Top Beaches in Punta Cana

For sun, sea, sand, and adventure, these are our favorite Punta Cana beaches.

2 min read•Jan. 18, 2018•By Anne Lowrey

Puta Cana beach on Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a famous spot

Hi, I'm Anne!

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer and book editor based in San Francisco. She believes passionately in the balance of travel and home. Find her at parttimetraveler.com and @anne_elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.

Punta Cana beaches in the Dominican Republic are ideal picture of a waterfront paradise with their pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and countless palm trees. Here are our picks for the best Punta Cana beaches and what you can do while you’re there.

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Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)

Bavaro Beach and its crystal clear waters. | Photo Credit: KellySHUTSTOC / Shutterstock

As one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area, the town of Bavaro is lined with small shops and dotted with luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Most boat trips and snorkeling excursions to places like Saona Island (Isla Saona) leave from Bavaro Beach.

Macao Beach (Playa Macao)

Macao Beach is great for watersports. | Photo Credit: Lidiya Oleandra / Shutterstock

The public beach of Macao feels relatively untouched. It's a great spot to enjoy water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Don’t miss the chance to get muddy on a Macao buggy adventure.

Uvero Alto

Uvero Alto is quieter than other beaches. | Photo Credit: leoamartinez / Shutterstock

Located far from the tourist activity of the main beaches, Uvero Alto is quieter than most and often reached by boat trip or off-roading adventure.

Playa Blanca

Sunbathers at Playa Blanca relax beneath the palm trees. | Photo Credit: NORBGO / Tripadvisor

Its name translates to “white beach,” so it's no surprise that Playa Blanca has some of the most beautiful white sands in the country. The waters are calm here, and this stretch of sand can be accessed by dune buggy.

Cabeza de Toro Beach

Cabeza de Toro Beach and its white sand shores. | Photo Credit: Nenad Nedomacki / Shutterstock

Surrounded by tropical forest with palm trees and wildlife close at hand, Cabeza de Toro Beach is a great spot for snorkeling and getting in touch with nature.