Are you planning a cruise day or vacation in Puerto Plata and want to know the best beaches? Puerto Plata beaches are some of the best and most dramatic in the Dominican Republic. The famous Playa Dorada has golden sands, water sports, and restaurants. However, quieter beaches like Playa Teco Maimón and Cosita Rica Beach offer a more serene, tranquil place to relax and unwind. So, choosing the best beach near Puerto Plata can be challenging.
In this guide to Puerto Plata Beaches, I have reviewed the best beaches within an hour’s drive of the cruise port and beautiful coastal city. Also included one or two farther from Puerto Plata if you’ve got more time on vacation. You will learn what each beach offers regarding amenities, safety, beach activities, and nearby attractions. From serene white sand beaches to vibrant party hotspots, this article has got you covered.
So please sit back, relax, and let’s find out about the best beaches on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Introducing Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is the largest city on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. The town was built around a small bay that forms a natural harbor. It is known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and lively culture. Puerto Plata is a popular cruise destination with two terminals—one in Taino Bay and the other in Amber Cove.
If you arrive in Puerto Plata on a cruise at Amber Cove, Maimón Bay, you’ll find two stunning beaches within walking distance of the cruise terminal—Playa Bachata and La Playita de Maimón.
If you are staying in Puerto Plata or arriving at Taino Bay on an eastern Caribbean cruise, there are plenty of beaches along the town’s shoreline. These include Puerto Plata Beach, Playa Acapulco, Playa Cosita Rica, Long Beach, Playa El Bronx, and Playa Dorada.
How to Choose the Best Beaches in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata beaches offer a perfect combination of stunning white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities. How can you choose the best one for a beach break?
Here are four tips to help you decide on your dream destination.
Accessibility: Choose a beach that is convenient to get to and at a reasonable distance from the cruise terminal or your accommodation. Several beaches are within walking distance of downtown Puerto Plata. However, they can get crowded on cruise days.
Some stunning beaches in Sosúa or Cabarete are a short taxi drive from the town. They tend to be less crowded and more secluded, offering more time to relax and unwind in the Caribbean sun.
Activities: How do you want to spend your day at the beach? Do you want to relax with a cocktail in hand, go snorkeling, or paddleboarding? Or do you want a more active beach day by learning to kiteboard or hop on a jet ski? So, decide what you want to do and check out activities available at the beach.
Natural beauty: Another consideration is the beach setting. Many beaches near Puerto Plata are in secluded coves, surrounded by tropical vegetation. Some beaches are well-maintained, whereas others have lots of seaweed and rocks. Additionally, palm trees at the beach provide shade and a tropical ambiance.
Safety: Many beaches in Puerto Plata have shallow, calm waters and are generally safe. However, check warnings about sea swells, strong currents, or rough waves. Choosing a beach with lifeguards on duty provides more peace of mind.
Are Beaches in Puerto Plata Free to Access?
Most beaches in the Dominican Republic are public beaches and free to use. In general, beaches in the Caribbean are public up to the high tide watermark. However, you may have to pay a small fee for amenities like beach chairs and umbrellas. Some beach resorts restrict access to certain parts of the beach.
Map of Beaches Around Puerto Plata
This map pinpoints the locations of all the Puerto Plata beaches mentioned in this guide, helping you visualize their proximity to one another and effectively plan your beach-hopping itinerary. Whether you are in search of a lively beachfront or a secluded retreat, this map will direct you to your ideal beach destination.
The Best Beaches in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Many beautiful beaches are near the cruise ports in Puerto Plata. Here are the best 11 beaches you can walk to from Puerto Plata or get a taxi from the cruise terminal in Amber Cove.
In the list of beaches, I’ve included distances from the Taino Cruise Port in the heart of Puerto Plata. Amber Cove is 7 miles (11.2 km) north of Puerto Plata.
Playa Dorada (Golden Beach)
Playa Dorada is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Plata. This tropical oasis is famous for its golden sands, crystal clear waters, and palm trees lining the shore. The beach has plenty of amenities—you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and sports equipment. There are also bathrooms and a lifeguard on duty for extra safety.
Playa Dorada is a one-mile stretch of powdery golden sand with plenty of fun activities for beach-goers. You can go swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, banana boating, or hire a jet ski. The pristine beach is also near several resorts that offer day passes if you want to enjoy a luxurious beach break.
