Palm tree-lined, white sand beaches come to mind for most of us when we think of a holiday getaway, and the resort town of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is full of them.
Located in the country's easternmost region, Punta Cana, home of Bavaro Beach, has some of the most popular and breathtaking beaches in the entire country. With a 20-mile stretch of white sand beaches, visitors to Punta Cana are sure to find the beach of their dreams. Choose a rental point, take luxury car and go explore the surrounding area!
To help find your perfect fit, here is a peek at ten of the best beaches in Punta Cana;
Undoubtedly the most popular beach in Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach, is what beach dreams are made of. Bavaro Beach is open to the public free of charge and gives access to miles of white sand and turquoise waters to take in. On this beach, you will easily find local eateries and bars for a meal full of fresh fish and cocktails made with local rum. never lacks visitors, making it a lively spot to pass the time in the water, shop for souvenirs with independent vendors, or enjoy the art and music of locals. The vibrant life and abundance of seaside activities make Bavaro Beach one of the best beaches in Punta Cana to pass your time.
Price: Free
Type: Public Beach
Resorts nearby: Barcelo Bavaro Beach is the closest resort to Bavaro Beach.
Best Restaurants on Bavaro Beach: Jellyfish for fresh, locally selected ingredients with beachside seating and an upscale setting.
How to get to Bavaro Beach: Depending on where you stay in Punta Cana, you can likely reach Bavaro Beach by foot, walking from the beach located at your own resort/hotel. Otherwise, all main roads in Punta Cana lead to Bavaro Beach, making it easily accessible by public transport and rental car.
Entertainment: Live music and performances from independent artists, a long list of water activities and sports.
Located between the Hyatt resorts and Sanctuary Cap Cana, you will find Juanillo Beach. Juanillo beach is located in the Cap Cana quarter of Punta Cana. Cap Cana is known for being home to some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts, shops, and services in Punta Cana. For $20 per person per day, visitors to Juanillo Beach can lose themselves in an Oasis of relaxation. Entry to Juanillo Beach gives you access to regularly cleaned and modern toilet facilities, showers, lounge chairs, and cabane coverings. For those looking for a great meal, the restaurant options are top-notch.
A Postcard worthy beach with access to luxury resort-grade facilities and restaurants makes Playa Juanillo one of the best beaches in Punta Cana.
Price: $20 per person
Type: Private Beach
Resorts nearby: Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
Best Restaurants on Juanillo Beach: Juanillo Grill and Little John for fresh fish and a selection of international dishes.
How to get to Juanillo Beach: You can access Juanillo Beach by public transit or rental car.
Entertainment: water sports and other activities; DJ’s for music.
Much quieter than many of the other beaches you will find in Punta Cana is Cabeza de Toro. The beach (and its town) gets its name from the bird's eye view of the area, which resembles a “bull’s head.” There are no public restaurants or facilities on this beach, making this a beach not regularly sought out by those not staying by the nearby resort. However, this spot has much to offer and is considered one of the best beaches in Punta Cana. The clear, shallow, and warm waters make this a popular beach destination for families with young children.
Cabeza de Toro is also a fantastic spot to partake in water and beachside activities with multiple activities to choose from, such as rental boat tours, snorkeling tours, and even horseback riding.
Type: Public Beach
Resorts nearby: Blue Beach Punta Cana - Luxury Resorts
Best Restaurants on Playa Cabeza de Toro: Oralé for fresh, flavorful local cuisine and King Lobster for festive seafood plates.
How to get to Playa Cabeza de Toro: Playa Cabeza de Toro can be accessed by public transit or rental car.
This next beach may be a bit more time-consuming to access for those not staying in one of the nearby resorts, but it is definitely worth the effort. Playa Blanca, or “White Beach,” has long been touted as one of the best beaches in Punta Cana. With close to two miles of powder-soft white sand and turquoise waters, Playa Blanca is a favorite spot to catch the sunrise or set for an unforgettable beach moment.
Price: Free
Length: 2 miles
Resorts nearby: Club Med Punta Cana and Westin Resort Punta Cana
Best Restaurant on Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca Restaurant for fresh dishes and beachside seating.
How to get to Playa Blanca: By rental car.
Entertainment: water sports and other activities.