Dominican Republic Beaches

No way would we have thought of quick divorce and Dominican Republic synonymous. If there were one place in the Caribbean we could point you to for inexpensive resorts and sugar-white beaches, the Dominican Republic would be our destination of choice. It's romantic! And, it's the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean because of the low prices and beautiful terrain. Especially, the Punta Cana area - what a boom!

Canadians have known about the Dominican Republic for years. The make up the bulk of North American tourists. But Americans are now waking up to the bargain and websites are catering to their every need.

Columbus found the Dominican Republic on his very first voyage to the New World. He said it was, "the most beautiful island in the world". A settlement was founded in 1493 and ruins still remain near Montecristi.

The Dominican Republic is located amongst the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. It is on the isle of Hispaniola (meaning Little Spain), and is divided between Haiti on the west and Dominican Republic on the east - about the size of the state of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Most of the island interior is sugar cane plantations.

The cool thing is that much of what Columbus saw still remains - a natural, virgin landscape - still unspoiled. And, one-third of the island's coastline is the awesome beaches, which we'll review next! But make a point of your travel here, to include a road trip somewhere along the coastal regions. Now, we must warn you right away, driving in the Dominican Republic is probably the most challenging we've seen in all of our journeys. Not for the faint of heart.

Dominican Republic - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - Most beaches are brilliant white, due to the high content of coral/shell.
• Facilities - DR beaches have full facilities near the tourist centers.
• Shade - Expect tall coconut palms. Tourist beaches offer umbrellas/shades.
• Sports - Full service at tourist centers. Sports fishing great in most areas.
• Notes - best time to visit - late November to April, as humidity is lower, temperature cooler. However, resorts are reporting high volume throughout the year due to the great bargains currently found.
  

Where are the best beaches on the island? Which have dangerously strong currents? Come see - Next! >>

La Romana - Casa de Campo - La Minitas Beach

It only takes ten minutes to arrive here by shuttle-bus, but as you can see, the trip is well worth breaking away from the resort area. Just remember, you may share this beach with another cruise ship or two, so expect crowds. If you're staying at Casa de Campo, ask the concierge to check the port when the cruise ships will be in town and make sure you go on a day when they are not there. Bring the camera - pictures of La Minitas Beach will be treasured in your scrapbook for years to come. People will ask about the color of the sand and the water. And of course, your tan.

La Minitas Beach is pristine in anyone's book. And, if you're staying at nearby Casa de Campo, this is a bigger beach than the man-made one in the resort. It is small, but clean even though you'll find a series of bars and restaurants nearby. Make sure to take along a little spending money and plenty of sun screen.

Ask the concierge when the shuttle runs, or you can rent a golf cart and drive yourself. Once there, you'll find a myriad of water sports and fun stuff. Here you'll be able to rent kayaks, windsurf boards, paddleboats, hobies, and if you're in to fishing - that can be arranged, right on the beach.

Look around for the special massage room - and get a massage right on the beach with the surf gently coming ashore. The craziness that is La Romana will be massaged right out of you. But remember that you can enjoy the day here and take a short hop to downtown La Romana and enjoy a cup of coffee with the bread from any of a number of bakeries. Card playing, dominoes, and chess make up just a little of the nightlife in La Romana. Of course with the Dominican Republic being famous for cigars, you'll probably smell one or two before you leave this paradise in the Caribbean. Make sure to buy a few if you know a friend who enjoys them, but remember to get local help. Cigar stores are notorious for selling you something that may not be the real deal.

Then there's the fully staffed La Palapa - or beach hut - designed for kiddos to play supervised games and sports. The staff there will watch your kids while you treat yourself to some fun in the sun.

There's a variety of restaurants around La Minitas Beach. Plan a sunset meal - recommended. Visit other things to do at Casa de Campo.

La Romana - La Minitas - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain/coral based.
• Facilities - full
• Shade - umbrellas/shade tents.
• Sports - all for rental here.
• Notes - can get crowded during high season.

