Dominican Republic North Coast Beaches
One of the most attractive aspects of this part of the Dominican Republic is the wide variety of beaches available. The north coast differs dramatically from the other coasts because each of the beaches are uniquely different from each other. Instead of a huge swath of boring white sand you will discover beaches of virtually every size, shape and feature; massive to almost “personalized” that are largely untouched, unspoiled and as pristine as when Columbus was here. The beaches of the Dominican Republic are some of the most magnificent in the entire Caribbean, those are the north coast included.
The beaches we have listed here are those nearest to our vacation properties in the beach friendly towns of Sosua, Cabarete, Cabrera and Rio San Juan. But there are many more beaches, some even without names, sprinkled along the Dominican's north coastline. The Dominican people absolutely adore their beaches because Dominican beaches offer a very relaxing venue.
Two of the Domincan beaches in this area draw a large percentage of the 2.5 million visitors to the Dominican Republic annually. The winter “snowbirds” arrive in flocks on charter aircraft, cruise ships and commercial air to grab some sun before heading back to the slush up north. These Dominican beaches are broad expanses of gorgeous sand just begging for your toes.
- Playa Dorada – The beach in Playa Dorada, located in the resort of the same name, is about 3km long and although it is arguably the most well developed north coast beach it still has only a few of the handicraft vendors.
- Playa Sosua – The beach of Playa Sosua is within the town of Sosua and boasts a substantial number of little beach shacks where tourists can shop for handicrafts, get a massage or grab an ice cold bear.
- Playa Chiquita – A much smaller beach off the beaten path, Playa Chiquita offers an excellent place for swimming, snorkeling or just grabbing a couple handfuls of sun. Nearby is the popular Playa Chiquita Casino for the nighttimers.
Nearby properties include: Villa Marisol, Villa Celeste, Villa Gordon, & Velero Beach Resort
Cabarete is known far and wide for the exceptional beach combined with near perfect conditions for the ever-popular sport of windsurfing. The beach has been recently 'renovated' so it offers very generous spaces for everyone, even on a crowded day, to spread out and enjoy themselves. A very swimmable beach you will be truly impressed with.
- Kite Beach – as famous as the sport and also adjacent to Cabarete is Kite Beach. It is not much of a sunning beach since it has given over mostly to the sport of kiteboarding, but if you do snag a nice place to relax you will see some amazing feats of the sport as well as a few hilarious ones from the newbies.
- Bozo Beach – newbies to Cabarete might not know the difference between these beaches as they adjoin each other. Both are near perfect beaches but Bozo beach and its nearby sibling Kite beach are where most of the kiteboarding occurs.
- Cabarete Beach – the heart (and some say the soul) of Cabarete is the ever-popular Cabarete beach. The town literally encompasses the beach with the center of the beach holding most of the restaurants and bars. Windsurfing is the sport which made Cabarete famous and the bay is dotted with the aficionados (expert or beginner).
- Hideaway Beach – as the name implies, this is not a beach you simply stroll up to. Hideaway Beach is most easily accessed either by going into the Hideaway Beach Resort (condos and villas). Quiet, secluded and largely unspoiled.
Nearby properties include:Villa Celeste, Villa Gordon, Velero Beach Resort & Villa Marisol
The beaches in the Cabrera area are many and as different as can be. Here you can experience some of the best surfing beaches while nearby are deep, quiet coves so gorgeous they have been backdrops for major motion pictures. While you are here in Cabrera you need to visit these and other beaches you can discover with a local guide.
- Playa Caleton – Located in the town of Rio San Juan, this beach has virtually no waves and is a local favorite for snorkeling and playing around in the water. There are local food stands and souvenir shops on the beach as well.
- Playa Grande – Located next to the famous golf course of the same name, this beach was noted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top ten beaches in the world. It is a gorgeous stretch of beach with food stands and souvenir shops.
- Playa Preciosa – Just next to Playa Grande, this is a favorite of the locals because it is so beautiful. Excellent surfing conditions for wave surfing.
- Playa El Breton – Nearer to Cabrera is the national park of Cabo Francis and at the foot of this park is this beautiful beach perfect for swimming, playing, searching for sea shells and snorkeling.
- Orchid Bay Beach – Within the Orchid Bay community is a large public beach seldom used by anyone but the residents in the villas of Orchid Bay. Very picturesque and swimmable in a couple of choice locations.
- Playa Diamante – A very pretty beach that is formed from an estuary where an underground river sends sweet fresh water into the ocean. The result is a broad beach that is very shallow for up to 100 meters into the ocean. Excellent for going to the beach with the kids.
- Playa Entrada – One of the longest beaches on the north coast that has been largely too remote for many years. The beach is exceptionally pristine and unspoiled, the site of several movies who have taken advantage of the remote look. Only a few minutes from Cabrera.
