Las Ballenas Beach
Named Las Ballenas (The Whales) because of three rocky islands in the distance that resemble humpback whales if observed from the proper angle. This spacious, wide, golden sand stretch with shallow, calm water is on the West side of Las Terrenas. Lined in part by small hotels, villas, bars, and restaurants, it offers plenty of shade, and the shallow waters are ideal for families. At the western end where the river meets the sea you can often find locals cooling off in cool fresh water.
Playa Punta Poppy
Playa Punta Popy, on the East side of town is the social and water sports beach hub of Las Terrenas. Peppered with a maze of giant palm trees, its golden sand shores offer the perfect wind and wave conditions for kitesurfers, new or experienced. On the western side, calmer waters attract swimmers and paddleboarders, as well as crowds who come here to enjoy daily sunset views with a meal and a cocktail from a range of international restaurants and bars across the street.
Playa Bonita
Playa Bonita is as pretty as its name suggests, a crescent-shaped, cozy golden sand beach lined with a variety of boutique hotels, villas, and restaurants. In the cove at the far Eastern end, the water is almost always as still as a swimming pool. Heading West where the beach is open to the prevailing winds and away from the shelter of the cove, there are 2 surf schools and active waves for the more adventurous. Pair a day at the beach with the awesome vibe at El Mosquito Boutique Hotel’s beachfront bar and restaurant for great memories not to be forgotten.
Playa Coson
Among the top three most stunning beaches on the Samaná Peninsula, this golden, soft-sanded beauty is located just a 15-minute drive west from the heart of Las Terrenas. Also reached via the scenic Boulevard Turístico del Atlántico, it’s ideal for long walks and also popular for surfing, with on-site classes and body surfing. Dominican-style fish and seafood are served off fire-hearth grills, onto tables set directly on the beach. Walk off your lunch along Playa Cosón’s length to the eastern end, where you will end up at Punta Bonita, a stretch of sand jutting out into the sea where it connects with Playa Bonita.
Playa El Portillo
Playa Portillo begins at the entrance of Las Terrenas town, stretching its way east for several more kilometers of coastline. It’s soft white sand boasts a coral reef close enough to swim to, and offers easy snorkeling opportunities. The beach is enjoyed for the most part by resort guests from the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, one of only 2 all-inclusive resorts in the area and is set farther apart from town than the rest.
Pueblo de los Pescadores
Smack in the heart of Las Terrenas, Pueblo de los Pescadores (Fisherman’s Village) was originally the main landing site for the area’s fishermen. Over time, this beachfront evolved into a hub of seafront entertainment with its colorful row of trendy restaurants and bars. Relax on outdoor lounge decks, directly on the beach, and enjoy your meals al fresco–with French, Italian, American, or Dominican menus – and enjoy the scenic views of Las Terrenas. At night, the Pueblo de los Pescadores comes even more alive as the various venues host happy hours, and patrons dance indoors or barefoot on the beach as DJs spin music echoing out into the ocean.
