Macao Beach is the Punta Cana beach for people who want something less polished than the resort strip. It lies at the northern end of the region, beyond the big hotels, and it is wide and open, with light sand, a backdrop of coconut palms and a feeling of space that Bávaro’s long row of sunloungers cannot match. The Atlantic arrives here without a protecting reef, and the swells and steady trade winds are why Macao has become a favorite spot for surfers and bodyboarders. The tourism board counts it among the best beaches in the country, and it is easy to see why when you arrive on a clear morning and the water is shining. The atmosphere is relaxed and local. Dominican families come on weekends for a day by the sea, small beachside restaurants serve fried and grilled fish with rice, plantains and a cold drink, and surf instructors offer lessons for beginners and improvers, particularly on weekends. It is not a resort beach with managed loungers and swim-up bars, so bring what you need for the day, and treat it as a place to watch the waves, walk the sand and eat a simple lunch rather than as a place for a full day of watersports.
How to visit
Macao is a public beach, so there is no admission fee, and it is reached by road from the Bávaro and Uvero Alto resort areas, either by taxi, a rental driver or an organized excursion. Many buggy and quad tours include a stop here, which is the easiest way to see it if you do not want to arrange your own transport. If you go by taxi, agree the fare first and arrange the return before you are dropped off, as taxis do not wait everywhere.
What to expect
The sea here is more powerful than the calm, reef-sheltered water at Bávaro. There can be waves, currents and shifting conditions, so non-swimmers and small children should stay close to the shore, and everyone should ask the locals about the day’s conditions before going in. Facilities are simple, so bring water, sun protection, a hat and some cash for lunch and drinks. The beach is busiest on weekends and holidays, when it feels like a local fiesta, and quieter during the week.
Making the most of it
Arrive in the morning, walk the length of the beach, and have a fresh fish lunch at one of the small restaurants. Surf lessons are a good way to try the sea safely with an instructor, even if you have never stood on a board. Keep valuables to a minimum, use the sun-safe habits you would use anywhere in the tropics, and treat the beach and its surroundings with care. For a calmer swim, head back to the reef-sheltered sand at Bávaro in the afternoon.
Good to know
Shade is limited beyond the palms and any beachside awnings, so bring a hat, a light cover-up and plenty of water. Valuables are best left at the resort, and a waterproof pouch for your phone and cash is useful. If you plan to surf, ask the instructors about board rental and rash vests, and pay attention to their advice about where the safest spot to enter the water is that day.
What to expect
The experience
A public beach visit with space to walk, swim carefully, try a surf lesson and eat a simple fish lunch.
Best time
Weekday mornings for quiet and calmer conditions, weekends for a lively local atmosphere.
How long
A few hours for a visit, or an afternoon if you take a lesson and stay for lunch.
Tips
Check conditions before swimming, bring water, sun protection and cash, and agree the taxi return in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travelers who want a wilder, more local beach and a chance to try surfing.
- Families
- Fine for a visit and lunch, but keep little ones close to the shore because of the waves.
- Couples
- Good for a long walk, a seafood lunch and a sunset away from the resort strip.
- Pair with
- A buggy or quad excursion that stops here, or a calm swim at Bávaro Beach later in the day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Macao Beach free to visit?+
Yes. It is a public beach with no admission fee. Bring cash for lunch, drinks and any lessons.
Can you swim at Macao Beach?+
You can, but the sea is more powerful than at Bávaro, with waves and currents. Stay close to shore, ask locals about conditions and keep an eye on small children.
Can beginners learn to surf at Macao Beach?+
Yes. Surf lessons for all levels are offered there, particularly on weekends, and an instructor is the safest way to try.
What food is there at Macao Beach?+
Small local restaurants serve Dominican-style fish plates with rice, plantains and cold drinks.
How do I get to Macao Beach from my resort?+
Take a taxi or private driver, or join a buggy or quad excursion that stops there. Agree the fare and the return time before you go.
