As you can see in most pictures taken in Punta Cana, the beach here is similar to the idea that most of us have of paradise. The water is calm, clear, turquoise, and extremely pleasant to swim all year round.
It’s perfect for “most” of us because some people like to have waves in their ocean and don’t enjoy the quiet and calmness of Bavaro Beach. As this is a question that I get often, I’m writing this to tell you about a few places that you can visit in Punta Cana that may be suitable for people who enjoy a rough ocean, and people who enjoy water sports like Surf or Stand Up Paddle (SUP).
Since you are coming to an All-Inclusive resort, my first tip is to choose one that fits your needs.
Resorts with Lots of Waves in Punta Cana
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is probably the hotel with the most waves in Punta Cana. Here in the area, it is known for its ginormous size and for its massive list of activities to do.
If you are looking for alternatives, Excellence Punta Cana and Dreams Punta Cana have some waves as well.
From Majestic Colonial, Elegance, or Mirage, as well as Royalton Bavaro and Royalton Punta Cana, you can walk to the Hard Rock and enjoy the waves. And the nice walk on the beach, of course!
Let’s say you’re coming to a different resort or can’t afford to stay at the Hard Rock. In that case, I truly recommend visiting one of the following beaches. You can take a taxi or book an excursion like the Buggies that will take you there:
Beaches with the Best Waves in Punta Cana
Macao Beach is known for its Surf schools and for being one of the -very few- places where locals can enjoy the Caribbean experience without spending hundreds of dollars on a resort.
Uvero Alto is a little bit further from Macao beach. This gem is still a secret as most tourists never get to see it. Uvero Alto is also a great place to surf, but sometimes the ocean is a little dangerous (especially during windy months). It can be scary for some people, and you should be a strong swimmer or surfer to ride these waves.
The main difference between these beaches and Bavaro beach is the color of the sand. Punta Cana is known for its pristine white beaches, but these two are the exceptions. The sand gets darker as you start heading west.
On a side note, you have to be very careful at the beaches. As in most beaches in Punta Cana, there are no lifeguards, flags, or information at all. Macao beach and Uvero Alto can be dangerous if you decide to take a swim in the middle, where the currents are stronger.
By the way, in case you don’t know this already, you are coming to the Caribbean but you will be swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean Sea is only on the south shore of the Dominican Republic. And… yes, it is as beautiful as you’ve heard.
Have an amazing time in Punta Cana!