The Puerto Plata Kite Board and Surf School and the Caribbean Extreme Sports Center are close to Golden Beach.
If you only have a day to spend in Puerto Plata, a day at Playa Dorada will give you a taste of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 6 miles (9.6 km) from Taino Bay
- Facilities: Swimming, snorkeling, various water sports, restaurants, and beachfront bars
- Atmosphere: Large beach with plenty of room for relaxation or participating in water activities
Playa Teco Maimón
Playa Teco Maimón is a beautiful beach near the Amber Cove Cruise Terminal. It’s one of the more serene and less crowded beaches near Puerto Plata. The long stretch of beach has soft golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking views. Also, trees line the beachfront, providing ample shade in the hot Caribbean sunshine.
Maimón Beach is easily accessible by car, and a parking lot is nearby. The beach has everything you need to enjoy a beach day—restrooms, lifeguards, bars, and restaurants. Additionally, the calm waters make it safe for swimming or snorkeling.
Playa Teco Maimón beach is surrounded by lush green hills and palm trees, creating a picturesque backdrop for your beach day. You can take leisurely walks along the shoreline, absorbing the beauty of the landscape and local flora and fauna.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 9 miles (14.5 km) from Taino Bay and 3 miles (4.8 km) from Amber Cove
- Facilities: Changing areas, restrooms, restaurants, bars, lifeguards
- Atmosphere: Fun and friendly, with plenty of spaces to relax in the shade
La Playita de Maimón
La Playita de Maimón is a beautiful beach hidden in a picturesque cove, a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal at Amber Cove. The secret beach offers a tranquil and serene experience because it’s usually deserted. Here, you can find soft golden sand and warm turquoise waters where you can relax and unwind.
Amenities at La Playita de Maimón include beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas for rent. Also, plenty of palm trees provide shade. Despite the lack of lifeguards, the waters are relatively calm and shallow, making it safe for swimming and snorkeling.
Some parts of the beach are lined by small limestone cliffs with a rocky entrance to the sea. However, most parts of La Playita de Maimón have soft sands and a gentle slope into the water. This is one of the best Puerto Plata beaches near the cruise terminal that offers a tranquil experience.
La Playita de Maimón and Playa de Bachata are also all-inclusive beach resorts where you may be able to buy a day pass to access the amenities.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 15 to 20 minutes on foot from Amber Cove
- Facilities: Limited facilities with only beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and relaxing away from large crowds
Playa Cofresi
Cofresi Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sand located at the north end of Puerto Plata. The beach is in a crescent-shaped bay with calm, sheltered waters. Activities available at the beach include snorkeling, swimming, beach volleyball, and various water sports.
The beachfront has several resorts, meaning it is generally well-maintained. Lifeguards are often on duty to ensure safety while swimming or participating in water activities. Several nearby restaurants serve authentic Caribbean and Dominican cuisine to enhance your beach experience.
It’s good to note that some tourists say vendors can become a nuisance on the beach. Depending on the season, seaweed can accumulate.
To make your day even more enjoyable, you could plan an excursion to Ocean World Adventure Park next to the beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 4 miles (6.4 km)
- Facilities: Water sports equipment rental, restrooms, pet-friendly, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, restaurants, resort facilities
- Atmosphere: Lively and can feel crowded on the weekends
Playa Costambar
One of the nicest beaches in Puerto Plata is Playa Costambar. It’s a picturesque beach with soft golden sand that gently slopes into crystal-clear azure waters. Beach amenities include loungers, umbrellas, clean restrooms, and outdoor showers. The bay is ideal for snorkeling, exploring the extensive reef, and marveling at tropical marine life.
Also called Playa Grande, the beach at Costambar offers plenty to do for visitors and cruise guests. Several beachfront restaurants and bars offer delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. Also nearby are stalls selling souvenirs, a nine-hole golf course, ziplining, and buggies for rent. Lifeguards are often—but not always—on duty at the beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 3 miles (4.8 km)
- Facilities: Umbrellas, beach chairs, restrooms, showers, parking lot, motorized water activities, restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes
- Atmosphere: Fun and lively, but arrive early as it’s a popular beach
Long Beach
Long Beach is one of the most popular and liveliest beaches in Puerto Plata. This 1.5-mile stretch of white sand is one of the widest beaches in the town. The beautiful beach has crystal-clear turquoise waters and calm waves, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to its tropical appeal. You’ll find snack bars and small restaurants along the beach that create a lively atmosphere. Visitors flock to the beach in the evenings to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and watch stunning sunsets.