- DuDu Lake – Just off the main road hidden in the trees is a large sweet water lake made from the underground river coming to the surface. The lake is so deep that scuba divers go down regularly but rumor has it no one has ever located the bottom. Great rope swings and really cold water throughout the year. (fee)
- Blue Lake – Similar to DuDu but not as dramatic. Swimmable and picturesque. (fee)
Nearby properties include: Casa Bella Villa, Casa Claridad, Casa Loma Linda, Flor de Cabrera, Golden Dolphin Villa, Villa Agualinda, Villa Cantamar, Villa Castellamonte, Villa Costa Norte
Local Beaches near Cabrera & Rio San Juan (click any image to zoom) |
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Orchid Bay Beach: The magnificent beach in Orchid Bay Estates, the gated community, with many of the ultra-luxury villas in it, offers almost 1/3 of a mile of unbroken, golden sandy paradise.
Orchid Bay Beach: The beach in Orchid Bay Estates faces almost due east, offering amazing sunrises daily to the lucky visitors of our vacation villas.
Orchid Bay Beach: This picturesque, tranquil beach in the Dominican Republic is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or just doing nothing at all. Tuck under one of the palm trees for a mid-afternoon nap!
Playa El Breton: Snuggled up under the soaring sea cliffs of Cabo Frances, a national park, this gorgeous Dominican beach is often empty yet offers perfect snorkeling and beachcombing possibilities.
Playa El Breton: The beauty of this unspoiled Dominican beach is breath-taking since it is so peaceful and serene.
Playa Caleton: A magnificent example of the perfect Dominican beach, Playa Caleton is a broad expanse of golden sandy heaven set within a perfect crescent bay.
Playa Caleton: The clarity of the waters along the north coat of the Dominican Republic is reflected in this perfect photo of the beach in Rio San Juan.
Playa Caleton: Talk about a perfect site for snorkeling, splashing or just doing nothing! The local community often uses this Dominican beach so this beach has everything you need for a perfect day at the beach.
Playa Caleton: An aerial photo underscores the beauty of this Dominican Republic beach in Rio San Juan; scuba divers, snorkelers and more thoroughly enjoy this area of the country.
Playa Diamante: One of the true gems of the Dominican Republic, this beach offers a unique estuary feeling since it is at the mouth of an underground river.
Playa Diamante: Looking off the beach you can see the Samana Peninsula in the distance. The depth of the water you can see just hints and the special unique character of this Dominican beach.
Playa Diamante: This aerial truly shows the unique nature of this popular beach, with depths less than 2 meters out to over 100 meters off the beach. This is the prefect beach for your family to enjoy in the Dominican Republic. No riptides or current at all, shallow and very accessible.
Playa Entrada: One of the longest stretches of beach in the Dominican Republic on the north coast. Mark our words; this beach will be one of the most talked about beaches in the country someday.
Playa Entrada: Another local name for this beach is ‘La Boca’ due to the mouth of the river that flows out onto the beach. This blending of salt and fresh water offers a perfect beach playground for everyone!
Playa Entrada: Dotting the beach, nearer La Boca, are many commercial huts where you can enjoy refreshments of the Dominican kind. Beaches such as La Entrada offer many establishments to help you enjoy your day at the beach.
Playa Entrada: Another view of La Boca as it flows through the beach to the ocean. The water is so calm and sweet you can literally stroll right into it to enjoy a the cooling relaxation.
Playa Grande: One of the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic, rated as one of the top ten in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. A magnificent beach with local commercial establishments offering everything from rentals to cold beer to perfectly prepared Dominican beach food.
Playa Grande: This beach in the Dominican Republic is one of the national treasures, in our opinion. Smooth golden sand, lively wave action and lots of room. Even on a crowded day you have plenty of room to spread out.
Playa Grande: At the far end of the beach, nearest the famous Playa Grande Golf Course, stands a few lonely Dominican cana roofed umbrellas. A perfect destination for those who want to get out and away from anyone at all!
Playa Grande: Taken from the bluffs overlooking this beautiful Dominican beach, the Playa Grande beach seems to stretch on for miles.
Playa Grande: One of the unique characteristics of the Playa Grande beach is how wide the sand is between the ocean and the palms. This photo was taken on a typical day and, if you look closely, you can see about 6 people on the beach! Talk about unspoiled!!
Playa Grande: Looking back towards the golf course you can imagine the magnificent views from the golf course over the beach. The duffers head for the course while the beach bunnies head for the beach. A perfect Dominican vacation!
Playa Preciosa: A truly precious beach located just next to the Playa Grande beach is often overlooked except by the Dominicans.
Playa Preciosa: A gorgeous expanse of beach with palm trees leaning out to offer a shady refuge, Playa Preciosa will likely become an extremely high end destination in the future.
Playa Preciosa: Taken from a bluff overlooking the beach, you can imagine how wonderful a vacation you can enjoy playing on this or any of the other local beaches here in the Dominican Republic.
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