Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)

The roughly seven-mile (14-kilometer) stretch of Bavaro Beach offers much more than just sunbathing and sipping piña coladas—although these are excellent options. Take advantage of Bavaro’s popularity and ease of access by sailing the day away on a catamaran tour or booze cruise, snorkeling at offshore coral reefs, or parasailing or windsurfing over the crystal-clear water.

Those looking to stay dry can opt for a dune buggy adventure along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, play a few rounds at a beachfront golf course, or take in the views from a helicopter tour over the Dominican Republic’s southeastern tip. Nearby attractions such as Macao Beach and Catalina Island make for easy and popular day tours from Bavaro as well.

• Bavaro Beach tends to attract large crowds, but its long expanse makes it easy to spread out.

• Bavaro hosts the most visitor amenities, resorts, and restaurants of all the beaches in Punta Cana.

• Most accommodations and services are located only a few blocks—at most—from the water.

Bavaro Beach is a 20-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport; book an airport arrival transfer for peace of mind or hop on a shuttle. Those arriving from Santo Domingo can choose to make the three-hour drive themselves, hire a local driver, or take a bus. Taxis within and around Bavaro are plentiful, and the beach itself is free and accessible to the public, although large portions are reserved for resort guests. The four public access points are at Bibijagua, Jellyfish, Corales, and Cortecito.

High season runs from December to March and from July to August, but to avoid the spring break and summer crowds, consider visiting between April and June or between September and December. Budget travelers will like Bavaro Beach during these times due to the deals on accommodations and activities. Year-round warm weather means that you can enjoy the beach most days.

Luxury hotels and resorts flood the Punta Cana area, and Bavaro Beach is no exception. Opt for an all-inclusive resort for guaranteed entertainment in the form of night clubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, restaurants, and recreational facilities, all in the same place. Budget options such as vacation home rentals and B&Bs are ideal for those who want to experience local culture and explore all that the town of Bavaro has to offer.