Further out, a crescent sandy beach with snorkeling and diving that's out of this world - Next! >>

La Romana - Casa de Campo - Bayahibe Beaches

Still here in La Romana, the trendy, international hotspot for world polo matches and some of the best golf on the planet - this city grew out of the need for center of commerce for the surrounding sugar plantations. Gustavo Cisneros calls it his home away from home, and many of the jet set have homes along the sea. And why not? This area of Dominican Republic is growing at a rapid pace. Rock along with beautiful bays make for a heavenly setting. One area is specifically breathtaking.

They couldn't help that it just happens to be by one of the best beaches on the island, Bayahibe. These pristine beaches of Bayahibe are laid back and peaceful. True, many hotels have popped up along the coast, but Bayahibe is graced with tiny islands that host an ecological haven.

Two main wildlife preserves, Catalina and Saona, are easily accessible from Bayahibe. Any hotel can help you with transportation. Some scientists still call the nearby Eastern National Park their temporary home as they continue to be thrilled by remnants of the ancient Taino civilization.

Here's a tip: the beaches of Bayahibe are largely undeveloped and secluded. So if you love to get away from the crowd - this is your place.

Just down the road from Bayahibe, stop at the Altos de Chavon. It's a recreation of a 16th century Italian village, complete with artisan workshops, an archeological museum, cobblestone streets, and architecture to boot. Of course, you'll just have to buy a piece of local work to take home! Be advised - it takes about a day to see everything.
Begun in 1976 by Charles Bluhdorn, then chairman of Gulf + Western, Altos de Chavon is a flourishing Caribbean art center near the Chavon River and the sea. What a wonderful gift to the world.

Casa de Campo - Bayahibe BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium bright white powder/coral based.
• Facilities - at main beaches.
• Shade - umbrellas/huts at main beaches. Palm trees elsewhere.
• Sports - diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, hobie cat, banana-boat, more. Fishing - some of the biggest snook ever recorded were caught here. Golf - Golf magazine called Casa de Campo the finest golf resort in the world!
• Notes - can get crowded at holidays. Cruise ships use some beaches. Ask locals for best picks. Don't miss Altos de Chavon on your way out. Local art work is high class. T-shirts from the silk-screen workshops are among the most sophisticated in the Caribbean. - recommended.

Guess what beach village Julio Iglesias hangs out at? It's the same digs celebrity designer Oscar de la Renta now calls home - and it's up ... Next! >>

Playa Monte Cristi, Montecristi - Dominican Republic

In the far north-west corner of the Dominican Republic, is the province of Montecristi. This is home to Monte Cristi Beach, or Playa Monte Cristi. Since Monte Cristi Beach sits on the Atlantic, again we are faced with some rough waters at times. Columbus first sighted this island in this area. As a matter of fact, ruins can still be found in the area from the first European settlement.

Certain areas of Montecristi have been nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage Center. So, when you're not enjoying the beach - take a tour through this historic city.

There is no escaping the huge "El Morro" next to the small island named Pablillo. That's where our beach is found. It's semi-circular and has significant surf, for the most part. You can surf and boogie board here. You will note that the sand is more golden here. This is because of the mix from the rock.

El Morro Beach (or Montecristi) is rarely crowded and mainly secluded. The beach is rocky in places.

Since you're not far from the Haitian border, the food here is worth checking out. There's a mix you'll not find elsewhere. So, enjoy your time here - remember that there is not much in the way of food or facilities near the beach. Always take a buddy.

The sand here is special, because much of it is from the the mountain. You'll find it a special hue and nicely packed. We found hardly anyone on the beach - so you'll have it to yourself, most likely. There's a small island right offshore that makes for a picturesque scene, which can lead to beautiful sunsets.

Surf? It can get rough here and there is a significant drop off, so be prepared. There are some rocks in the water as well. Make sure you wear protective footwear if you venture out in the surf. This is worth a visit if you are in the area. Our interest was in the Christopher Columbus connection. Think of what the Dominican Republic would have looked like to a crew. Wonder what they thought of the land they gazed upon?

Playa Monte Cristi - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - rocky, heavy grained.
• Facilities - must walk back up path to beach. Plan accordingly.
• Shade - none.
• Sports - nice surf for boogie boarding, some surfing.
• Notes - not a family beach. Dramatic landscape.