Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic’s most famous stretch of sand. Think soft white shoreline, shallow turquoise water, and palm trees that look straight out of a postcard. Most travelers only see the section in front of their resort, but Bavaro Beach has so much more. Public access points, local beach clubs, secret pathways, and quiet pockets exist all along this coast.
Use this Bavaro Beach guide to find where to stay, how to access the beach, the best activities, the standout restaurants and bars, plus hidden gems most visitors never find.
Where is Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach runs along Punta Cana’s eastern coast, about 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. Resorts line much of the sand, but by law, the beach is public. You can walk the shoreline from section to section, whether or not you are staying at an all-inclusive resort.
Public Access to Bavaro Beach
Even if you are not staying oceanfront, you can still enjoy Bavaro Beach. These access points are the easiest gateways.
Bibijagua Beach Access Point
What makes it special: lively scene, occasional darker sand patches, Plaza Bibijagua with dozens of stalls, and quick access to boat tours.
How to find it: between Barceló Bávaro and Lopesan. Largest parking area among the access points.
Tips: arrive early for calmer water and space, bring your own beach gear, browse for souvenirs, and try a cold Presidente.
Corales Beach Pathway
What makes it special: a relaxed public stretch near Los Corales with music from casual beach bars and public sun loungers.
How to find it: follow Calle Residencial Los Corales straight to the beach.
Tips: bring an umbrella if you are not a hotel guest, try Soles Chill Out Bar, and shop at nearby mini markets for picnic supplies.
Cortecito Local Market
What makes it special: a colorful market vibe with art, crafts, larimar jewelry, and seafood shacks along the sand.
How to find it: ask a taxi for El Cortecito promenade or Onno’s. Walk through the shops toward the beachfront.
Tips: haggling is expected, carry small bills, and many vendors accept dollars and cards.
Jellyfish Beach Area
What makes it special: an iconic beachfront restaurant with a dramatic, breezy setup and great sunset views.
How to find it: south of the main Bavaro strip. Follow the beach curve and look for the rustic wood structure with white drapes.
Tips: reserve for dinner, plan for higher prices than local spots, and time your visit for golden hour.
Best Things To Do at Bavaro Beach
- Water sports: parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, Speedboats, sailing.
- Snorkeling: shallow reefs near Cabeza de Toro or guided tours. Conditions vary by season.
- Boat days: catamaran cruises, family-friendly party boats, sunset sails.
- Beach clubs and bars: Zoho Beach Club, Soles Chill Out Bar, Huracan Cafe, Jellyfish Restaurant.
- Shopping: El Cortecito market area and small artisan boutiques around Los Corales.
Hidden Spots Around Bavaro Beach
These under-the-radar places reveal the authentic side of Bavaro Beach. Use them as a treasure map.
- Bibijagua Beach Access Point
Special: public entry, big local market, snorkel options.
Tips: early arrival and plenty of sunscreen. - Corales Beach Pathway
Special: public loungers, bars with chill music, and easy supplies nearby.
Tips: weekdays are quieter, bring shade. - Cortecito Local Market
Special: crafts, paintings, larimar jewelry, and beachside seafood.
Tips: bargain down prices, vendors are friendly but persistent. - Nova Beach Club Hideaway
Special: energetic atmosphere with DJs and a local crowd.
Tips: better on weekdays, seafood is the safe bet, expect taxes and service fees on the bill. - Secret Snorkeling Spot near Cabeza de Toro
Special: surprisingly diverse marine life and reef rehabilitation nearby.
Tips: go early, great for beginners and families, not as advanced as Catalina or Saona. - Quiet Stretch near Melia Caribe
Special: gardens, birds, and an unusually peaceful beachfront vibe.
Tips: explore at sunrise for near solitude. - Hidden Beach Trail behind Secrets Royal
Special: rustic pathway to untouched sand and clear water.
Tips: wear proper footwear and pack out everything you bring. - Local Fishing Spot near Arena Blanca
Special: calm waters that suit light tackle and wading.
Tips: arrive very early, bring small spoons and light line, respect local fishers. - Tropical Garden Pockets near Lopesan
Special: shaded paths, birds, and quiet corners inside a massive resort footprint.
Tips: bring binoculars, wander the paths before heading to the beach. - Public Sand Pockets Between Resort Sections
Special: small stretches of unmarked beach between resort fronts that are open to everyone.
Tips: keep walking and you will find them, bring water and a packable towel.
Top Resorts Directly on Bavaro Beach
If you want to wake up on the sand, these hotels sit directly on or very close to Bavaro Beach.
- Barceló Resort (Barceló Bávaro Palace und Barceló Bávaro Beach)
- Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort
- Melia Resorts (Meliá Caribe Beach Resort, Meliá Punta Cana Beach, Garden Suites by Meliá, and Falcon’s Resort by Meliá)
- Paradisus Palma Real
- Dreams Royal Beach
- Secrets Royal Beach
- Impressive Resort (Impressive Resort and Impressive Premium Resort)
- Vista Sol Punta Cana
- Palladium Resort (Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites, Grand Palladium Punta Cana, Grand Palladium Palace, and TRS Turquesa)
Tip: resort beach sections are groomed daily and offer loungers for guests. The shoreline is still public, so you can walk anywhere, but hotel loungers and facilities are for guests.
Restaurants and Beach Bars Near Bavaro Beach
- Jellyfish Restaurant: stylish seafood with sweeping ocean views.
- Playa Blanca: Dominican classics, grilled seafood, and a breezy deck.
- Soles Chill Out Bar: beachfront cocktails, casual bites, DJs at night.
- Huracan Cafe: Italian-leaning menu, wedding favorite, garden-meets-beach vibe.
- Zoho Beach Club: Mediterranean menu and a polished setting for sunsets.
Practical Tips For Visiting Bavaro Beach
- Cash is king for taxis, markets, and tips. Small bills help.
- The sun is strong. Use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Seaweed can appear seasonally. Resorts usually clear their sections first.
- Mornings are calmer for swimming and photos. Afternoons can be breezier.
- You can walk the entire shore, but only use hotel loungers if you are a guest.
- Dress lightly, bring a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Safety and Local Etiquette
Bavaro Beach is generally safe, especially during the day. Use common sense at night, keep valuables out of sight, and stick to well-lit areas. In markets, bargaining is normal, but keep it friendly. Pack out your trash and respect the natural environment. The beach is public and shared by everyone.
When To Visit Bavaro Beach
- Peak season is December to March. Prices and crowds are higher.
- Shoulder months like April, May, and early December are sweet spots.
- Summer brings hotter temperatures and occasional afternoon showers.
- Early mornings deliver the best water clarity and quiet.
- Don’t forget about the hurricane season
Getting Around
If you are close to the hotel zone, walking is often easiest. Taxis are available at resorts and popular beach access points. Local buses are cheap but inconsistent. If you rent a car, plan for limited public parking near the most popular access points.
Why Bavaro Beach Is Worth Exploring
Bavaro Beach is more than the view from your sun lounger. With its public access points, local markets, easy-going beach clubs, and quiet hidden corners, Bavaro Beach rewards anyone who walks a little farther. Spend a day beyond the resort boundary and you will find the real magic of Bavaro Beach: a mix of Caribbean beauty, gentle adventure, and authentic Dominican flavor that makes every step along the shoreline feel new.
