Beaches · Punta Cana · Dominican Republic
The best beaches in and near Punta Cana
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Bávaro Beach (20–30 minutes from the airport). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
20–30 minutes from the airport · Families and first-timers
1.Bávaro Beach
Long, reef-sheltered white-sand beach in front of the main resorts, with calm water and beach bars.
About 20 minutes from the airport · Couples and photographs
2.Juanillo Beach
Quiet, curving beach with leaning palms and calm water in Cap Cana.
About 30 minutes north of Bávaro · Surfing and local food
3.Macao Beach
Undeveloped golden beach with surf, cliffs and fried-fish shacks.
About 15–20 minutes from the airport · Young children
4.Cabeza de Toro
Shallow, sheltered water close to the reef, good for young swimmers.
About 40–45 minutes from the airport · Quiet walks
5.Uvero Alto
Long, wild beach with few people and lively waves.
About 10–15 minutes from the airport · Kitesurfing and calm swimming
6.Playa Blanca
Sheltered beach in the Punta Cana resort area with water sports and kitesurfing.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| February | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| March | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| April | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, nightlife and beach
Bávaro
Bávaro is the largest and busiest part of the Punta Cana coast, where dozens of all-inclusive resorts line a continuous beach facing reef-sheltered water. Shopping plazas, restaurants and nightclubs sit along the road behind the hotels, and walking the beach links one resort to the next.
- Good
- Widest choice of resorts; Long walkable beach; Restaurants and nightlife outside the resorts
- Watch out
- Busy beaches in front of big hotels; Vendors on the sand; Sargassum seaweed in some months
- Nearby
- Bávaro Beach, Los Corales, El Cortecito, Palma Real Shopping Village
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Guaguas and local buses run along the Bávaro–Verón road and towards Higüey, stopping when flagged down.
- Car — Rental cars are available at the airport and hotels; driving is manageable on the main highways but local driving styles are assertive.
- Boat — Catamarans and speedboats run excursions from Bávaro beaches and from Bayahíbe to Saona and Catalina islands.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–April and June. The busiest of those is January, so book early.
Beach safety
Resort areas are generally calm, but petty theft from beaches and rooms happens, so use safes and watch belongings. Respect red flags on Atlantic beaches with strong currents, and agree taxi fares in advance. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Punta Cana have beaches?
Yes: Bávaro Beach, Juanillo Beach, Macao Beach, Cabeza de Toro, Uvero Alto and Playa Blanca.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Punta Cana?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Punta Cana?
Bávaro Beach: Long, reef-sheltered white-sand beach in front of the main resorts, with calm water and beach bars.