Have you been wondering the best beaches of Punta Cana? I’ve got you covered!
As a self-proclaimed beach expert who just returned from a trip to Punta Cana, I am excited to share my insights on the best beaches this tropical paradise has to offer.
Navigating the sandy shores of Punta Cana is like stepping into a postcard – crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed stretches, and an atmosphere of pure relaxation. Albeit with a little bit of seaweed thrown into the mix.
Travellers seeking the ultimate beach getaway in the Dominican Republic can trust my recommendations for experiencing the sun, sea, and sand in all its glory.
Let’s dive into the pristine beauty of Punta Cana’s most captivating beaches – timet to grab your passport!
Table of Contents
Quick Punta Cana Travel Guide
Where to stay: Punta Cana is located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, with loads of high-end all-inclusive resorts lining the coastline. Most visitors to Punta Cana opt to stay at one of these resorts, as it truly is a destination for relaxing and enjoying the Caribbean climate. Popular resorts include Dreams Macao Punta Cana, Impressive Premium Punta Cana and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Top activities and tours in Punta Cana:
- Half-Day ATV and Water Cave Adventure ($65)
- Adults-Only Coral Nursery Snorkelling Tour with Lunch ($114)
- Half-day Dominican Republic Cultural Tour ($60)
- Full-day Santo Domingo City Tour ($95)
- Small-group Cruise and Snorkel Tour ($99)
Packing for Punta Cana: Punta Cana is hot year-round, so you obviously want to pack your swimwear, flip flops and light summer outfits. Resorts usually have a casual dress code, but won’t allow swimwear in the restaurants. So pack a few summery dresses or shorts and tops for dinner as well. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a good book, and read through my all-inclusive packing list before your trip!
Airport transfers: There are plenty of vendors and sellers waiting for you at the Punta Cana airport, so finding a taxi or transfer to your hotel is not a problem. However, if this feels a little overwhelming to you, I recommend booking a transfer in advance – for ease of mind. Our transfer by taxi (booked upon arrival) to our hotel cost $30 USD, whilst booking a transfer in advance would have been less than $15 (this is the highest-rated one).
Punta Cana Beaches: First things first
Punta Cana, located on the East Coast of the Dominican Republic and facing the Atlantic Ocean, offers a unique beach experience. While the waves can be a bit rough and there is often seaweed present on the shores, many visitors appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
The reason I mention this, is because it is the south side of the island where you will find the Caribbean Sea. The beaches in Punta Cana are equally stunning, but if you want quieter waters, staying in an area such as Bayahibe might be a better option for you.
With that being said, I have to add that I personally never found the waves in Punta Cana to be bothersome – and swam in the ocean almost every day!
Those staying at all-inclusive resorts benefit from the efforts of staff who work to keep the beaches clean and enjoyable for guests. I stayed at the Impressive Punta Cana (read my review here), and every morning staff members were clearing the beach of seaweed.
Side note: head over to this guide to learn more about when to visit Punta Cana to avoid seaweed.
The combination of stunning scenery and attentive service makes Punta Cana a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation. I know people often compare Punta Cana and Cancun, and that’s with good reason!
Now, let’s dive into the best beaches of Punta Cana!
#1 Macao Beach
Macao Beach in Punta Cana is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in the area, drawing travelers from around the island with its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. This picturesque beach offers visitors the perfect spot to unwind, with golden sand and a chill vibe that invites you to kick back and enjoy the sun.
While once a fully public beach, a portion of Macao Beach is now part of Dreams Macao, a private all-inclusive resort. Despite this, the beach remains a popular choice for locals, as well as destination weddings, adding a touch of romance to its already idyllic setting.
When accessing the beach from the road, however, you won’t really notice the hotel, as it’s all the way on the other end. As you access the beach, you’ll be approached by a few sellers, selling tours and excursions leaving from the beach.
Read later: The 5 Best Excursions in Punta Cana
Travelers to Macao Beach will find a range of amenities to enhance their visit, including the option to rent chairs and parasols for a comfortable day by the water (costing around $10 for the day). Additionally, several restaurants along the beachfront offer a taste of local cuisine, allowing visitors to savor traditional dishes while taking in the breathtaking views.