If you’re an adventure seeker, the beach has a surf school that rents snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks and provides surfing lessons.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 3 miles (4.8 km)
- Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, beachfront bars, snorkeling, swimming
- Atmosphere: Lively
Cosita Rica Beach
Located in the heart of Puerto Plata, Cosita Rica Beach is a spectacular stretch of white sands and crystal-clear blue waters. The beauty of the beach is that it’s relatively secluded and doesn’t attract many tourists. Also, its flat, open, golden sand beach gently slopes into the clear turquoise waters, making it safe for swimming.
Cosita Rica Beach has lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent and good restroom facilities. However, there is little more in the way of amenities. Therefore, you should bring your own snacks and refreshments if you are planning to spend a day at the beach. However, there is a bar and grill restaurant on the beachfront.
Cosita Rica Beach is the best location to see the Neptune or Poseidon statue, which is 500 feet (140 m) from the shore.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, and a restaurant
- Atmosphere: Quiet and secluded and ideal for relaxing
Acapulco Beach
Also known as Playa Camacho, Acapulco Beach is on the Malecón (boardwalk) in Puerto Plata. The beach features golden sand, clear blue waters, and a vibrant atmosphere. Because it’s near the town center, the beach is popular with locals, holidaymakers, and cruise passengers. The small beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and almond trees, giving it a distinctly secluded atmosphere.
Rocky outcrops protect the small bay and separate the beach from Playa Cosita Rica. The beach has basic facilities for visitors, with only umbrellas and lounge chairs available for rent. There is no lifeguard on duty; however, the waters are generally calm, and there are good snorkeling opportunities if you bring your own gear.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Facilities: Basic amenities like lounge chairs and umbrellas
- Atmosphere: Private and secluded
Playa El Chaparral
Playa El Chaparral is an expansive beach with soft white sand, crystal-clear azure waters, and a tranquil atmosphere. The soft sandy shores gently slope into the sea, making access to the water comfortable for kids and adults. It’s a safe beach with shallow water and lifeguards on duty.
With gentle waves, Playa El Chaparral offers a serene setting for sunbathing and swimming. Amenities available at the beach include restrooms, beach chairs, umbrellas, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. The beach is easily accessible as it’s only 5 miles (8 km) from the center of Puerto Plata.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 5 miles (8 km)
- Facilities: Public parking, restrooms, beach games, snorkeling, active water sports, plenty of space, restaurants serving Caribbean cuisine and seafood
- Atmosphere: Calm and relaxing
The Best Beaches Near Sosúa
Sosúa is a town 17 miles (27 km) east of Puerto Plata. It’s home to stunning beaches, many of which are in sheltered coves protected by coral formations. Sosúa is also close enough to spend time on the beach during a cruise day.
Let’s look at some of the best beaches near Sosúa.
Playa Sosúa
Playa Sosúa is the most popular beach in the town. It’s known for its soft sand, warm, shallow, crystal-clear waters, and ample public facilities. The lively yet laid-back beach has a range of restaurants and bars catering to Caribbean, Jamaican, German, and French cuisines. Additionally, trees line the beach, providing welcome shade.
Many tourists regard Sosúa Beach as the best on the Dominican Republic’s north coast. Its calm, shallow waters with a sandy bottom, coral reefs, and rich marine life draw tourists and locals for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. A range of water-based activities make it a vibrant spot for a day of relaxation and recreation.
Playa Sosúa rivals other beach destinations in the Dominican Republic because it offers a more laid-back and authentic experience. It’s also a stunning place to watch the sun go down over the Caribbean Sea.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 17 miles (27 km)
- Facilities: Chaise lounges, umbrellas, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, parking, restaurants, and bars
- Atmosphere: Relaxing, fun, and lively, especially at weekends
Playa Alicia
Playa Alicia is a quiet beach with golden sands that offers a tranquil experience for the few tourists who visit. The relatively flat beach has easy access to the clear, warm, turquoise waters. Unlike the neighboring Playa Sosúa, there is no loud music and fewer vendors, and the atmosphere is quieter and away from crowds.
