Beaches
Anna Jimenez, the Ministry of Tourism's energized Director or Public Relations, tells us that the beaches in her country are superb. "A national treasure," she beams. She sent Alden Modesto from the Ministry to help me scour the sand, put my toes in the water and assess the multifarious shades of ocean blue (many). We looked. "These are some of the finest in the Caribbean, right?" she asserted after I reported back. Wrong. The world. The 30-mile stretch of soft-sand, finegrain beach that arcs from Cap Cana up to Roco Ki (and those beaches are low density) is the finest I have seen-and that includes Hawaii. Sure you find marvelous pockets of paradise in the Indian Ocean (the Seychelles) and islands off of Africa, in the Indian Ocean and Micronesia. But for extended, gorgeous, soft, luxurious beach.this serendipitous, sand seascape is the knockout. As I strolled the sand, I felt as if I was in a spa having a foot massage with the soles of my feet being exfoliated. This beach is so classy that one offshore fisherman was using caviar for bait catching marlin and dorada dressed in threepiece suits. Puerto Plata in the north shows off several beaches and Cabrete is the kiteboarding capital of the Caribbean with fulltime slackers hanging out for the perfect wave(s). It's special. To the extreme southwest, almost inaccessible, is Bahia de las Aguillas, "one of the most pure, perfect beaches in the universe," according Alden. " Here is the list Anna helped us put together (see www.godominicanrepublic. com): East Coast Punta Cana Punta Cana beach is often referred to as the "Coconut Coast" due to its thousands of stately palms standing sentry along the 30 miles of super-fine, white sand. This resort area is the DR's most popular vacation destination and is serenaded by a large concentration of allinclusive resorts, each with their own assortment of sun chairs and cabanas. Activities abound, including beach volleyball, snorkeling, diving and parasailing (and golf ). Playa Bavaro Just north of Punta Cana, the Bavaro resort area continues the long stretch of picture-perfect white beach. While Playa Bavaro is considered a separate beach from Punta Cana, the area appears as one extended cotton-strip. Bavaro, too, is bordered with numerous all-inclusive resorts (and golf courses). Playa Dominicus The first beach in the Caribbean to have Blue Flag status (an eco-label showing high honors in a beach's commitment to sustainable development), Playa Dominicus is popular with scuba divers due to the presence of a large reef. Located near Bayahibe, it has several allinclusive resorts Isla Catalina Only six square miles in size and located just off the shore from Bayahibe, Isla Catalina features the best coral reef in the area, a mangrove swamp and sand dunes. Crowds of tourists come for a day of scuba diving and relaxation-and some for weddings. Isla Saona Located within Parque Nacional Del Este, Isla Saona is one of the most popular tourist destinations on southeast coast. In fact, this islette was recently named one of the Caribbean's Eight Dream Beaches by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine. A romantic destination. Playa Minitas Playa Minitas is the private beach at the luxurious Casa de Campo resort in La Romana. A variety of water sports are available at this exclusive stretch of sand as well as the resort's famous Minitas Beach pina colada served in a huge pineapple. South Central Boca Chica The beach most popular with Santo Domingo residents, Boca Chica is busy and loaded with food stands and entrepreneurial Dominicans selling everything from hats to personal tours. The water is shallow and, therefore, kidfriendly. Playa Juan Dolio While the sea at Playa Juan Dolio is not as ideal for swimming as neighboring Boca Chica, the beach is not as busy. Restaurants, bars and resorts line the beach and provide all-day entertainment. Playa Guayacanes Nestled between Juan Dolio and Boca Chic, this sandy beach is a local favorite for boogie-boarding. North Coast Playa Punta Rucia West of Puerto Plata and just off the beaten path, Playa Punta Rucia boasts white sand beaches and beautiful mountain views. Popular with the snorkel set (due to the presence of a large coral reef just off the shore), Playa Punta Rucia offers a small selection of restaurants/bars and a peaceful lagoon that is good for bird watching. Playa Cofresi Just a few minutes west of Puerto Plata and near Sun Village Resort & Spa, this is one of the most breathtaking beaches in the DR (named for the pirate Roberto Cofresi). While it is wonderful for sun bathing, its choppier waters provide excellent bodysurfing and boogieboarding opportunitues. Playa Dorada Located just east of Puerto Plata at the foot of the largest all-inclusive resort complex in the world (check out Casa Colonial, which our Ministry of Tourism expert, Alden Modesto, says is the classiest in the DR), Playa Dorada is protected by reefs and features golf sand and warm waters. While anyone can drive into the complex, non-guests have to pay for a day pass. Playa Sosua Located on a crescent-shaped bay, Playa Sosua is a postcard-perfect beach. Featuring a backdrop of towering cliffs, the waters here are calm, clear and deep shades of turquoise. It is perhaps one of the Caribbean's most popular beaches, which may explain the crowds. Shop or eat, snorkel or even take a glass bottom boat tour. Cabarete On the DR's north coast, adventure seekers will fall in love with Cabarate. One of the top five kite-boarding and windsurfing beaches in the world, Cabarete's beach (often called Kite Beach) annually hosts an array of international championships. On any given day, visitors to the area will see the sky filled with hundreds of colorful kites carrying amateur and pro riders through the surf. Playa Grande At 1.5 miles long, Playa Grande, a 1.5 hour drive to the east, is one of the longest beaches on the north coast, and is impressive not only for its size but also its breathtaking beauty. The hotel is closed, but check it out for the day. Samana I first saw these beaches from a helicopter and they are noteworthy.