Discovering Paradise
Boca Chica
Enjoy Boca Chica's shallow, protected beach perfect for families and water sports.
☀️November to April
🌡️29°C (84°F)
✈️Las Américas International (SDQ) — 5 min drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
29°C (84°F)
☀️
Best Months
November to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Las Américas International (SDQ) — 5 min drive
Boca Chica is Santo Domingo's beach — a shallow, reef-protected bay just 30 minutes east of the capital where Dominicans have been escaping the city heat for generations. The water is warm, calm, and shallow enough to wade out hundreds of meters, making it one of the safest swimming beaches in the country.
During the week, you'll find a quiet beach town with affordable seafood restaurants and a laid-back Caribbean vibe. On weekends, it transforms into a Dominican beach party with merengue blasting from colmados, families setting up under palm-thatch palapas, and vendors selling fresh oysters and cold Presidente beer from coolers.
It's not glamorous, it's not polished, and it's not trying to be. Boca Chica is authentic Dominican beach culture at its most vibrant — a place where US$20 buys you a full day of sun, seafood, and socializing.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
22° — 31°
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Aug
24° — 33°
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Dec
21° — 30°
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Feb
20° — 30°
💧
Jan
20° — 30°
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Jul
24° — 33°
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Jun
24° — 32°
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Mar
21° — 30°
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May
23° — 31°
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Nov
22° — 31°
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Oct
23° — 32°
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Sep
24° — 32°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Boca Chica is the closest beach to Santo Domingo and the international airport.
From the Airport
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) is literally 5 minutes from Boca Chica — it's the closest beach to any major airport in the DR. A taxi from the airport costs about US$15-20, or you can take a guagua for RD$50.
From Santo Domingo
Guaguas (minibuses) run constantly from Parque Enriquillo in the Zona Colonial to Boca Chica. The ride takes 30-45 minutes and costs RD$80 (about US$1.50). A taxi or Uber from the Zona Colonial runs about US$15-20.
Getting Around
Boca Chica is small enough to walk everywhere. The main beach, restaurants, and hotels are all within a few blocks of each other. Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) will take you anywhere in town for RD$50-100.
Boca Chica has budget to mid-range options — this is not a luxury resort destination.
Beachfront Hotels
Don Juan Beach Resort is the main all-inclusive option right on the beach. It's dated but functional, with reasonable rates. Hotel & Restaurante Neptuno offers simple rooms right on the sand with a popular restaurant downstairs.
Guesthouses & Apartments
Numerous small guesthouses and Airbnb apartments are available in town, starting at US$25-40/night. Many are run by European and Dominican couples. This is the best value option if you're on a budget.
Airport Layover
Due to its proximity to SDQ airport, Boca Chica makes an excellent first or last night stay. Arrive late, sleep near the beach, and head to the airport in minutes.
The Beach
Playa Boca Chica is the main event. The reef creates a natural pool — calm, shallow, warm water perfect for families with young children. Rent a beach chair and palapa for RD$200-300 for the day.
La Caleta Underwater Park
Just west of town, this marine park features the sunken ship Hickory and several other wrecks at dive-friendly depths. Dive shops in town offer two-tank dives for US$60-80.
Boat Trips
Glass-bottom boats and snorkeling trips depart from the beach to La Matica (a tiny island in the bay) and the outer reef. Negotiate directly with boatmen — expect to pay RD$500-1,000 per person.
Nightlife
Calle Duarte comes alive after dark with bars, restaurants, and music. The energy is authentic Dominican — merengue, bachata, cold beers, and dancing until late.
Day Trips
Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is just 30 minutes away. Combine a beach morning in Boca Chica with an afternoon exploring the oldest European city in the Americas.
- Come on a weekday for a peaceful experience. Weekends are packed with Santo Domingo families — fun but crowded.
- Eat at the fish market area on the east end of the beach for the freshest seafood at local prices. A full fish plate with tostones runs RD$400-600 (US$7-10).
- Watch your belongings. Like any busy beach area, petty theft can happen. Don't leave valuables unattended on the sand.
- Try fresh oysters. Vendors sell them shucked to order with lime and hot sauce. A dozen costs RD$200-300. They're harvested from the mangroves nearby.
- Sundays are the scene. If you want the full Dominican beach party experience, Sunday afternoon in Boca Chica is unbeatable — music, dominos, rum, and dancing.
- Great layover option. If you have a late departure from SDQ, spend your last day at Boca Chica beach — it's a 5-minute taxi ride to the airport.
Sample Itineraries
Boca Chica Beach Day
The classic Dominican beach experience just 30 minutes from Santo Domingo.
🌅 Morning2.5h
Playa Boca Chica
Claim your spot on the famous reef-protected beach. The shallow, calm water is like a natural swimming pool — perfect for families.
Playa Boca Chica
Tip: Weekdays are much quieter than weekends when capitaleños flock here.
Midday1.5h
Fresh Seafood on the Beach
Try the beach vendors' fresh fried fish, tostones, and cold Presidente. Negotiate prices before ordering.
Playa Boca Chica
Tip: The small paella-style mixed seafood platters are the best value.
☀️ Afternoon1.5h
La Matica Island
Wade or swim out to the small island in the bay. It offers great views back toward the beach and a bit of solitude.
La Matica
Tip: The water is shallow enough to walk most of the way.
🌙 Evening2h
Boca Chica Nightlife
The town comes alive at night with open-air restaurants, live merengue and bachata, and a festive Caribbean atmosphere.
Calle Duarte
Tip: Stay on the main streets and well-lit areas at night.
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Guagua from Santo Domingo(RD$80 (US$1.50))
Frequent minibuses from Parque Enriquillo.
Uber(US$15-20 from SDQ)
Quick ride from Las Américas airport.
Taxi from Airport(US$15-20)
SDQ airport is 5 minutes away.
Walking(Free)
Town is small and walkable — beach, restaurants, and hotels within blocks.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$30-50
Mid-rangeUS$60-100
LuxuryUS$120-200
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Watch belongings on the beach — petty theft can occur when crowded
- ✓Stay in well-lit areas after dark along Calle Duarte
- ✓Weekdays are calmer than weekends
- ✓Eat at established restaurants rather than unknown vendors
- ✓Swim in the reef-protected bay for safest conditions
📶 Connectivity
Good — close to the capital means strong cell signals. Most hotels and restaurants have WiFi.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boca Chica safe?
During the day, the beach area is generally safe with police presence. Exercise normal precautions with valuables. The nightlife area along Calle Duarte can get lively — stay aware of your surroundings after dark.
How close is Boca Chica to the airport?
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) is literally 5 minutes from Boca Chica — the closest beach to any major airport in the DR. A taxi costs about US$15-20. This makes it perfect for first-night or last-day beach visits.
Is the water clean at Boca Chica?
The reef-protected bay has calm, warm water suitable for swimming. Water quality is generally good, especially on weekdays. On crowded weekends, the far ends of the beach tend to be cleaner and less congested.
What should I eat in Boca Chica?
Try fresh oysters shucked to order from beach vendors (RD$200-300/dozen), pescado frito with tostones at the fish market area, and lambi (conch) prepared Dominican style. The seafood is fresh and affordable.
Can I combine Boca Chica with Santo Domingo?
Absolutely — they're just 30 minutes apart. Stay in Boca Chica for the beach and take guaguas or Uber to Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial for culture and history. It's a perfect combination.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Boca Chica
Plan Your Boca Chica Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Las Américas International (SDQ) — 5 min drive