Dominican Republic: Beaches

Bayahibe Playa Dominicus, a popular dive spot, was the Caribbean’s first beach to be recognized for its commitment to sustainable development. Just offshore, the six-square-mile Isla Catalina features sand dunes, mangrove swamps, and arguably the area’s finest coral reef. East Coast
diving

Cabarete Ranked among the world’s top five kite-boarding/windsurfing beaches thanks to strong, steady winds and waves, this area hosts an array of international championships. One of the best places to learn the sport is the Carib BIC Center. Carib BIC Center, Located right on the beach; 809-571-0640; www.caribwind.com
water sports

Isla Saona Even crowded, the swaying palms, turquoise water, and sugary sand here seduce and it’s not uncommon to spot endangered sea turtles, West Indian manatees, and bottlenosed dolphins at this beach within the Parque Nacional del Este. off the South Coast
wildlife

Playa Dorada Adjacent to Puerto Plata, this area, with its warm, reef-protected waters, is one of the world’s largest all-inclusive resort complexes (non-guests must pay a fee). Playa Dorada
family | diving

Playa Grande At least for now, this 1.5-mile-long stretch on the eastern part of the Amber Coast is surprisingly unspoiled (save for Sundays when locals descend en masse). Towering cliffs frame ivory sand and azure water. North Coast
local favorite

Playa Sosúa This crescent-shaped, cliff-encircled bay is a wildly popular snorkeling destination, with sweeping panoramas of the mountains and coast. Hawkers can be irksome, but most are thankfully confined to souvenir/snack tents up the hill. Sosúa
snorkeling

Punta Cana This series of powdery, white-sand beaches curls 40 miles from Cabeza de Torresaround, around the eastern tip of Hispaniola, to Playa de Uvero Alto (the former is a popular getaway; the latter is quieter, though hard to reach). Punta Cana
secluded