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Punta Cana is located in the Eastern region of the Dominican Republic and well-loved for its beautiful white sand beaches and lively night life environment.
It covers a landmass of 183.5 square miles and is the home to Pico Duarte which is the highest peak in the Caribbean.
In this article, we summarize ten of the top beaches that you should visit if you are vacationing in Punta Cana.
Read on for further details and explanations on the best beaches to visit during your stay in Punta Cana. This article was written by a Caribbean National who lived and traveled throughout the region.
1. Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach will appear on top when you search for the best beaches in Punta Cana. due to its stunning white sand and clear turquoise waters.
The beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
It is located north of Punta Cana International Airport and borders the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants close to Bavaro Beach.
Some highly rated ones include Gabi Club, Tanuki, and Mole.
If you are fond of Caribbean cuisine, you can also visit La Palapa restaurant, located only 0.3 miles away from Bavaro Beach.
The beach also offers a range of activities, such as boat tours, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Bavaro Beach is also a filled with many locations for spectacular photos.
2. Macao Beach
Macao is located on Punta Cana’s outskirts and is slightly less crowded than Bavaro Beach.
However, the waves are much rougher which make it ideal for persons who enjoy surfing.
Playa Macao is the place to go if you want to experience an authentic taste of the Dominican Republic. Here you will find several local restaurants and food shacks offering fish and chicken served with local side dishes like rice and salads.
Macao is considered one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. The beach offers tons of opportunities to relax and enjoy the incredible views. It is located approximately 22 miles away from Punta Cana International Airport.
3. Esmeralda Beach
Not many people know about this hidden gem in Punta Cana due to its remote location.
Therefore, it you want to experience a beach that is unspoiled and untouched, Esmeralda is the perfect choice.
Esmeralda beach is 60 miles from the international airport with only one hotel nearby.
4. Uvero Alto Beach
Playa Uvero Alto is one of the remote beaches of Punta Cana, located 25 miles from the airport.
The beach is famous for its luxurious family resorts, beach clubs and activities such as horseback riding.
Its remoteness makes it suitable for persons seeking peace and tranquility. As a general rule, the water tends to be calmer early in the morning.
5. Arena Gorda Beach
Known as one of the cleanest beaches in Punta Cana, Playa Arena Gorda is an award winning beach for cleanliness.
Due to its windy conditions, Playa Arena Gorda is a great choice for learning to surf as well as enjoying scuba diving.
Arena Gorda Beach is mainly known for its endless stretch of fine white sand, perfectly blue water, and breathtaking scenery. This makes it a great spot for couples and families.
6. El Cortecito Beach
El Cortecito Beach offers visitors numerous amenities such as shops, water activities, beachside bars and local restaurants.
Furthermore, El Cortecito is also home to many all-inclusive resorts thus making it a perfect choice for families.
Due to the volume of persons who love this beach, it is best to visit earlier in the day to beat the crowds.
Many activities are popular here, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
A fishing village is also nearby, which is well-equipped and quite welcoming. It is a must-visit for those who want to experience Dominican village culture and customs.
Simply stroll around the village and take in all the sights and sounds. You can also stop and talk to some locals to better understand their culture and what it means to them.
7. Cabeza de Toro Beach
If swimming with dolphins is one of the items on your bucket list, Cabeza de Toro beach is an option to consider.
Just a short walk away there are local shops, food shacks and bars for refreshment.
Swimming with dolphins is one of the most amazing experiences in Punta Cana. The dolphins are trained to hug, kiss, and offer a ride to people. They would snuggle with you and push you across the water’s surface.
Cabeza de Toro means “bull’s head “which got its name as a result of its unique shape.
Most hotels close to this beach are luxury 4-star hotels with tons of facilities. One of the amazing features of Cabeza de Toro is that it is easy to beach hop from this beach to several others as it is along the coastline.
8. Juanillo Beach
Juanillo Beach is a superb option if you will love to pair golfing with spending time at the beach.
The iconic natural pool, Hoyo Azul which is one of the most visited spots in Punta Cana is also located nearby.
There are also beach bars in the vicinity offering refreshments for sale. Kayaking and paddle boarding are two activities that visitors enjoy at this location.
9. Playa La Vacama Beach
On one hand, it is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Punta Cana and on the other hand, it is mostly deserted.
Although, Playa La Vacama Beach offers visitors serenity, its strong waves make it ideal for highly advanced swimmers.
As a result, many individuals tend to avoid this beach. There is a campsite nearby which makes this beach suitable for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
Furthermore, it may be best to also avoid this area during the hurricane season which starts June and ends in November annually due to its robust waves.
10. Playa Los Corales
Another family-friendly option in Punta Cana is Playa Los Corales which offers a chance to relax beside the sea and walk to some popular attractions nearby.
There is Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay that you can easily access if you are staying at a hotel close to Los Corales.
People usually choose one of these resorts to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach and plenty of options of things to see nearby.
There are also countless restaurants that serve excellent food.
Final Thoughts
We trust that you found the above information helpful as you plan to enjoy the beach during your stay in Punta Cana.
While planning your trip, do not forget to prepare around the hurricane season which commences in June and ends in November annually.
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