With over 35 km of coastline, every beach Punta Cana offers breathtaking scenery. From Bavaro to Macao, Punta Cana beaches rank among the Caribbean’s most stunning. If you’re searching for beach Punta Cana experiences, you will find that the Punta Cana beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Without a doubt, they are the most spectacular beaches of the entire Dominican Republic. Ask anyone who’s been to Punta Cana, and they will tell you that these pristine beaches are among the most picturesque that they’ve ever seen. Here, tall palm trees dot much of the seashore. The soft, fine white sand is inviting for romantic walks along the water’s edge.
If you are a beach enthusiast like us, you will likely want to explore all the Punta Cana beaches. Yes, we’ve gotten lost, dug the car out of the sandpit, and driven for 2 hours on a dirt road. Then we had to turn around. In general, the sands are the softest and whitest around the Playa Bavaro area. Here you can enjoy crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. As you make your way down south toward Juanillo and Cap Cana, the beach has some more rocks and seaweeds. It is less pristine. Beaches in the North, such as Macao and Uvero Alto, have golden sand. These are largely undeveloped and very secluded, offering a perfect escape for those seeking unspoiled beaches.
Below are our picks of the best beaches in Punta Cana that are easily accessible. They offer a mix of water sports, local restaurants, and beach bars for the perfect Caribbean dream vacation.
The main tourist beach in Bavaro, Playa Bavaro is beautiful with powdery white sand and palm trees leaning onto the shore. Bavaro beach is very long, and an evening walk along Playa Bavaro can seem endless, perfect for romantic walks under the stars. The public access to this beach is a road (very clear sign) located just south of Melia Caribe Tropical Resorts. The road ends at a large parking lot, which is mainly for the gift shops/market. Walk past the gift shops and find your perfect spot on this stunning beach. Here you can enjoy various water sports like kayaking and parasailing.
El Cortecito Beach, in the heart of Bavaro, is the closest to a small beach town and fishing village in the area. This area is considered to be the downtown of Bavaro-Punta Cana. You will find local restaurants, beach bars, pharmacies, supermarkets, shopping centers, gift shops, and banks. Just walk past the beachfront restaurant and gift shops to get onto the beach, where you can enjoy fresh coconut while lounging on the sand.
Also known as the Fat Sand Beach because of its wide sandy beach that slopes gently down to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Shallow water gives this beach its beautiful blue color, and many people say this beach is perfect for kids. Public access can be difficult, and you pretty much have to stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts in the area. However, we found a public beach access via Ocean Blue & Sand Service Entrance.
It is an undeveloped, virgin beach around a 20 to 30-minute drive north of Bavaro. Driving there, you pass through the little town of El Macao. As you reach the crest of the hill, you’ll see the beautiful sight of Macao beach spread out before you. There is Macao Surf Camp, where you can rent equipment or get surfing lessons, and restaurants right on the beach. Macao beach is popular with local Dominicans (especially at weekends). It serves as a stop-off point for a cooling swim for many of the safari truck tours and the ATV/buggy tours.
Uvero Alto Beach – Our favorite but a bit out of the way to get to. We found it by accident while trying to reach Miches. Uvero Alto is not a well-known beach area. Unless you are staying in one of the secluded high-end all-inclusive resorts nearby, you may never hear about it. The surroundings are relatively undeveloped, with very few places to eat or shop.
Follow the 105 from Macao toward Miches or Laguna de Nisibon and look for the sign marked Miches/Uvero Alto. The narrow road winds past countryside and resorts until it turns into a dirt track. After about 100 meters, you’ll arrive at a secluded beach lined with palm trees. With the exception of the occasional horseback rider, you might be the only people here — ideal for romantic walks and soaking up untouched natural beauty.”
Read also: Things to do in Punta Cana
Playa Cabeza de Toro is the perfect place if you want to be surrounded by the naturally beautiful forests and wildlife of Punta Cana. If you like, you can take a horseback riding excursion through the forests at the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa Eco-Resort. South of the Barceló Bavaro golf course, along with the Bulevar Turistico del Este, you will see a road with a sign toward Cabeza de Toro. At the end of the road, you will pass through a military area and then come to a parking lot. Walk north past the Dream Palm Beach Resort to get to the more secluded/natural area, where you might even spot a turtle nesting site.
A shallow water beach area that is perfect for kids. It also suits kitesurfing and windsurfing. This white sand beach has very calm, crystal clear water and can be a good photo spot. To get there, you will have to pass through the gated area of Punta Cana’s Resorts. Just tell them you are going to Playa Blanca or its restaurant. They will give you a day pass in exchange for your passport or driver’s license. Because it is located inside this gated resort area, Playa Blanca is very secluded. Secluded and beautiful, with a nice restaurant and beach bar next to it, one can spend a whole day here enjoying the turquoise waters and underwater biodiversity.
Juanillo is a beautiful, secluded beach toward the south end of Punta Cana, in the Cap Cana area. It is located right next to the Sanctuary Cap Cana Resorts. There is a beautiful beach restaurant here with cabanas and beach lounge sofas. The food is a bit pricey, but the area is luxurious and beautiful. We spent the afternoon here, eating lunch, playing frisbee, and even bought fish from local fishermen. The colorful Volkswagen van next to the restaurant makes for a good photo. To get there, take the road toward Cap Cana. You will then come to a gated area. You have to go through the same method as Playa Blanca above. Just mention you are going to Juanillo and hand over your ID, driver’s license, or passport.
Within a 1-hour drive, you can make your way south to Bayahibe, Playa Dominicus, and then perhaps take a boat tour to the must-visit Isla Saona. This area offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the region and is perfect for day trips from Punta Cana.
In conclusion, Punta Cana beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from bustling tourist spots to secluded paradises. Whether you’re looking for water sports adventures in the Atlantic Ocean, romantic walks along pristine white sand beaches, or simply want to relax in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Punta Cana has a beach for every preference. Don’t forget to try some fresh coconut from a local vendor as you soak in the sun and enjoy the stunning beauty of these Caribbean dream destinations.
Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity
This article highlights what to expect from Punta Cana in November, focusing on optimal outdoor conditions and diverse activities.
Wondering ‘What Time Is It in Punta Cana’? Learn about Punta Cana’s AST time zone, tips for adjusting, and useful apps.
Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity
This article highlights what to expect from Punta Cana in November, focusing on optimal outdoor conditions and diverse activities.
Wondering ‘What Time Is It in Punta Cana’? Learn about Punta Cana’s AST time zone, tips for adjusting, and useful apps.
