Punta Cana Beaches

Punta Cana, located in the East of the Dominican Republic, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The coastline stretches for over 40 kilometers and includes a variety of beaches, each with its own unique characteristics. Starting in the north, visitors can enjoy the secluded beauty of Uvero Alto Beach, the sufer paradise Macao Beach, the popular Arena Gorda and White Sands beaches, the charming Los Corales and El Cortecito beach, the serene Bibijagua and the tranquil Jellyfish Beach. Further down the coast, travelers will find the beautiful Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana, and Juanillo beaches. The most famous and extensive beach in Punta Cana is Bavaro beach, which is recognized as a national treasure by the Dominican government and as “one of the best in the world” by UNESCO. This accolade is due to the rich flora and fauna, as well as the natural beauty of the area.

Juanillo Beach

This exclusive beach is located within the gated community of Cap Cana Resort and requires visitors to present identification for entry. Playa Juanillo is known for its crystal clear and turquoise waters, as well as its shallow waters and beautiful reef, making it a great spot for families. The beach is also considered one of the most beautiful in Punta Cana and is never overcrowded with tourists. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, beach volleyball, and pedal boating. The staff at the Cap Cana Resort also keeps the beach clean and free of seaweed. In addition to the natural beauty, Playa Juanillo also offers delicious local food options such as lobster, fresh fish and cocktails.​

Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is part of the Puntacana Resort & Club, however, admission is free for those visiting the popular Playa Blanca Restaurant or for those who have booked kite lessons at El Kite Club. The extensive beach offers kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding classes for both experienced and novice enthusiasts, with the help of qualified instructors.

One of the main attraction of Playa Blanca at Punta Cana Resort & Club are the picturesque beaches that sit at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The various shades of blue water, combined with white sandy beaches, create a truly breathtaking experience. Punta Cana Beach, in particular, is known for its fine white sand, palm trees, and crystal clear waters. As a private beach, Punta Cana stretches for 4.8 kilometers.

Cabeza de Toro Beach

Cabeza de Toro Beach offers a unique combination of peaceful and active experiences. One side of the beach is surrounded by lush forest and offers a secluded spot for long walks, relaxation, and snorkeling. The other side of the beach is known for its lively atmosphere and offers a wide range of watersports and easy access to popular attractions without the need of transportation.
Visitors have the option to stay at one of four beachfront resorts, all facing the shallow turquoise waters of Cabeza de Toro. The beach boasts the prestigious Blue Flag certification for its cleanliness and safety, making it a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities. Playa Cabeza de Toro, certified with the Blue Flag in some areas, is a favorite among tourists looking for accommodations in one of the beach resorts. The calm waters, reminiscent of a bay, are ideal for snorkeling and fishing. Some parts of the beach have seaweed, but the water is always crystal clear and fresh. The nearby Cabeza de Toro Yacht Club is the starting point for trips and fishing tournaments.

Bibijagua Beach

Bibijagua beach is a truly stunning place with its black sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Situated in Bavaro, it is a bit removed from the city center, but the journey to this paradise is well worth it. The surrounding area offers plenty of hotels and lodging options that will make your stay a memorable one. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk alone or with company. The sun is always shining in the Dominican Republic, making it an ideal destination all year round. Visiting Bibijagua beach is an experience not to be missed. With its location in Bavaro, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty everywhere you look. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Los Corales Beach

Los Corales beach in Bávaro, Punta Cana, offers easy access from outside roads and restaurants like Huracán Café and Soles, in addition to the resorts lining the coast. Generally, tourists can walk freely between hotel beaches, with a few exceptions. The Bávaro area is the most developed part of the east coast resort strip, with numerous hotels, restaurants and gift shops located right on the beach. The beach is walkable and offers a range of activities such as parasailing and speed boat riding that can be booked on spot.

El Cortecito Beach

El Cortecito beach is situated in Punta Cana, within the Costa del Coco region. It faces the Atlantic Ocean and is located to the north of the popular Bávaro beach. The famous Arena Gorda beach is also located further north of El Cortecito beach. The beach is known for its fine white sand and clear turquoise waters and is surrounded by coconut palm trees. It is a popular spot for water sports and serves as a starting point for exploring other nearby beaches. The area boasts a lively atmosphere with a variety of commercial and entertainment establishments such as bars, clubs, pizzerias, and restaurants. Accommodation options like the Grand Palladium Palace and Vista Sol hotel are also available nearby. The beach also offers a great selection of seafood restaurants. Visitors can find a variety of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, shopping centers and souvenir shops here. Additionally, many excursions depart from this beach. There are also beach access from outside roads and restaurants such as Lio Beach, Captain Cook, and Onno’s. El Cortecito is an area that has made Bávaro famous. Boat taxis arrive here to bring tourists to the restaurants on the beach. This area is both commercial and residential, with a high level of development.

