The Beach Lover’s Guide to Paradise

You: a bevy of swimsuits, sarongs, sunglasses, and trashy novels. The Dominican Republic: a plethora of dreamy beaches waiting for you to write your name in the sand. This is a winning combination for the ultimate two-week sun and sand experience—a beach lover’s tour to some of the best beaches in the country. This itinerary takes you to both all-inclusive resorts where they manicure their beaches and to wild, remote hideaway coves. Beaches in three different regions are covered here, but if you only have a week, then this itinerary can easily be tailored to just visit one or two of the regions.

Days 1–2

Arrive at the Punta Cana airport. Check into the Bahía Principe Clubs and Resorts, where you can begin your trip by soaking in the tranquil vibe. On the grounds of this resort is Pueblo Principe, a mock village where there are gift shops, live music at night, a lively disco, and a casino. For a fantastic seafood lunch, make reservations through your hotel for the Capitán Cook restaurant in El Cortecito. The restaurant will send a water taxi to fetch you and take you to its seaside digs.

Day 3

Make your way north with a brief stopover on Playa Limón, popular with excursion tours because of its exquisitely beautiful coconut groves. Continue onward until the commuter town of Sabana de la Mar, where you’ll catch a ferry to the Península de Samaná, home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

Days 4–5

If you stay at Occidental Gran Bahía in the town of Samaná, you can schedule a whale-watching tour (provided it’s whale-watching season — December–March) with Victoria Marine with a side trip to Cayo Levantado for the afternoon. At night, stroll along the Malecón until you find a restaurant that suits your tastes. Hire a unique-to-Samaná multi-person motoconcho to take you back to the hotel.

Days 6–7

Take a taxi or bus up Highway 5 to Las Galeras and one of the most famous Dominican beaches, Playa Rincón. Reachable only by boat, this stunning three-beach sandy stretch is backed by a thick forest of palms. You can find boat captains at Playa Las Galeras in town willing to take you to the other secluded beaches on the tip of the peninsula, including Playa Frontón and Playa Madama. Another good daytime activity offered by Enzo’s Rancho is horseback riding through the countryside culminating in a picnic lunch on the beach.

Day 8

To get off of the peninsula, take a guagua back to Samaná and grab a bus to Río San Juan. Try snorkeling at Laguna Gri-Gri or check out the thick band of golden sand with a rough surf on Playa Grande. Also close by is Playa Caletón, a much more quaint and cozy experience. Here, the best place to stay is at Occidental Alegro Playa Grande.

Days 9–10

Head west to Cabarete by guagua, where you’ll be in the company of water-sport junkies. Kiteboarding, surfing, and windsurfing lessons are big business here. Vela, right on Playa Cabarete in town, is a well-known outfitter for sailboarders. Even if you’re not interested in a water sport, beaches like Bozo Beach, Kite Beach, and Playa Encuentro are great places to watch those who are. Lively nighttime entertainment can be found at Las Brisas, where you can dance with the locals and tourists alike.

Days 11–12

Just west of Cabarete, a short guagua ride away, spend the night and dine in Sosúa’s affordable Hotel Waterfront. The next day hang out on Playa Alicia, which offers a less frequented and more serene beach experience than Sosúa Beach. Go snorkeling in the Bahía de Samaná, a cheap and fun activity.

Days 13–14

Get up early and catch a taxi to the first all-inclusive resort ever built in Playa Dorada: Jack Tar Village. Spend your last days being pampered one last time. The Jack Tar is known for having some of the best cuisine in the Playa Dorada complex. Before heading to the Aeropuerto Gregorio Luperón for your departure, take a taxi into Puerto Plata and go to the Museo del Ámbar Dominicano and learn about the ancient resin found in the Dominican Republic.