Playa Alicia is one of the newest beaches in the Dominican Republic. It was formed in 2003 after a storm. The only amenities at the beach are beach chairs and umbrellas. However, food and drinks can be ordered from a nearby restaurant. There are no bathroom facilities here.
If you are looking for a peaceful beach experience, Playa Alicia is ideal. It’s a 40-minute drive from the cruise terminal and has easy access if you rent a vacation apartment in Sosúa.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 18 miles (29 km)
- Facilities: Umbrellas and beach chairs for rent
- Atmosphere: Quiet, peaceful, and no vendors trying to sell their goods
Casa Marina Beach
Casa Marina Beach is a stunning beach in Sosúa, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and fun activities. The small public beach has golden sand, clear, azure water, and basic amenities. The beach is rarely crowded, except when the Casa Marina Reef Resort is busy.
The small bay where Casa Marina Beach is located protects the water, keeping it primarily calm and suitable for swimming. In the public section of the beach, umbrellas and beach lounge chairs are available for rent. The cliffs at either end of the bay make the beach a picturesque location.
One of the best snorkeling adventures from Casa Marina Beach is a boat or catamaran trip to the Sosúa Three Rocks and Coral Garden. Here, you can explore the vibrant underwater world filled with colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 18 miles (29 km)
- Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and resort facilities (for an extra fee)
- Atmosphere: Relaxing
Playa Chiquita
Playa Chiquita is a tiny, secluded beach in Sosúa that offers a chance to relax in peaceful surroundings. This hidden gem has soft sands, clear, turquoise waters, and a sandy bottom. Access to the beach is by a small path leading from Argentina Street and can be challenging to find.
Playa Chiquita is worth visiting if you are staying for an extended time in Sosúa and want a beach location to unwind away from noisy music and bustling crowds. However, it’s not worth visiting on a cruise day as there are no facilities and access is difficult.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 19 miles (30.5 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful
The Best Beaches Outside of Puerto Plata
Many beaches east of Puerto Plata toward the village of Cabarete are ideal locations for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and jet skiing. To the west are stunning beaches in peaceful coves filled with unique charm and beauty.
Please read on to discover the best beaches outside of Puerto Plata that are worth visiting on your Caribbean getaway.
Playa Bergantín
Playa Bergantín is a spectacular beach with golden sands and turquoise waters lined with palm trees. This secluded beach offers a tranquil setting to unwind and enjoy the area’s untouched natural beauty. With uncrowded shores and the calming sound of the waves, this beach is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of busier tourist spots.
It’s important to note that access to Playa Bergantín can be tricky. The best access is by 4WD jeep or taking a horseback riding excursion. However, the effort is well worth it. At the beach, you’ll find rustic-style restaurants serving the best authentic Dominican food. The best beach activity is relaxing by the shore or taking a leisurely swim.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 14 miles (22.5 km) or 35 minutes
- Facilities: Shade from the trees along the beachfront and huts selling drinks and Dominican food
- Atmosphere: Tranquil and serene with an uncrowded shoreline
Encuentro Beach
Encuentro Beach is the go-to location near Puerto Plata for the best surfing beaches in the Dominican Republic. The isolated beach has consistent waves suitable for all levels of surfing experience. Trees line the coast, providing shade and a place to chill out after a day on the surf.
The mile-long beach has a laid-back atmosphere as you watch surfers catch the big waves. A surf school provides lessons for beginners, and there are plenty of huts where surfboards and equipment can be rented. After a fun day of surfing, you can grab a bite from one of the vendors at Encuentro Food Park.
The beach consists of five distinctive breaks: Coco Pipe, Bobo’s Point, La Derecha, La Izquierda, and Destroyer. Encuentro Beach boasts an incredible 350 surfable days a year.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 22 miles (35.4 km) or 60 minutes
- Facilities: Surfing equipment hire, hammocks, cafes, several surfing schools
- Atmosphere: Laid-back with a friendly vibe
Playa Cabarete
Playa Cabarete is the best beach near Puerto Plata for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach sits in a stunning crescent-shaped bay with golden sand that gently slopes into the warm Caribbean waters. Steady winds along the Dominican Republic’s north coast ensure perfect conditions year-round for active water sports.
Restaurants line the coast at Playa Cabarete, offering fresh seafood dishes, refreshing cocktails, and live music for a vibrant beach experience. During the day, the beach is a mixture of windsurfers, kiteboarders, sailing laser boats, and paddleboards. After the sun goes down, the bars and clubs turn the beach into a vibrant multicultural party scene.
