Dominican Republic 365
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SouthwestBeach
Playa Quemaíto
Crystal-clear rocky pools beneath the Barahona sunset
WaterExcellent
SandRocky
VibeFamily-Friendly
Water temp79°F
Sand color
Light golden
Water color
Crystal blue
Water temp
79°F / 26°C
Current
Gentle
Best time
Afternoon
Best months
December - April
Entry fee
Free
Length
300m
Lifeguards
No
Access
Easy
Parking
Roadside parking (free)
Shade
Limited
Nearest town
Barahona
Nearest airport
BRX - María Montez International
Heads upSome rocky areasLimited shadeLocal family beach
Marine lifeTropical fishPelicans
WaterExcellentCurrentGentleSandRockyVibeFamily-Friendly
The overview
Playa Quemaito is a long, scenic beach south of Barahona, located along the spectacular coastal highway that connects Barahona to the southern beaches. The beach features a mix of dark sand and pebbles, backed by dramatic mountain scenery and tropical vegetation.
Time it right
Seasonal guide
How Playa Quemaíto 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
Bar height = sea temperature
79°0.3-0.5mJan
79°0.3-0.5mFeb
81°0.3-0.5mMar
81°0.3-0.5mApr
82°0.5-1mMay
84°0.5-1mJun
84°NOWJul
84°0.5-1mAug
84°0.5-1mSep
82°0.5-1mOct
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.
| Month | Waves | Crowds | Sargassum | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Excellent |
| Feb | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Excellent |
| Mar | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Excellent |
| Apr | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Very Good |
| May | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Good |
| Jun | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Good |
| Jul | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Good |
| Aug | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Fair |
| Sep | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Fair |
| Oct | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Good |
| Nov | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Very Good |
| Dec | 0.3-0.5m | Low | None | Excellent |
In the water
Moderate Caribbean waves. The water is clean and inviting. Some sections are rocky. Swimming is possible with normal ocean caution. The water clarity is generally good. No lifeguards.
Getting there
About 20 minutes south of Barahona on the coastal highway. Well-signed from the road. Taxis from Barahona cost RD$600-1,000. Can be combined with other Barahona coast beaches as a day trip.
Pack for it
- Water shoes: Pebbly sections
- Cash: For small local restaurants
- Sunscreen
- Camera: Mountain-beach scenery is dramatic
Time it right
Best December to April. The southern coast drive is scenic year-round. Weekdays are very quiet.
Local knowledge
- Best experienced as part of a coastal road trip from Barahona south
- Local beachside restaurants serve affordable seafood (RD$300-600)
- Stop at the mirador (viewpoint) above the beach for panoramic photos
Good to know
Playa Quemaíto questions
What is Playa Quemaíto like?
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Playa Quemaíto is a rocky beach with a wild, natural character located along the Barahona coast. The beach features a mix of sand and smooth river stones, with clear water that is good for wading and exploring tidal pools. It is not a classic swimming beach but offers a dramatic landscape where mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.
Is Playa Quemaíto good for swimming?
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Playa Quemaíto has a rocky shoreline that makes entering the water challenging in some areas. The waves can be moderate and the rocky bottom requires water shoes. Some areas have calmer, deeper pools suitable for swimming. It is better enjoyed as a scenic stop for photographs and tidal pool exploration rather than a full beach day.
How do I get to Playa Quemaíto?
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Playa Quemaíto is located along the main coastal road south of Barahona, about 15-20 minutes from the city. The beach is visible and accessible from the road. This entire stretch of coastline between Barahona and Pedernales features a series of unique beaches, each with its own character, making a scenic drive along this route highly recommended.
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