Beaches of Cabrera & the North Coast

From secluded coves and golden sand beaches to family-friendly bays and dramatic Atlantic coastlines, discover the beaches that make Cabrera and the North Coast one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful destinations.

Cabrera and the surrounding North Coast are home to some of the Dominican Republic’s most spectacular beaches. From long stretches of golden sand and dramatic Atlantic coastlines to secluded coves and tranquil family-friendly bays, each beach offers its own unique experience.

This guide features many of the most popular beaches within the area served by CabreraRD. While countless hidden beaches and quiet coves are scattered along the coastline, discovering them is part of what makes exploring Cabrera so rewarding.

For easy planning, the beaches are listed from east to west, beginning southeast of Cabrera and continuing toward Río San Juan.

Most beaches are clearly marked and easily accessible from Highway 5, known locally as “La Carretera.” Unless otherwise noted, you’ll find convenient access just off the highway.

Beach Safety

The Atlantic coastline is known for its breathtaking beauty, but ocean conditions can vary throughout the year. While many beaches are ideal for relaxing, several experience seasonal currents and stronger surf. Always pay attention to local conditions, supervise children closely, and exercise caution when swimming.

For families with young children, Playa Diamante is a favorite destination thanks to its calm, shallow waters and gentle conditions that extend well offshore.

1. Playa Arroyo Salado (Playa La Boca)

Playa Arroyo Salado is also known as “Playa La Boca”. This long, thin, frequently desolate strip of sand is located about seven miles south of Cabrera. It is distinguished by an abandoned settlement on one side and a picture-perfect island so near to shore that it is swimmable. However, unless you are an excellent swimmer, it is advisable not to be enticed by its charming and peaceful appearance. Without proper protection, the waterways in this area can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. You can choose from various food huts on the beach. Also the village of La Entrada has a few restaurants, which is situated exactly to the north of the beach.

2. Playa Diamante

The picturesque Playa Diamante is located a few miles south of Cabrera and about two miles north of La Entrada. This beach is among the rare ones in the vicinity where swimming is safe from undercurrents. Its calm, tranquil, very shallow waters extend way out from shore. Additionally, kids can even go wading there as long as they don’t venture too far out. La Querida is a restaurant on the beach that serves fried chicken, fish, and seafood. However, there are no signs along the gravel access road, so stop at one of the colmado to get directions.

3. Playa El Breton

This natural beach is in the village of El Breton, west of Cabrera. Each step leading down to the shore has a distinct design. Additionally, Playa El Breton is distinguished by white cliffs rising high above breaking surf, making for spectacular scenery. Equally Cabo Frances Viejo Nature Reserve offers breathtaking aerial view of the entire beach. However, there is no food hut or bathroom facilities.

4. Playa Preciosa

Playa Preciosa shares the same access road from La Carretera as the well-known Playa Grande. In addition, it shares its restrooms, showers, souvenir booths, food kiosks, table and chairs. Begin at the Playa Grande bathrooms and go east along the mosaic-tiled wall to get to the beach. You walk down the walkway in less than a minute to a gorgeous, quiet stretch of beach that’s secluded on weekdays. The beach is popular for surfers and other water enthusiasts. However, the undercurrent is extremely strong here, so swimmers who are inexperienced should proceed with caution.

5. Playa Grande

The 1½-mile-long beach is located a few miles east of Río San Juan. Playa Grande is one of the longest white-sand beaches on the north coast. The beach is also known as one of the most beautiful on the entire island. It features a bar, snack huts, a souvenir kiosk, restrooms, and showers. Sundays draw large crowds, and there is good surfing in the winter; waves can go high. Many postcards, publications, and tourism brochures depict stunning images from Playa Grande Beach.

6. Playa Caleton

The 500-foot-long Playa Caleton is located approximately two miles east of Río San Juan. It’s a beautiful beach with white sand and framed by large rocks. It provides children with a secure swimming spot due to its protected cove and shallow water, which is uncommon for this area. Additionally, snorkeling is possible in its crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends when locals sell fried fish and cheap Dominican food.

7. Playa de los muertos

Playa de los Muertos, often known as Beach of the Dead because of an ancient burial cemetery from the 18th century. Actually, a few of the tombstones can still be seen today. Although located in the town center of Río San Juan, this short stretch of beach is normally abandoned because Playa Caleton, Playa Grande, and other better options lie nearby to the east.

8. Playa de los guardias

This small beach is located in Rio San Juan just a few meters west of Playa de los Muertos. That’s where you’ll frequently find the locals playing beach volleyball.

9. Playa los Mino

Playa de los Mino is just a few meters away from Playa de los Guardias. Local youngsters can be found playing and swimming here after school and on weekends.