal clear water, to world class windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. Surrounded by coconut palm trees and huge rock formations, just 20 minutes from Puerto Plata airport, Cabarete is a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for a quiet break away from busy crowds. The beach here is wide and safe for swimming as well as being equipped with bars and restaurants along its length. On your way down to the beach look out for an array of aquatic birds flying around in search of food amongst giant tidal pools formed where freshwater streams meet with saltwater.
Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
This gorgeous beach features glistening waters and acres of beautiful white sand. Due to its calm waters, it is a perfect choice for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The beach also offers opportunities for fishing, as well as sailboats, glass bottom boats and jet skis to rent. Its facilities include restrooms, showers and food concessions with fresh seafood on hand. This beach is located west of Juan Dolio within Rio San Juan province. It can be accessed by taxi or car from Santo Domingo or Santiago de los Caballeros; each trip costs approximately $80 US dollars one way by car. (Source: Dominicana Travel Guide)
Beaches of Las Galeras
The popular beach town of Las Galeras is a great place to spend a few days relaxing on beautiful beaches. There are several water sports available, including diving and snorkeling. This is also an excellent place for hiking and exploring nature at its best. Surfers looking for something more challenging will want to travel to Hicacos Beach, while those looking for a sandy beach can travel 10 minutes north to Cabeza de Toro Beach. The waves are gentle enough at both places so swimming is no problem. Fishing is not allowed here, but there’s still plenty of fun in the sun! If you’re looking for shopping or nightlife, there are plenty of other towns within reach where you can find them!
Playa Rincón
Playa Rincón is located off Route 3, just before Los Haitises National Park. The long white beach attracts many tourists to its fine powdery sand and warm waters. Here, activities include kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Restaurants are abundant around the area, with food ranging from traditional to international cuisine. You can also get souvenirs at one of many handicrafts shops. Located nearby is a river that has crystal clear water where one can go swimming or just relax by watching locals fish.
Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
This area is known for its scenic views, as well as its luxurious atmosphere. It has a lot of high end hotels and attracts travelers from all over. It’s popular with tourists because it offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer to lounge on pristine sand beaches or to trek through an exotic jungle, Playa Dorada will not disappoint! This beach also has exciting ocean activities like surfing and snorkeling for those who want some adventure in their vacation. The water here is calm year round, making it one of Puerto Plata’s most popular spots. Best time to go: March through December
Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana

The most famous beach on a peninsula known for its beautiful tropical coastline, Bávaro Beach boasts soft, golden sand and a vibrant atmosphere. This is where most tourists stay when visiting Punta Cana because of its close proximity to restaurants, bars and shops. No matter how busy it gets during high season, there’s always plenty of space on its long stretch of golden sand. All manner of activities are available including parasailing, jet skiing and scuba diving with world-class coral reefs just offshore. Bávaro isn’t exclusive either—it’s popular with couples and families alike. Water activities are abundant here too but for those who want something more relaxing, two or three hours spent by an umbrella won’t go amiss either!
Playa Juan Dolio
This beautiful and quiet bay offers some of the most pristine Caribbean waters to be found on land. The beach stretches a long way, so if you’re looking for space, you won’t have to compromise. The water here is crystal clear—you can even see right through it at some points. One thing to remember when visiting Juan Dolio: To get here, you need a four-wheel drive vehicle or a tour with an experienced driver who knows how to get around. Due to its isolation and size, public transportation is not available here.
Playa Boca Chica
In Boca Chica, visitors will enjoy white sand and turquoise waters. It is a beach that can be easily reached from Santo Domingo, Santiago and other neighboring areas. The most attractive aspect of Playa Boca Chica is its warm and crystal clear waters, making it a favorite for diving enthusiasts. Onshore activities include swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling. Aside from its popularity as an aquatic destination, Playa Boca Chica is also known for its lobster dishes.
Playa Dominicus
The white sand is inviting and delightful. The water is crystal clear, sparkling and very clean. This beach has many facilities like; toilets, showers, food stalls, bars and restaurants. You will love being at Playa Dominicus because of its safe swimming area for children. This beach has it all. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving as well if you are an experienced diver. However if you are a beginner then I would suggest taking classes beforehand just to make sure that everything goes well during your visit to Playa Dominicus since there have been cases where some people drowned while scuba diving on their first time doing it.