The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world, and Puerto Plata is no exception. White or gold sand beaches are just a few of the attractions that the coastal province has to offer. While you’re at the beach, you can try out activities like snorkeling, kitesurfing, and surfing. Not to mention, the pristine waters are the perfect backdrop for relaxing.
Encuentro Beach
Last week the Dominican Republic’s Constitutional Court issued an order to reopen the public road to El Encuentro Beach in Cabarete. The district board and two private companies closed the road because of their conflicting interests. The Association for Protection, Development, and Free Access to Playa Encuentro filed the first degree amparo action, alleging violations of constitutional rights.
The waves at Encuentro Beach are perfect for surfers of all levels, from beginner to expert. There are multiple breaks and perfect winter swells here. For beginners, the inside peak is the perfect place to learn to catch waves. If you want to learn how to surf, Bobo’s Surf School and Swell Surf Camp offer lessons. Swell Surf Camp does not take walk-in clients at Encuentro, but occasionally accepts them for a five to seven-day surf course.
Cabarete Beach
Cabarete Beach in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. Located on the Camino Cinco, Cabarete is 11 miles (18 km) from the Puerto Plata international airport. Cabarete was founded by British merchant Zephaniah Kingsley, who brought 53 slaves from Florida plantations to work on his sugarcane plantations. He built a house near the harbor to house them, and the descendants of his family live in the town today.
While Cabarete is a popular beach, La Boca is a bit off the beaten path. It is more remote and less crowded than Cabarete and is recommended by locals. However, it is a challenge to find, so you may want to bring a rental car. While La Boca is quieter, it is more popular with locals and is more difficult to find for tourists.
Golden Beach
While El Pueblito is the most popular surfing beach in the world, Puerto Plata offers its own version. This stretch of beach has a great atmosphere and plenty of restaurants. While it does draw a lot of tourists, it is also clean, especially compared to the other beaches in the area. Golden Beach is one of the best beaches to enjoy your time on the water and is a great place to spend quality family time.
The Atlantic coast has slightly rougher sand than the Caribbean Sea. The province of Puerto Plata includes the main city of the same name and large tourist resort towns such as Sosua. The snorkeling along the North Coast isn’t quite as good, but it’s still a lot of fun and well worth a visit. In addition to the Golden Beach, there are plenty of other public beaches that are worth visiting, like the Blue Hole in Puerto Plata.
Luperon Beach
The half-moon beach, located just outside of Puerto Plata, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. This stretch of sand is one of the first beaches in the country to attract tourists. There are many restaurants and shops along the shore, and it is also a popular spot for snorkelers and divers. The only drawback is that it can get crowded at certain times of the day.
Travelers can fly into the Gregorio Luperon International Airport in the north of the Dominican Republic, which is located approximately 18 km from the center of Puerto Plata. The airport offers daily flights to major U.S. cities and to Puerto Rico. European flights also regularly arrive in Puerto Plata and a cab ride to the airport will cost about $40. There are numerous public services, including telephone booths and computer shops. Punto Internet offers email and computer services. There are also photo developing services in the area.
Sosua Beach
Sosua Beach in Puerto Plat, Dominican Republic, is located seven kilometers from Puerto Plata International Airport. The ride to Sosua will take approximately five minutes. To reach Sosua, take Highway 5 or Camino Cinco, or drive on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A taxi ride will cost approximately $ 20. Be sure to bargain with your cab driver.
The town’s main beach, Playa Sosua, is one kilometer long, with a row of shacks running the back. It’s lively and colorful, and is located near the historic El Batey neighborhood, which was originally established by 600 Jews during WWII. It’s also adjacent to the Casa Marina Resort. The hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours a day, and it has free WiFi throughout the hotel and in public areas.
Playa Alica
Playa Alicia is an isolated, public beach, located between Casa Marina Beach Resort and Playa Sosua. This ultra-wide blond stretch of sand was created by a recent sand dredging project. During low-tide, Playa Alicia is quiet, with few visitors. A visit to this beach is a must for anyone who loves a quiet swim and the vibrant sunset.
There are many ways to spend your day in Puerto Plata. Enjoy the warm water and great sun tans. The city is home to a variety of museums and natural areas. You can also visit the historic Fort San Felipe. In addition, you can play golf or check out an interactive water park. And don’t forget to stop in at one of the many cafes and restaurants!
