The Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic

By Dave Pipitone

If you think that beaches in the Dominican Republic are tiny and isolated to only a few spots, think again. The total water-front coastline of Dominican Republic beaches measures more than 1,288 kilometers, or over 300 miles. On your next vacation, picture yourself in this magnificent sight as gentle waves of crystal clear blue water caress the white sand beaches.

It would take more than a single visit to this Caribbean paradise to walk through the sands of these gorgeous sun tanning spots.

The Dominican Republic government monitors the building activity on the beach-front to prevent overdevelop and to protect the natural beauty and allure of the beaches.

The beaches in the Dominican Republic are located on the north and south sides of the island. The main beach areas of the north side include Monte Christi, Puerto Plata, Rio San Juan, Cabrera, Samana and Miches on the east.

A regular wind blows in from the Caribbean Ocean on the northern part of the island. This makes the beaches areas ideal for an adventurous Caribbean vacation that includes surfing, windsurfing and kite boarding. Playa Cabarate is located on the north side of the island near Puerto Plata. The 15-20 knot steady wind at this beach drives strong waves and makes the area a significant part of the world-class windsurfing circuit.

You can also find the Playa Grande on the north coast, between the towns of Rio San Juan and Cabrera. This beach is undergoing development-- so experience it now, while it's still fresh. At the public entrance, the beach is in a cove that is bracketed by towering cliffs on both sides. The water is calm in summer and best for swimming and lounging on the beach then. Weekdays are best to visit this beach; on Sundays the locals crowd the beach.

If you love snorkeling, the Playa Sosua offers a scenic above-water view of distant mountains, surrounding cliffs and seemingly endless coastline. The best spots are off-shore, but snorkeling from the beach can be good.

The Samana peninsula on the north eastern side of the Dominican Republic offers crystal blue waters, miles of unspoiled beaches, and dozens of caves waiting to be explored, offers many visual pleasures.

On the eastern end of the island is Punta Cana-Bávaro. At 20 miles long, this is the longest stretch of white sand beaches in the Caribbean. The landscape is dotted with exotic coconut palm trees and luxurious resorts. Many beaches are accessible to the public, although you need to be aware that some undeveloped beaches can have dangerous and strong undertow and currents.

The beaches on the south side of the island are found in several more places, especially in Santo Domingo, San Cristobal and several other places.

The beaches in the Dominican Republic attract adventurers and travelers from all over the world. Some swarm here to improve diving skills or to learn windsurfing. Others simply want to spend the day sipping tropical punch under the palm trees. Traveling to the Dominican Republic offers the ultimate beach experience for many people.

Dave Pipitone provides detailed travel information on the Dominican Republic at his website, http://www.travelcarribean.info

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TravelTourismVacation 2007