The Dominican Republic is washed by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is washed by the Caribbean Sea in the south and the Atlantic Ocean in the north. Cities located on the southern coast, such as Santo Domingo and La Romana, face the Caribbean Sea. The north coast, including cities such as Puerto Plata and Samana, is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Resorts in the Dominican Republic on the Atlantic Ocean:
Punta Cana
The main resort in this region and the main airport for arriving flights to the Dominican Republic. The coastline is represented by more than 30 kilometers of bounty beaches, where the blue sky, clear paradise water and white sand. The sand is so fine that it looks like flour. There is a small wave on the ocean, but it is very comfortable for swimming. The region is suitable for windsurfing and kite surfing. Coconut palms are photogenically bent over the ocean. The most famous Bavaro beach is located here, protected from ocean waves by a coral reef. Almost all hotels have access to the beach, most of them on the first line.
The main beaches of Punta Cana: Bavaro, Orena Proud, Macau, Cortesita.
The beaches are characterized by snow-white fine coral sand that does not heat up. Thick palm trees that serve as natural sun loungers. There are algae in the water depending on the season. Hotels for different budgets from 3* to 5* luxury.
Cap Cana
A relatively new VIP class resort near the city of Punta Cana. Although vacationing in this region is expensive, the resort is very popular. The best hotels and the best beaches of the east coast. It has its own port where you can rent a yacht and a luxury restaurant. boutiques of famous brands are popular on the waterfront. Horseback riding, polo, luxury real estate complexes that can be purchased.
Uvero Alto
The main feature of the beach is the golden color of the yellowish sand. The sand here is not as white as on Bavaro Beach. There are many new hotels with excellent service. You can combine a beach vacation and windsurfing, because the absence of a reef off the coast guarantees the presence of waves. Since the region is new and is only being built up with hotels, there are many places where you can retire to the beach and walk along the deserted shore, enjoying nature.
Resorts in the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean Sea:
La Romana
The main resort of this region, located on the southern coast of the island of Haiti between the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, and the resort of Punta Cana. It attracts tourists with snorkeling and diving opportunities, the absence of waves and a calmer sea and very, very azure water. There is no algae on the beach in this region. One of the best places to relax. This region is an excellent base for going on excursions to the island of Saona, Catalina and the city of artists Altos de Chavon and the Fonfor Cave.
Bayahibe
This fishing village near La Romana is a yacht port where the most interesting excursions begin. While vacationing here, you can sail to all the neighboring islands. The beaches of Bayahibe are the hallmark of the resort, characterized by picturesque shores with fine, soft sand. Vacation with children, calm serenity. Many golf courses, calm sea.
Casa de Campo
It is one of the ten best resorts in the world, where Hollywood stars, world politicians and oligarchs rest. To join this luxury, you need to rent a villa or a room in the resort’s hotel of the same name. The vast territory includes a port, golf and polo courses, a yacht club, a hotel, villas, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a helipad, a horse ranch and even a private airport. The famous city of artists, Altos de Chavon, is located on the territory of the complex. This miniature town is made in the spirit of the Middle Ages and stylized as the first European cities of the new world.
The choice between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Dominican Republic depends on your preferences and the type of vacation you are looking for. Here is a brief overview of the features of both coasts:
Caribbean coast (south)
- Beaches: Calm waters, white sand, ideal for swimming and family vacations.
- Popular resorts: Punta Cana, La Romana, Bahiaibe, Santo Domingo.
- Atmosphere: Warmer waters and a cozy atmosphere.
- Underwater world: Good conditions for diving and snorkeling, particularly around the islands of Saona and Catalina.
- Attractions: Historic center of Santo Domingo (UNESCO World Heritage Site), excursions to the islands, natural parks.
Atlantic coast (north)
- Beaches: White or golden sand, depending on the beach, wider beaches, there may be waves – popular with surfers. In the off-season there may be seaweed on the beach.
- Popular resorts: Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Samana.
- Atmosphere: Outdoor activities, kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing.
- Nature: Mangrove forests, waterfalls, whale safaris (in particular in the Bay of Samana).
- Attractions: Excursions to the mountainous areas, El Limon waterfalls, Los Aitises Park.
What to choose.
- For a relaxing vacation and family travel, resorts on the Caribbean coast are best suited.
- For active sports, adventures, and intense recreation, choose the Atlantic coast.
- Natural landscapes: The Atlantic coast has more wild, scenic spots.