Playa Bonita
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Located on the Samana Peninsula near the town of Las Terrenas, Playa Bonita lives up to its name of beautiful beach. With a crescent-shaped beach dotted with palm trees and clear waters suitable for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, it’s no wonder Playa Bonita is considered one of the prettiest beaches in the world.
The basics
Playa Bonita is an idyllic place to spend a day by the water, especially during the week when you can have the beach practically to yourself. The western end, with its calm conditions, is more suitable for swimming while the eastern end is popular with surfers, with rentals and lessons available from two surf schools at the beach. Punta Bonita, at the western end of the beach, is a great spot to watch the sunset. Visit Playa Bonita independently or as part of a sightseeing tour that combines the beach with nearby El Limon waterfall or other Samana Peninsula attractions.
Things to know before you go
Playa Bonita is suitable for beginners who are learning to surf.
In addition to surfboards, you can also rent body boards, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards at Playa Bonita.
Make sure to bring your own swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, and hat.
Several restaurants and beach bars can be found along the length of the beach.
How to get there
Playa Bonita is located on the north coast of the Samana Peninsula, along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It’s around 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) northwest of Las Terrenas. You can drive from Las Terrenas or take a taxi or motoconcho. Some tours also include a stop at Playa Bonita.
When to get there
Although Playa Bonita doesn’t usually get too busy, weekends and public holidays can see some crowds, so visit during the week for a quieter experience. The best surfing conditions are in the winter and spring, and from November to April in particular. Aim for mid-tide to surf the reef break and high tide to surf the beach break.
Check out other attractions near Playa Bonita
There is no shortage of attractions around the Samana Peninsula. Besides Playa Bonita, there are other scenic beaches on the peninsula such as Playa Rincon. Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) and El Limon waterfall are two popular attractions that are within easy reach. In the winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samana Bay, to the south of the peninsula, to mate and give birth.
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