If you want to try your hand at surfing whilst in Punta Cana, Macao is your best bet! There’s a surf school right on the beach. They offer beginner lessons and board rentals. Another popular activity on Macao Beach is to go horseback riding along the water.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day lounging on the sand or seeking a bit of adventure, Macao Beach has something for every type of traveler. It’s a great place to spend the day if you’re tired of the beach at your hotel.
#2 Bávaro Beach
Bávaro Beach is another stunning destination known for its soft white sands and clear blue waters. Our local guide told us this was his favorite beach in Punta Cana, so I had to include it on the list!
Another secret he let us in on: the best chicken in the area can be found at Solo Pollo & Mas. You’re welcome.
This beautiful beach offers plenty of fun activities for visitors to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkeling, and even jet skiing. Parasailing is also a popular activity here, with several providers offering to pick you up from your resort to start your experience.
Palm trees line the shore, providing shade for those seeking relief from the sun. Additionally, there are hotels, restaurants, and bars lining the beach, offering a variety of options for dining and relaxation.
Most boat tours and cruises start in the area of Bavaro Beach, and will sail up the coast along the beach. Therefore, if you are hoping for a sunset cruise or perhaps even a party boat (like we ended up doing – without knowing what we booked!), you should familiarize yourself with this beach.
What I liked about Bavaro Beach is that it stretches quite far, so if your resort is along it (the Melia, Barcelo and Lopesan resorts are all along this stretch of beach), you’ll find that you can enjoy quite a long walk along the stretch of sand.
#3 Cortecito Beach / Playa del Corralito
I am using both Cortecito Beach and Playa del Corralito here, because the beaches are right next to each other at the end of Bavaro beach. And to be honest, it was difficult to grasp when one ended and the other started.
As with Bavaro, this beach boasts soft white sands and clear turquoise waters, providing an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Palm trees line the shore, offering ample shade for visitors looking to escape the heat of the tropical sun.
This was the beach closest to our hotel on my last trip (the Impressive), so we ended up walking along it quite a lot. Outside the Impressive Punta Cana there is a long wooden pier, and watching the sun rise from the end of it is highly recommended.
I even went diving off of this beach (by boat, of course). Read more about my Punta Cana diving experience here.
Side note: During the day, there was a guard in place to make sure only hotel guests entered the pier. However, for sunrise we never saw any guards.
We walked along the entirety of Cortecito beach when we went looking for a sports bar to watch the Formula 1 (we found The Sports Shack and had a great time there for the race). I can happily report that there were a few beach clubs lining it (in addition to the resorts), and the sea weed situation was pretty decent along the beach.
#4 Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca in Punta Cana is a great stop if you want to mix relaxing on the beach with a more vibrant beach club atmosphere (if you’ve read this post you know I love a good beach club).
While it offers stunning sandy shores and palm trees (like the rest of Punta Cana), it goes beyond just being a regular beach. As a beach club and restaurants, Playa Blanca attracts those seeking a day filled with a fun, tropical vibe – whilst still having anything you might crave at your fingertips.
With fresh seafood, snacks and cocktails readily available on the menu, visitors can indulge in a luxurious beach day experience, soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively ambiance by the crystal-clear waters.
With fun, pink beach chairs to relax in, and of course sun loungers to rent for the day, you can easily spend a full day with friends at Playa Blanca. I probably wouldn’t bring the family, as the vibe gets louder as night falls.
Beach Club directions here – Public Beach directions here.
Browse some of the top beach and ocean activities in Punta Cana below:
#5 Juanillo Beach
Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana is a slightly hidden gem located south of most resorts in the area. I say slightly because it isn’t a secret in any way, but feels more secluded than Bavaro Beach, for example.
The beach boasts calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families looking to relax and enjoy a safe swim. Surrounded by resorts, the public beach manages to maintain a sense of seclusion, offering visitors a quieter and more intimate experience compared to the other beaches on the list.
