Beaches
★★★ Playa Rincón
Regularly chosen by National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — and when you're there, you'll understand why. Three kilometers of golden-white sand, framed by lush rainforest and dramatic cliffs. Turquoise, calm water. No hotels, no resorts, just a few beach restaurants under palm trees serving fresh fish and lobster.
Accessible by boat from Las Galeras (15 min., 10–15 USD round trip) or via an adventurous trail by off-road vehicle. The section at the eastern end is the quietest and most beautiful. Bring provisions — the restaurants close early.
Playa Frontón
★★★ Playa Frontón
Even more spectacular than Playa Rincón — though harder to reach. A dramatic, 90-meter high limestone cliff drops directly behind the beach, covered with tropical vegetation. Snorkeling here is the best on the entire peninsula: corals, tropical fish, starfish. Only accessible by boat from Las Galeras (20 min., 15–20 USD) or via a challenging 45-minute jungle trail.
Playa Bonita & Las Terrenas
★★ Playa Bonita
The most beautiful beach right by Las Terrenas: 2 km of light sand, coconut palms reaching into the water, and a few beach bars. Quieter than the main beach of Las Terrenas. Some boutique hotels (e.g., Hotel Atlantis, The Peninsula House) are located directly on the beach.
★★ Playa Cosón
A 5 km long, largely undeveloped beach west of Las Terrenas. More wavy than Playa Bonita (swimming with caution), but spectacular for walking and horseback riding. A dream at sunset.
★ Playa Las Terrenas
The main beach of the town: directly on the promenade, with restaurants, bars, and fishing boats. Not the best for swimming (seaweed can be an issue), but perfect for the sundowner.
Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island)
★★ Cayo Levantado
The famous “Bacardi Island" — the legendary Bacardi commercial was filmed here in the 1970s, shaping the image of the Caribbean for an entire generation. The small island in the Bahía de Samaná indeed has the perfect postcard beach: white sand, turquoise water, a single palm tree.
However: A large part of the island now belongs to a luxury resort (Cayo Levantado Resort). The public beach is smaller and very crowded on weekends and during whale season. Boats from Samaná city (5–10 USD round trip).