Punta Cana is a popular resort area in the Dominican Republic. Set on the easternmost tip of the island, it is known for its beautiful beaches and huge selection of resorts.
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Punta Cana is lounge on a glorious white-sand beach and gaze at the vivid water. If you’re planning a trip here, read on to learn all about the 10 best Punta Cana beaches plus get the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Bavaro Beach
This main Punta Cana beach is generally considered to be the best one, with long stretches of soft white sand and sparkling turquoise water. It’s lined with palm trees as well as all-inclusive resorts and shops, and features a variety of watersports including snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving. However, it can be quite crowded.
Playa Cabeza de Toro
A relaxed and less developed beach, Cabeza de Toro is significantly less crowded than Bavaro Beach. It also has more natural foliage around it, giving it a more pristine vibe. There are some resorts and beach clubs here, as well as watersports opportunities like snorkeling, but this is a great spot to relax in peace.
Juanillo Beach
Another gorgeous and laidback alternative to Bavaro Beach is Juanillo Beach, which is also one of the most swimmable Punta Cana beaches due to its shallower and calmer water. This makes it one of the best beaches in Punta Cana for families. It features soft white sand lined with tall palm trees. Note that it’s located in the gated community of Cap Cana.
Los Corales
This beach, located next to Bavaro Beach, offers similar beauty but is easier to get to via a public access point. Popular with locals, it features more local-style rentals as opposed to all-inclusive resorts, plus laidback bars and restaurants.
Uvero Alto
One of the least crowded Punta Cana beaches, this is a peaceful spot perfect for couples seeking a romantic hideaway. It’s also a good beach for horseback riding, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Arena Blanca and Arena Gorda
These swaths of white-sand beach are home to some of the swankiest resorts in Punta Cana. At the end of Arena Gorda, however, you can find a hidden unspoiled beach tucked away by the Hard Rock resort.
Playa Blanca
This breathtaking beach is said to have the whitest sand of all the Punta Cana beaches. It’s home to elegant beach clubs and has a more sophisticated atmosphere. Aside from lounging or strolling the miles of soft sand, you can also swim, snorkel, and scuba dive here. Additionally, steady winds here mean that kite surfing and kite boarding are possible.
Macao Beach
One of the best Punta Cana beaches for surfing, it’s also been named one of the best beaches in the Caribbean by UNESCO. Macao Beach offers surf schools as well as local restaurants and is popular with locals. However, it is usually quite uncrowded, as there aren’t any resorts along it. You can also go windsurfing, paddleboarding, and horseback riding here.
El Cortecito
This small beach is one of the top spots for hanging out at a lively beach bar and is frequented by both locals and tourists. El Cortecito is located close to Bavaro Beach.
Cap Cana Beach
The beach in Cap Cana, a private gated community, is stunningly beautiful. Set at the very end of the Punta Cana area along the Caribbean, it features swaying palm trees, soft white sand, and turquoise water plus luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
What time of year is best for Punta Cana beaches?
While the weather is lovely year-round in the Dominican Republic, the high season is winter to early spring. Punta Cana beaches in December feature clear, sunny weather and warm but not hot temperatures.
Temps rise as summer approaches, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, but Punta Cana beaches in April offer the perfect shoulder season getaway. If you need to travel during the summer, just watch out for storms along Punta Cana beaches in July, June, and August.
What is the nicest beach in Punta Cana?
While it’s tough to decide what is the #1 beach in Punta Cana, many people think it’s Bavaro Beach. Other top contenders for the nicest beach in Punta Cana include Juanillo Beach, Playa Macao, and Playa Blanca.
Which all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana has the best beach?
It’s almost impossible to say which all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana has the best beach, as there are so many resorts and so many stunning beaches. Most are located along Bavaro Beach or the Cap Cana beaches, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Does Punta Cana have white sandy beaches?
Yes, many of the beaches in Punta Cana feature long stretches of soft white sand along beautiful blue water. One of the best Punta Cana beaches for white sand is Playa Blanca.
Does Punta Cana have swimmable beaches?
Yes, Punta Cana beaches are swimmable, although water can occasionally be rough. One of the most swimmable Punta Cana beaches is Juanillo Beach, which has shallow water.
FYI, there can be seaweed on Punta Cana beaches during “seaweed season,” which varies but is usually sometime between May to October. If you’re traveling during this time, you may want to check local sources to find Punta Cana beaches without seaweed.
Can you walk the beach in Punta Cana?
Yes, you can walk the beach in Punta Cana. All are technically public, and most are long stretches of sand that make for easy strolling. For example, Bavaro Beach is more than 6 miles long. However, some beaches are harder to get to because of all the resorts lining them. You can find open public access at Los Corales.
What is the least crowded beach in Punta Cana?
One of the most serene and secluded Punta Cana beaches is Uvero Alto, located at the northwestern end of Punta Cana.
Are beaches nicer in Cancun or Punta Cana?
When comparing Punta Cana beaches vs Cancun beaches, you’ll find that they are both very beautiful with white sand and turquoise water. However, many people think the beaches in Punta Cana are nicer because the sand is softer. They also tend to be cleaner and less crowded.
Now that you’ve read all about Punta Cana beaches, are you ready to book a trip to the Dominican Republic? Let us know in the comments!