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Dominican Republic365
Long Beach
Photo by Jonathan Mueller on Unsplash · Unsplash License
North CoastBeach

Long Beach

Miles of open golden sand for walks and body surfing

WaterGood
SandGolden
VibeFamily-Friendly
Water temp79°F
Sand color
Golden
Water color
Deep blue
Water temp
79°F / 26°C
Current
Moderate
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon
Best months
December - April
Entry fee
Free
Length
3000m
Lifeguards
No
Access
Easy
Parking
Informal roadside parking
Shade
Limited — few natural shade structures
Nearest town
Puerto Plata
Nearest airport
POP - Gregorio Luperón International
Heads upStrong waves and undertowNot ideal for weak swimmersSun exposure - limited shade
Marine lifeTropical fishPelicans
WaterGoodCurrentModerateSandGoldenVibeFamily-Friendly
The overview

Long Beach (Playa Long Beach) is a beach along Puerto Plata's Malecón. This beach is on Puerto Plata's Malecón and is accessible to independent travelers.

The beach features fine golden sand, clear water, and excellent facilities including restaurants, bars, and water sports. It is cleaner and better maintained than some older Puerto Plata beaches.

Time it right

Seasonal guide

How Long Beach shifts through the year. Each bar's height is the sea temperature, and the teal bars mark the best months for a beach day. Water temperature shows in °F by default; switch to °C with the toggle.

Best time to visit
Shoulder season
79°
0.3-0.5mJan
79°
0.3-0.5mFeb
79°
0.3-0.5mMar
81°
0.3-0.5mApr
82°
0.3-0.5mMay
82°
0.5-1mJun
84°
0.5-1mJul
84°
0.5-1mAug
84°
0.5-1mSep
82°
NOWOct
81°
0.3-0.5mNov
81°
0.3-0.5mDec

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec. The sea stays warm year-round; these months pair calm water with the lightest crowds and lowest sargassum risk.

MonthWavesCrowdsSargassumRating
Jan0.3-0.5mHighNoneExcellent
Feb0.3-0.5mHighNoneExcellent
Mar0.3-0.5mModerateNoneVery Good
Apr0.3-0.5mModerateNoneVery Good
May0.3-0.5mLowNoneGood
Jun0.5-1mLowNoneGood
Jul0.5-1mModerateNoneGood
Aug0.5-1mModerateNoneFair
Sep0.5-1mLowNoneFair
Oct0.3-0.5mLowNoneGood
Nov0.3-0.5mModerateNoneVery Good
Dec0.3-0.5mHighNoneExcellent
In the water

Conditions vary. Check local warnings before swimming, especially when red flags are posted.

Getting there

Located on Puerto Plata's Malecón. Taxis from Puerto Plata cost RD$500-1,000. From the airport, about 25 minutes.

Pack for it
  • Passport or ID: May be needed for port area access
  • Cash and card: Facilities accept both
  • Sunscreen
  • Snorkeling gear: Clear water near the rocks
Time it right

December to April for best weather.

Practical tips
  • Visit on a non-cruise day for a quieter experience if the beach is open
  • The facilities here are newer and better maintained than many north coast public beaches
  • Cruise ship passengers can also visit the Amber Cove shopping and entertainment complex

Facts on this page were last compared with their sources on . Details may have changed since. How we check

In pictures

Photo gallery

Good to know

Long Beach questions

How long is Long Beach in Puerto Plata?

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Long Beach stretches for several kilometers along the coast west of the Playa Dorada resort complex. The extended length means you can find quiet sections even during busy periods. The beach is popular with locals and offers a more authentic Dominican experience compared to the resort areas nearby.

Is Long Beach good for swimming?

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Long Beach has variable conditions along its length. Some sections have calm areas suitable for swimming, while others can have stronger waves. The beach is not reef-protected, so ocean conditions depend on the swell and wind. Always check local conditions and swim near other people. Early mornings tend to be calmest.

Are there facilities at Long Beach?

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Facilities are scattered along Long Beach rather than concentrated. You will find local restaurants, or comedores, offering inexpensive Dominican food and drinks at various points. Beach chairs may be available for rent in some areas. The eastern end near Playa Dorada has more services, while the coast toward town follows the Malecón.