The Dominican Republic is synonymous with the Caribbean in its purest form. But beyond Punta Cana, the country holds authentic coastal treasures where the color of the sea changes from blue to turquoise and the sands are so white that they look like flour. If you are thinking about your next vacation, here we present three beaches that encapsulate the Dominican magic: Bahía de las Águilas, Cayo Levantado and Playa Rincón.
Águilas Bay: the untouched paradise of the south
Located within the Jaragua National Park, in the province of Pedernales,Águilas Bay is an almost virgin natural sanctuary. There are no hotels or large buildings, just 12 kilometers of white sand, crystal clear waters and unique biodiversity.
Access is not immediate: it is reached by boat from Cabo Rojo or by a dirt road from La Cueva. But that isolation is precisely its charm. Here there are no crowds or street vendors, just sea, sun and a feeling of freedom that is difficult to find in other Caribbean destinations.
Billetaxo Tip:flights to Santo Domingo or Barahona are the closest gateways; From there, the road trip to Pedernales takes between 5 and 6 hours.
Cayo Levantado: the most photographed islet in Samaná
Cayo Levantado, also known as"Bacardi Island", owes its fame to its perfect postcard: coconut trees, turquoise sea and sand so fine it looks like dust. Located in front of Samaná Bay, this small islet is accessible by boat from the port of Samaná (about 10 minutes by boat).
During the day, you can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding or simply relaxing under the palm trees. Combined tours with humpback whale watching are also offered (between January and March).
Although it has an all-inclusive hotel, many travelers choose to spend the day and return to the mainland at sunset, when the sun turns the sky pink and orange.
Playa Rincón: a secret that spreads by word of mouth
Located in Las Galeras (Samaná),Playa Rincón frequently appears in international rankingsof the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its coast extends for 3 kilometers in the shape of a crescent, bordered by mountains and coconut trees.
The water is transparent, calm and warm, ideal for swimming or simply floating while looking at the horizon. At one end a freshwater river flows, where locals offer fresh fish and charcoal-grilled lobster.
Traveler tip:From Santo Domingo, you can arrive in about 3.5 hours by road or take a local flight to El Catey (Samaná). Day trips from Las Terrenas or Santa Bárbara de Samaná are also popular.
What to expect from the Dominican Caribbean
Sun and beach tourism continues to be the heart of the destination, but the Dominican Republic offers much more than resorts: ecotourism, culture, music and gastronomy. In addition, the country has invested in new road routes (such as the Southern Highway) and in improving air connectivity with America and Europe.
If you travel between December and April, you will enjoy the best climate—warm, dry and with the calmest sea—;if you prefer to avoid crowdsand take advantage of low prices, consider May or November, transition months between seasons.
Conclusion
The Dominican Republic is not just a destination, it is a palette of blues and greens where each beach tells its own story. From the almost spiritual isolation of Bahía de las Águilas, through the lively energy of Cayo Levantado, to the serenity of Playa Rincón, the country offers settings for all travelers.
✈️ Search and book your flight to the Dominican Republic with Billetaxo, and choose yourself which will be your next corner of paradise.
Sources
- La Tercera (Chile) — "3 beaches with turquoise waters and white sands for a vacation in the Dominican Republic" (2025)
- Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic — Official guide to beaches and nature reserves
- UNWTO — 2024 Report on tourism growth in the Caribbean
- Billetaxo Research — 2025 Update on air connectivity and tourist seasons