Cabarete Bay also hosts several world-class kitesurfing competitions.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 25 miles (40 km) or 1 hour
- Facilities: Windsurfing, kiteboarding, paddleboards, umbrellas, beach chairs, and bars
- Atmosphere: Vibrant, lively, party atmosphere
Kite Beach
Kite Beach near Cabarete is a fun beach and one of the most popular kitesurfing locations in the Dominican Republic. The beach comes to life in the afternoon when the wind picks up. The plethora of kitesurfers with their colorful sails is a fantastic spectacle. You can book lessons at the beach to learn how to glide on the waves and soar into the air.
Kite Beach offers multiple entry points for kitesurfers to enjoy the windy conditions and ride the waves. The beach is known for its cleanliness, friendliness, and variety of restaurant options. However, swimming is not recommended. Therefore, if you plan on swimming in the Caribbean, visiting the beaches in Sosúa is best.
Kite Beach boasts 300 days a year when the wind is suitable for kitesurfing.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 24 miles (38.6 km) or 55 minutes
- Facilities: Kitesurfing equipment rental, kitesurfing schools, restaurants, beach chairs
- Atmosphere: Fun and lively
Bozo Beach
Bozo Beach is part of the beach in Cabarete Bay that’s also popular with kitesurfers. The serene and unspoiled beach is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and learning to kitesurf. The sparkling, transparent waters and mild waves create an ideal environment for water sports away from the more crowded, busier beaches.
Its proximity to Cabarete means that plenty of amenities are close by. Its soft golden sand makes it ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and watching kitesurfers glide across the pristine waters. Although many tourists swim in the bay, it’s not recommended on windy days when many kiteboarders are on the water.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 25 miles (40 km) or 60 minutes
- Facilities: Kitesurfing schools and surfboard and kiteboard rental
- Atmosphere: Laid back and secluded compared to Kite Beach and Cabarete Beach
Playa Cambiaso
Playa Cambiaso is a hidden gem for an authentic beach experience off the beaten path. Located an hour’s drive northwest of Puerto Plata, this beach is a tranquil retreat lined with coconut palms. Its white sands and calm waters are ideal for relaxing, unwinding, and taking a dip in the warm sea.
Getting to Playa Cambiaso can be tricky as you need an ATV or Jeep to navigate the bumpy dirt road. Despite its secluded location, the small village at the beach has fantastic restaurants serving the freshest seafood in the local Caribbean style. Whether you choose to relax on the sandy shores or explore the surrounding coves, Playa Cambiaso promises a memorable beach experience.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 19 miles (30.5 km) or 1 hour
- Facilities: Shade from palm trees and a couple of restaurants
- Atmosphere: Tranquil, serene, and devoid of tourists
Playa La Ballena
Playa La Ballena is 21 miles (33.8 km) northwest of Puerto Plata and is a secluded stretch of golden sand in a sheltered bay. Known for its scenic beauty and tranquility, the remote beach is the perfect escape from crowds of tourists. The soft sand gently slopes into the crystal-clear azure waters.
Although there is no lifeguard on duty at the beach, it is relatively safe for swimming due to its shallow waters near the shore. You can also go snorkeling to explore the bay’s vibrant marine life and reefs. The beautiful beach also has palapas, shade from trees, and a few beachfront cafes.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 21 miles (1 hr. 15 min)
- Facilities: Palapas and a cafe
- Atmosphere: Relaxing and rarely frequented by tourists
Playa Grande Luperón
The secluded beach at Luperón is a long stretch of light golden sand surrounded by turquoise blue waters and palm trees. Playa Grande is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life. It’s the perfect getaway location to unwind in peace away from other tourists.
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, Playa Grande Luperón offers an authentic beach experience on the island’s northern coast. Due to the resort at the beach, it’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area. Keep in mind that few facilities are available, so bring your own snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks for the day.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 31 miles (50 km) or 1 hr. 10 min
- Facilities: Palapas, shade from trees, a beachfront cafe serving meals and drinks
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and undisturbed
Playa Ensenada
Playa Ensenada is a beautiful beach located just before Punta Rucia in La Ensenada Bay. This vibrant beach destination has stunning white sand, calm waters, and reefs in shallow water close to the shore. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll, relaxing by the ocean, or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.
