Beaches East Coast

On the East coast, we find the PUNTA CANA region. In this place are located without doubt the most spectacular beaches of the entire Dominican Republic. White sands, clear waters and sun always accompany the tourists. From North to South, Punta Cana beaches are:

Juanillo in Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro, Bávaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao, and Uvero Alto.

In general, most resorts line the coast, but if you are not a guest at one of them, there are points where you can access the beach via trails or restaurants, and walk through the strips between the hotels without problems. Of the eight beaches in the Punta Cana–Bávaro area, three have public access: Bávaro, El Cortecito and Macao. The remainder are part of the resorts. To reach these beaches you can use the more popular public transport, such as the motoconcho (motorcycle taxi), public cars (taxis), the buses (mini-bus) or taxi boats to the area. Always remember to check the price first.

Playa Bavaro (public beach), is accessible through the Bibijagua Craft Center, the Jellyfish Restaurant found between the IFA Villas Bávaro and Melia Tropical resorts, and Los Corales parking area. Along this stretch of beach are located most of the resorts, as well as restaurants, bars and gift shops. Its fine white sand and turquoise waters are features of the beautiful beaches that you imagine when you think of the Caribbean. A wide range of activities are offered to tourists, such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, kite surfing, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and sea lions and sports fishing, among others.

 

Playa El Cortecito (public beach) is accessible via the Captain Cook, El Pulpo Cojo and The Greek restaurants. We recommend that you stop by and taste the delicious seafood served while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Here again, you can find the typical shop gifts.

 

Playa Macao is still a virgin public beach. It is approximately 20 minutes from Bávaro toward Uvero Alto and 10 minutes from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. You can safely park your car on the beach a few meters from the sea. Macao is known for surfing thanks to the strong ocean waves. To the right of the bay you will find Dressel Surf Adventure, a surfing school ready to give lessons. But if you stroll a little further to the right, there is calmer water for bathing, and at the bottom, you will find several points where they prepare fresh fish and serve cold beer! If you decide to take your own food and drink, remember to pick up everything and throw it in the drums that are behind the line of palm trees. These are placed there to help keep the area clean. As this is not hotel property, cleaning is not done as often as it might be. Macao is visited mostly by Dominicans, and during the weekends entire families gather for a day of relaxation and fun. Playa Macao is included on buggie excursions offered in the area. You will often see coconut pickers at the top of the trees, these are sold directly to the tourists. Have you ever tried coconut water? You should, it’s delicious!

Playa Cabeza de Toro. This fine sandy beach is only accessible through the different resorts that are here: Hotel Catalonia Royal Bávaro, Be Live Grand Punta Cana, Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana and Blau Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa Punta Cana.

Playa Arena Gorda is actually a continuation of Bávaro Beach and is located between El Cortecito beach and Macao beach. Accessible through the resorts here situated:

Riu Palace Punta Cana, Iberostar Gran Bávaro Hotel and Barceló Hotel Punta Cana among others.

 

 

Playa Uvero Alto is about an hour from Punta Cana Airport. It’s a white-sand beach with good waves, and boasts several luxury hotels where you can arrive by helicopter.

Luxury hotels located here: Sivory Hotel Punta Cana, Zoetry Aqua & Spa among others.

A water park has been opened inside the Hotel Sirenis complex in April 2012, the Sirenis Aquagames, which is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean.