Discovering Paradise
Playa Bonita
Palm-fringed perfection and golden sunsets west of Las Terrenas
💧Excellent Water🌊Calm Current🏖️Golden Sand✨Romantic
Quick Facts
🏝️
Sand Color
White
💧
Water Color
Turquoise
🌡️
Water Temp
27°C / 81°F
🌊
Current
Calm
⏰
Best Time
Afternoon for sunsets
📅
Best Months
December - April
💰
Entry Fee
Free
📏
Beach Length
1200m
🛟
Lifeguards
No
🚶
Access
Easy
🅿️
Parking
Small lots near beach hotels, some free, some paid (RD$100)
🌴
Shade
Plentiful coconut palm shade along entire beach
🏘️
Nearest Town
Las Terrenas
✈️
Nearest Airport
AZS - Samaná El Catey International
⚠️ Warnings:Falling coconuts - stay alert under palm treesSome sections have rocky bottom
🐠 Marine Life:Tropical fishSea turtlesHumpback whales (January-March, offshore)
Playa Bonita ("Beautiful Beach") is one of the most picturesque stretches of sand on the Samana Peninsula. Located just west of Las Terrenas, this crescent-shaped beach is framed by leaning coconut palms and lush tropical hillsides.
Several boutique hotels and yoga retreats create a quieter, more exclusive feel than Las Terrenas town. The French-Caribbean influence is strong, with excellent bakeries, creole restaurants, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
| Month | Temp | Waves | Crowds | Sargassum | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent | ||
| FebNOW | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent | ||
| Mar | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| Apr | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| May | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Jun | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Jul | 29° | 0.3-0.5m | Good | ||
| Aug | 29° | 0.5-1m | Fair | ||
| Sep | 29° | 0.5-1m | Fair | ||
| Oct | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Nov | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| Dec | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good |
Water temperature in °C
Moderate water conditions with gentle waves under 1 meter. The western end stays calmer and is best for swimming. During winter months (December-March), occasional swells can bring larger waves at the eastern end. No lifeguards present.
About 3 km west of Las Terrenas. Walk along the beach at low tide (30 minutes), take a motoconcho (RD$100-200), or drive (5 minutes). From Samana town, 40 minutes by car. El Catey Airport is 30 minutes away (taxi RD$2,000-3,000).
- Sunscreen: Reef-safe SPF 50+
- Camera: One of the most photogenic beaches in the DR
- Cash and card: Restaurants accept cards; vendors prefer cash
- Insect repellent: Sand flies appear at dusk near the tree line
Best from February to May. January-March offers humpback whale watching nearby. Rarely crowded even in peak season.
- Boutique hotel restaurants welcome non-guests with excellent food
- Sunrise yoga sessions on the beach (RD$500-800, open to walk-ins)
- Walk to the western end at low tide for hidden coves between rocks
- French bakeries serve authentic croissants and pain au chocolat
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Playa Bonita located?
Playa Bonita is located about 3 km west of the town of Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula. It is easily reached by car, motorbike, or even a 30-minute walk along the coast from town. Several boutique hotels and restaurants are situated along this beautiful palm-fringed stretch of sand.
Is Playa Bonita safe for swimming?
Playa Bonita generally has moderate conditions suitable for swimming, though waves can pick up during winter months. The beach has a gentle slope and the water is warm year-round. There are no lifeguards, so use normal caution. The western end tends to be calmer than the eastern end where currents can be slightly stronger.
Are there places to stay at Playa Bonita?
Playa Bonita has a wonderful selection of boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals nestled among the palm trees. The accommodation ranges from budget-friendly to upscale, all offering a more intimate experience than the large resorts found in Punta Cana. Many properties have direct beach access and on-site restaurants.
What makes Playa Bonita special?
Playa Bonita is famous for its dramatic scenery of tall coconut palms leaning over golden sand, creating the quintessential Caribbean postcard image. The beach maintains a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere with small-scale development. Combined with the international flair of nearby Las Terrenas, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and accessibility.
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