Playa Ensenada’s location protects it from swells from the Atlantic Ocean, which means the bay is almost always calm, with little or no waves. The rows of huts along the beachfront serve delicious, authentic Caribbean food, and you can relax in the shade of a palapa while enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 46 miles (74 km) or 1 hr. 50 min
- Facilities: Restaurants, cafes, beach chairs, palapas, boat trips
- Atmosphere: Relaxing and tranquil, providing an authentic Caribbean beach experience
Playa Punta Rucia
Playa Punta Rucia is a picturesque beach that stretches 4.5 miles (7.2 km) along the front of the village. The beautiful location beside Playa Ensenada provides a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the mountains and Caribbean Sea. The crystal clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling to explore the vibrant reef.
This white sand beach at Punta Rucia is a launching port for boats and catamarans heading to the outstanding Cayo Arenas—impressive sandbanks in the Caribbean. You can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or light lunch on a paradise island in the middle of the sea. Another attraction near Playa Punta Rucia is the mangrove lagoon, adding to the appeal of this picturesque beach.
The distance from Puerto Plata means that visiting on a cruise day is not practical. However, the beach at Punta Rucia is worth visiting if you are enjoying an extended vacation in Puerto Plata and have a rented car.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 45 miles (72.4 km) or 1 hr. 50 min
- Facilities: Boat trips, palapas, beach chairs, restaurants, bars, snorkeling, birdwatching, grocery stores
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and serene
Monte Cristi + Isla Cabra
Monte Cristi is the largest town on the Dominican Republic’s northwest coast. Its main attractions are its fantastic beaches surrounded by soaring cliffs. The beaches have golden sand, emerald-green waters, and superb coral reefs. Also, mangroves and vibrant wildlife add to the charms of the beaches.
Anyone who has visited Monte Cristi says it’s one of the underrated hidden gems in the Dominican Republic. If you only have time to visit one beach, check out El Morro Beach. This stretch of coastline is famous for its red sand and turquoise waters. Other superb beaches in Monte Cristi include the following:
- Playa Buen Hombre
- Playa Los Coquitos
- The picturesque beaches of the uninhabited Isla Cabra
Unfortunately, Monte Cristi is too far to visit on a cruise day in Puerto Plata. However, it’s the ideal destination if you are staying in Puerto Plata on vacation and want to experience some of the most rugged and unique terrain of the Dominican Republic.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 90 miles (145 km) or 2 hr. 40 min
Puerto Plata Beaches: FAQs
Which side of the Dominican Republic has the best beaches?
The stunning beaches of Puerto Plata are a tropical paradise for visitors to the island’s north side. However, the Atlantic Ocean can be rough, giving the beaches a more rugged appearance. In contrast, the Caribbean Sea in the south is calmer, and the beaches there offer a more picturesque and tranquil beach experience.
Are beaches better in Puerto Plata or Punta Cana?
The beaches in Punta Cana are often considered more pristine and picturesque than those in Puerto Plata. Punta Cana beaches have all-inclusive resorts, white sand beaches, and plenty of bars and restaurants. However, compared to Puerto Plata, the area is more commercialized, which puts some people off. Many beaches around Puerto Plata offer a more authentic Caribbean experience.
What currency is used in Puerto Plata?
The official currency in Puerto Plata is the Dominican Peso (DOP). However, US dollars can be used in most tourist destinations, albeit at a poorer exchange rate than exchanging currency at a bank.
Is it customary to tip in Puerto Plata?
Tipping is customary in Puerto Plata, with 10-15% of the bill considered standard. Exceptional service may warrant a higher tip.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when visiting the beaches in Puerto Plata?
While Puerto Plata beaches are generally safe, it’s always important to practice common safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, and keep an eye on your belongings. It’s also advisable to swim within designated areas and heed any warnings from lifeguards regarding ocean conditions.
Do the beaches in Puerto Plata have free WiFi?
Beach clubs and resorts in Puerto Plata often offer complimentary WiFi for guests to stay connected while enjoying their beachfront experience. However, there is generally no free WiFi at beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Puerto Plata?
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Puerto Plata. It is safer to stick to bottled water or water that has been purified. Additionally, you should also be cautious when consuming drinks with ice in the Dominican Republic. Some establishments use tap water to make ice.
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