It is only after spending a few weeks on vacation in the Dominican Republic that you get a proper idea of everything there is to see and do in the country. Most likely, it will be on that plane ride back to your home that you make the decision to return, at least one more time.
The Dominican Republic is such a treasure trove of delights, that you probably have a hard time determining which part of your vacation experience has been the most enjoyable- the historical legacy of Santo Domingo’s romantic Colonial City and its landmarks and Spanish colonial architecture, the hustle and bustle of the commercial activity found at any of the capital’s main shopping thoroughfares and plazas, the exquisite gourmet experience of a land and people blessed by a unique mixture of cultures, what is unquestionably the most exciting nightlife in the Caribbean, the consumptive passion of Dominican music and dance, the visual wonder of the nation’s plastic arts, the festive and friendly nature of the Dominican people themselves… the list goes on and on!
Let’s face it, though. Nothing can truly beat the surf, sun and fun of the Dominican Republic’s beaches.
Widely celebrated as being among the world’s very best, more than 1,000 miles of sugary-colored sands line the country’s coasts. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea gently lap at the beaches along the North, South, and East. And as far as the wind is concerned, well, let’s just say that some of the world’s greatest windsurfers and kite boarders alike find themselves quite literally awed by the quality of wind and wave, ideal for the sportiest of vacationers.
Each region is unique in and of itself, and you can never truly appreciate the Dominican Republic for the vacation haven it is unless you’ve spent quality time on all coasts.
The Southwest Beaches
Although the Southwest region of the Dominican Republic is the least developed touristically, it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island of Hispaniola. The sands are somewhat grayish in color.
Pedernales Beach, for example, is a sight to see. Located near the Haitian border, this beach is close to the fishing village of Pedernales. Peaceful and relaxing during the day, at night it comes alive with small fishing boats returning to the shore, almost as if it were a page torn from Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Barahona boasts the beach of San Rafael, a popular hotspot for the local residents. The strong ocean surf is ideal for windsurfing and other water sports, but even more impressive is the natural swimming pool formed by a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall descending from the nearby mountains. Shades of “Blue Lagoon,” anyone? There is even a manmade barrier that allows the natural swimming pool’s waters to flow into the Caribbean Sea.
Another popular spot along the southwest is Salinas Beach, near the town of Bani. Salinas has the peculiarity of being very close to Las Dunas de Bani (Salinas Sand Dunes), local salt mines, and a nearby military naval base. The people that frequently visit the location are particularly enamored of its sporting conditions, ideal for windsurfing.
The South Central Beaches
The country’s south central beaches are centered on the sprawling metropolis of Santo Domingo, with its population of roughly three million inhabitants. These are the beaches that draw heavily from the capital, as local residents and visiting vacationers alike hit the best locations on weekends and holidays.
The closest beach is the small tourist town of Boca Chica, which also happens to be loaded with gourmet restaurants, trendy nightspots, and all sorts of specialty service shops and rentals. The waters off the shore of Boca Chica’s beaches are shallow, making the location particularly child-friendly.
Those looking to enjoy quality boogie-boarding need go no further than Caribe Beach, home to Caribbean Sun (popular for its all-night raves and electronic dance music parties), and the beach at Guayacanes, nestled between Boca Chica and Juan Dolio.
The beaches of Juan Dolio have recently undergone a tremendous transformation, one that has turned the area into a huge draw among the city crowds. With the waters recently dredged, the beachfront has been widened and extended, and now hosts some of the most ambitious condo-hotel and resort projects in the area. Restaurants, bars, small inns, and resorts line the extensive beach and provide endless entertainment, both day and night.
Nearby, two of the country’s finest par-72, 18-hole professional golf courses, Guavaberry and Los Marlins, serve as an added incentive to visit the area.
The Eastern Beaches
Traveling east beyond Boca Chica, Guayacanes, and Juan Dolio, you’ll come across the town of San Pedro de Macoris, famed for its sugar industry and sugar cane production, as well as its Guavaberry, Guloyas, and Major League Baseball superstars. San Pedro de Macoris is the hometown of future Hall-of-Famer Sammy Sosa.
After San Pedro lies the important port town of La Romana, home to the world renowned and luxurious Casa de Campo golf resort and the artist’s village of Altos de Chavon. At Casa de Campo, you can enjoy the white sands of Minitas Beach, which is located within the golf resort’s complex.
More importantly, just 15 minutes after La Romana is the bay of Bayahibe, home to a number of quality resorts, such as Casa del Mar, Canoa, and Dominicus. Bayahibe Beach is a truly inspirational location, a large bay with the resorts on one side and the small fishing village of Bayahibe on the other.