Additionally, Juanillo Beach is home to a great restaurant and beach club, providing the perfect setting for a day of sun, sea, and delicious dining. Of course, you can also ignore the restaurant and just lounge out on the sand beneath the palms.
Which all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana has the best beach?
Almost all the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana have beach access. When driving through the town, you’ll mostly find that beach access in between resorts is limited (though not impossible). Therefore, choosing a resort with a decent beach is important for your trip.
Luckily, there are so many great ones to choose from.
Before you go, make sure to read through my all-inclusive resort packing list (tried and tested through the years).
I recommend checking out Excellence Punta Cana for the best beach experience among all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. This resort is known for its pristine beachfront, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious amenities that will surely make your stay unforgettable.
Other all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana with great beaches are the Majestic Elegance, Iberostar Grand Bavaro, and Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa. These resorts offer a variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball to keep guests entertained during their stay.
The Majestic Elegance is known for its luxurious accommodations and wide stretch of white sand beach. Guests can also enjoy multiple pools, including an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar. The resort also offers excursions to nearby islands where guests can explore stunning coral reefs and swim with tropical fish.
For those looking for a more intimate experience, the Iberostar Grand Bavaro is an adults-only resort that boasts a private beach reserved exclusively for its guests. This secluded paradise offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Families will love the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, where kids can meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters and participate in fun activities such as slime-making. The resort also has a water park with slides and splash zones for endless family fun.
For those seeking a romantic getaway, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa offers luxurious suites with private terraces and plunge pools, perfect for couples looking to relax and reconnect. The resort also offers romantic dinners on the beach, where guests can enjoy a delicious meal under the stars.
No matter which resort you choose, one thing is certain – Punta Cana offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Caribbean!
FAQs About the best Punta Cana beaches
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best Punta Cana beaches (and the beaches there in general) – answered! If you have a question that isn’t included, please leave it in a comment so I can answer it!
The best beaches in Punta Cana are generally found along the coastline of Bavaro. Bavaro Beach is known for its soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a top choice for visitors seeking a picturesque beach experience in the area.
Yes, you can find many beachfront restaurants and bars along the beaches in Punta Cana, offering a variety of seafood and local dishes.
Yes, the beaches in Punta Cana are swimmable. This makes Punta Cana a great choice for those looking to enjoy the ocean waters, unlike other destinations like Cabo San Lucas where swimming might be limited due to rough seas or strong currents.
Yes, there are many beautiful beaches near Punta Cana that are worth a day trip, such as Playa Juanillo in Cap Cana or Playa Limon in Samana.
Yes, many beaches in Punta Cana offer great snorkeling opportunities, especially around coral reefs. The most popular spots for snorkeling are on Saona Island and Catalina Island, a day trip from Punta Cana.
Yes, Punta Cana is known for its wide range of water sports activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and more. You can easily find water sports operators on the beaches.
Most beaches in Punta Cana offer chair and umbrella rentals, so you can usually find everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach without having to bring your own equipment.
Yes, most beaches in Punta Cana are safe for swimming, but it’s always important to check for any warnings or flags indicating unsafe conditions.
Some of the best beaches in Punta Cana include Bavaro Beach, Macao Beach, Playa Blanca, and Juanillo Beach.
Yes, you can walk along most of the coastline in Punta Cana along the beach.
🤩 This day trip to Saona Island is the top-rated excursion in Punta Cana, and should not be missed!
Final Thoughts
When you visit Punta Cana, you’re not just discovering a destination; you’re uncovering a treasure trove of epic beaches waiting to be explored. Whether you end up chilling mostly at your resort beach, or venture out to explore all the beaches on this list, I know you’ll have a great vacation!
The beauty of the Dominican Republic’s coastline is unmatched, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure (I know I can’t wait to go back!). Whether you seek the perfect spot to unwind with a book in hand or crave the thrill of water sports, Punta Cana has it all.
Dive into my comprehensive beach guides and start planning your dream beach getaway today. Your slice of paradise awaits! Check out all my best beach guides here to turn your vacation dreams into reality.