Arena Gorda Beach

At the first glance, Playa de Arena Gorda just seems like a prolongation of the White Sands Beach. One resort after the other (all the Iberostars, all the RIU hotels, the big Grand Bahía property, both Royalton resorts and many more) and no public access for kilometers. But once you reach the end of the hotel zone a long, nearly endless, white sandy beach with turquoise water is awaiting you. The beach is surrounded by coconut trees and tropical palm trees, and there are hammocks available for visitors to relax and take in the stunning views of the sea. The beach is also recognized as a Blue Flag beach for its cleanliness and facilities.While the beach is secluded, there are large all-inclusive resort complexes located nearby. The surf at Playa Arena Gorda is more choppy than other beaches in the area due to its openness to the sea and stronger winds, but the waves do not exceed 4 meters. One of the highlights of Playa Arena Gorda is the opportunity to take horseback rides along the beach, where visitors can admire the beauty of the turquoise blue water.

Macao Beach

Macao Beach, located north of Punta Cana, is a paradise for those seeking to escape the daily routine and experience the beauty of nature. Known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a variety of activities, this picturesque beach is a must-visit destination. It can be easily accessed by taxi, Poppi Express or guided tour and is located in a more secluded area, making it perfect for escaping the crowds. Surfing is a popular activity on Macao Beach as it has been declared by UNESCO as one of the best beaches for the sport. Visitors can also enjoy bars, restaurants, and handicraft shops on the beach, as well as go on a buggy ride through the dunes. The beach offers a variety of services such as bars and restaurants and has only one resort, Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana, which is perfect for families and couples looking for a vacation experience. It offers a perfect combination of tranquility and adventure, making it an ideal destination for all ages.

Uvero Alto Beach

Located 25 miles from Punta Cana’s International Airport, Playa Uvero Alto is a hidden gem that offers a balance of tranquility and adventure. The beach is known for its seclusion, making it the perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. Visitors can spend their days swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning sunsets. But for those looking for a more active experience, Uvero Alto also offers a variety of water sports such as windsurfing and snorkeling, as well as horseback riding. The beaches in this area justify its distance from the airport, as they are not any less attractive than in the other areas. While the sand is a bit more golden and the water not as turquoise as in other parts of Punta Cana, Uvero Alto scores with less frequented beaches, elegant resorts (all of them are quite luxurious) and a more low-key atmosphere compared to the main beaches of Punta Cana. Tt is best to stay in a resort if you are not planning to rent a car. Dining options are limited in Uvero Alto, but Castaways is a popular beachside restaurant. To get to Uvero Alto, you can walk, take a taxi or rental car, or use local transport, but connections are limited.

Playa Limon

Playa Limón is a secluded beach located about 23km from Miches with no resorts nearby. It’s easily accessible by car via highway 104 and is close to the communities of El Cedro and La Gina. The beach is approximately 3km long, featuring white sand and coconut trees, making it a great spot for dolphin, manatee and turtle watching, as well as various water activities. The beach is also connected to Lemon Lagoon and offers views of Montaña Redonda. Horseback riding is available at Rancho La Cueva, located just 300m from the beach, where the Hotel Restaurante La Cueva is also located. Visitors can also stay at the Limón Hotel, just a 7-minute walk from the beach, which is near the Cedro River where freshwater and saltwater mix.

Playa Esmeralda

Playa Esmeralda, a remote and beautiful stretch of beach near the town of Miches, that has recently become more accessible with new roads and resorts. Despite its remote location, it is still marketed as part of the Punta Cana region, as it is about an hour away from Punta Cana International Airport. Currently, there is only one luxury resort at Playa Esmeralda, but several others are under construciton. For now visitors can enjoy having almost the whole beach to themselves. There are no restaurants or bars at Playa Esmeralda, but you can find several places to eat out on the way there. 

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