Out to sea lies Catalina Island, a small triangular islet only six square miles in size, known for the numerous shipwrecks surrounding it and ideal for a day of scuba diving and underwater exploration. Catalina Island features the best coral reef in the area, as well as a mangrove swamp and a number of sand dunes.
Recently named one of the Caribbean’s Eight Dream Beaches by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine, Saona Island is located within the boundaries of the Parque Nacional del Este, or the East National Park. Saona Island is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations along the east coast, known for its sugary white sands, towering coconut palms and azure waters.
The easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic is by far the most popular and the most important tourist destination in the country. The combined area of Punta Cana-Bavaro receives more tourists yearly than most of the remaining tourist destinations together. In fact, for several years now, the Punta Cana International Airport has handled more volumes of passengers and aircraft than even Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport.
The beach of Punta Cana is home to the Punta Cana Resort and Club, the region’s pioneer vacation haven. It has earned great fame as an eco-friendly beach hotel, blending in with the hundreds of swaying coconut palms scattered along the 30 miles of fine white sand. Despite the number of people who idle the day away in an area crowded with so many all-inclusive resorts, residential projects, and condo-hotels, it is truly amazing to discover how the beach never feels crowded.
Just north of Punta Cana lies Bavaro, with its seemingly endless stretch of picture perfect white beach. Bavaro is home to many of the world’s biggest hotel and resort chains, such as Melia, Barcelo, and Riu, as well as the highly-frequented Manati Park reserve.
The Northeast Beaches
The northeastern beaches of the Dominican Republic are actually centered on the peninsula of Samana. Located in the very heart of Samana Bay, just a few miles offshore from the town of Samana, is the small islet of Cayo Levantado. One of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula is located on the far side of Cayo Levantado, which is easily reached by regular ferry crossings out of Samana.
On the northern shore of Samana peninsula lies the beach of Las Terrenas, home to scores of small inns and lodgings, as well as a number of quality resorts. Las Terrenas boasts a large population of ex-pats from Europe, particularly from France, and North America. These are people who, for the most part, came to visit the Dominican Republic on vacation and ended up falling hopelessly in love with the country and its people, giving up their past lives to start anew in this New World Paradise.
Other noteworthy Samana beaches include Bonita Beach, a quiet eight-mile stretch of sand located on the north side of the peninsula; Las Flechas Beach, on the southeastern tip, named after a battle between Christopher Columbus and the Taino Indians that occupied the land; and Rincon Beach, over three miles long, which boasts the distinction of having been ranked by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s ten best beaches.
The North Coast Beaches
The Dominican Republic’s north coast is actually one of the most touristically developed destinations in the country. Although in recent years it has been overtaken by the relentless growth of the Punta Cana-Bavaro region, it still commands a prominent position as a favorite among travelers worldwide.
Located near Luperon, Playa Grande (translated, it means “Big Beach”) is 1.5 miles long, and as such is one of the longest beaches on the north coast. Already populated by a few resorts and villa complexes, Grande Beach is even more impressive because of its majestic tropical surroundings.
Cabarete Beach is, well… magical! A truly unique destination, Cabarete draws adventure seekers from around the world. One of the top five kiteboarding and windsurfing beaches in the world, it is the windsurf capital of the Caribbean. Cabarete hosts a number of international championships for a variety of water sports, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. The wind and wave here are unlike anywhere else, and on any given day you can see the sky filled with hundreds of colorful kites carrying amateur and pro riders through the surf.
About thirty minutes to the east of Puerto Plata, Sosua Beach is located on a relatively large, crescent-shaped bay, and features a backdrop of towering cliffs and calm, turquoise waters. The tourist town of Sosua is in itself a huge attraction, with a vibrant nightlife and a bevy of inns, hostels, and small hotels, appealing to the more adventurous vacationer.
Playa Dorada is a huge all-inclusive tourist complex located just 15 minutes east of Puerto Plata. Centered on a par-72, 18-hole Robert Trent Jones-designed professional golf course, the very best hotel and resort chains provide excellent accommodations for the world-class traveler. Dorada Beach, protected by nearby coral reefs, features soft, golden sands and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Other beaches arrayed along the north coast include Cofresi Beach, great for sunbathing and just a few minutes away from Ocean World, a huge marine park attraction; Costambar Beach, home to a mixed community of Dominican residents and ex-pats; and Punta Rucia Beach, which boasts white sand and beautiful mountain views.
As you can clearly see, to really appreciate all that the Dominican Republic has to offer requires much more than just a week or two, especially when it comes to its beaches. Luckily, the Dominican Republic also boasts the largest occupational capacity in all of the Caribbean, so… what are you waiting for?
After all, life’s a beach! You’ve got to enjoy it!
By Gary Zemialkowski
