Macao Beach (Playa Macao)

The Basics

Lounge on the sand, boogie board, or learn how to surf near the beach’s bigger breakers. If you prefer to stay dry on land, an afternoon horseback ride serves up coastal views and fresh air. For a dose of adrenaline and an overview of the area’s natural highlights, visit the beach and the nearby Macao Cave during a dune buggy adventure from Punta Cana.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Several stands sell cold beers and local grub, including fresh-caught fish and lobsters.

• There are no restrooms on-site.

• Bring along some cash to purchase souvenirs from the beach vendors.

How to Get There

Macao Beach is located on the northern side of the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana region, roughly 20 minutes by road from most resorts. The beach is accessible by taxi or via a guided tour. Ride-sharing services were recently introduced to the nation, but are only available in big cities such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata.

When to Get There

Since Macao Beach is a favorite among locals, try to visit during the week when it’s quieter and less crowded. Expect the biggest crowds in the Dominican Republic from December through April, especially around Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and spring break. And keep in mind, the peak months for hurricanes in the Caribbean are September and October.

Bavaro Beach

Located closer to Punta Cana, the more crowded Bavaro Beach draws visitors with its abundance of tour and cruise offerings, plus water activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and windsurfing. This beach also boasts more amenities than Macao because of its proximity to Punta Cana’s luxury resorts in Punta Cana.

Ways to explore

Adventure seekers can go bodyboarding or learn how to surf on the beach’s strong breaks. Because Macao Beach is a bit further off the beaten path, all-terrain-vehicle tours are a popular way to experience the attraction—behind those serene sands lie muddy, palm-lined trails and cacao farms. For a slightly less intense Macao Beach experience, an afternoon horseback ride serves up coastal views and fresh air. There are also many family-owned restaurants along the beach where you can chow down on local delights or the catch of the day.

Accessibility

Parts of Macao Beach, mainly near its few resorts, feature some beach ramps and beach wheelchairs, but it’s best to book a hotel that clearly states its accessibility for wheelchair users if you want to enjoy the beach.

Age limits

Visitors of all ages are welcome, but beware of larger waves if you have small children, especially in areas without lifeguards.

What to pack

Sunblock, hat, beach towel

What to wear

Swimsuit, flip-flops, sunglasses

Not allowed

Public drunkenness, marijuana, taking items (such as shells or starfish) from the beach

Amenities

Restaurants, snack bars, parking

Address 

Macao Beach is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Punta Cana. The easiest and most convenient way to get to the beach is by renting a car or taking a rideshare or taxi.

Driving

From Punta Cana International Airport, take Boulevard Turístico del Este (Route 105) north. Turn right onto Carretera Higüey–El Macao—it should take about 35–40 minutes. Free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

There isn’t a direct bus from Punta Cana to Macao Beach. However, you can take a local bus to Sitrabapu Terminal; from there, pick up a taxi to get to the beach.

Best times to visit

Visit Macao Beach in the morning, when the sun isn’t too strong and the heat is less intense.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to be more crowded, so visiting on a weekday means you’ll have a less busy beach experience.

Best months to visit

You can visit Macao Beach year-round, but the driest and most pleasant months are December to April.

Special events

For parades, music, and a festive atmosphere, visit Macao Beach during Punta Cana's annual Carnival in late February or early March.