Playa Rincon
Playa Rincon
4.5
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4.5
1,354 reviews
Excellent
908
Very good
291
Average
106
Poor
26
Terrible
23
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Lester Ojeda
San Juan, Puerto Rico467 contributions
July 2019
If you're into local flavor and distinct beaches, this one is for you.
Playa Rincón is constantly named one of the world's best beaches and once you're there, it's not hard to imagine why. Pristine water, white sand, palm trees, a river of cold clear water flowing into the warm Atlantic Ocean makes it at the very least a unique experience for anyone who wants to take a swim, lounge about, or simply sunbathe. Driving from Santo Domingo is not too difficult (a four hour straight shot at most if transiting the toll road from Santo Domingo up north) but there are a few tour operators who make this a staple call on weekends for locals and tourists alike. Although I'm not a great fan of tour operators, I will say in this case that if you're on a tight budget and want to treat yourself to a great local beach (not Punta Cana) - then you may want to consider getting that bus ticket.
My two cents, however, for what they're worth, are 1) get here early and on a weekday (that means getting a car, so find a local place to stay and drive out early in the morning when you have the whole place to yourself and 2) bring with you plenty of water and some snacks - if you want to spend the day out here local vendors will charge an arm and a leg for water, and there aren't many great food options nearby.
As soon as the place starts getting packed up, it starts becoming a bit littered. Luckily locals keep the place as clean as possible, but high traffic (especially on weekends) does bring with itself some litter. Also, if you're not a fan of seaweed, this isn't a beach for you. The beach (and the shoreline) is full of seaweed which keeps getting washed to the shoreline which for some sensitive folk may not be their cup of tea. Bring a camera!
Playa Rincón is constantly named one of the world's best beaches and once you're there, it's not hard to imagine why. Pristine water, white sand, palm trees, a river of cold clear water flowing into the warm Atlantic Ocean makes it at the very least a unique experience for anyone who wants to take a swim, lounge about, or simply sunbathe. Driving from Santo Domingo is not too difficult (a four hour straight shot at most if transiting the toll road from Santo Domingo up north) but there are a few tour operators who make this a staple call on weekends for locals and tourists alike. Although I'm not a great fan of tour operators, I will say in this case that if you're on a tight budget and want to treat yourself to a great local beach (not Punta Cana) - then you may want to consider getting that bus ticket.
My two cents, however, for what they're worth, are 1) get here early and on a weekday (that means getting a car, so find a local place to stay and drive out early in the morning when you have the whole place to yourself and 2) bring with you plenty of water and some snacks - if you want to spend the day out here local vendors will charge an arm and a leg for water, and there aren't many great food options nearby.
As soon as the place starts getting packed up, it starts becoming a bit littered. Luckily locals keep the place as clean as possible, but high traffic (especially on weekends) does bring with itself some litter. Also, if you're not a fan of seaweed, this isn't a beach for you. The beach (and the shoreline) is full of seaweed which keeps getting washed to the shoreline which for some sensitive folk may not be their cup of tea. Bring a camera!
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_justinehand
Boston, MA15 contributions
Feb 2020
Take it from a beach snob (I grew up on Cape Cod), this is one beautiful beach/bay. With swaying palms and turquoise waters, it looks like a Caribbean post card. From our rented villa, it was an easy drive. If you go right from the entrance, you'll be with all the other tourists, but that's the way to go if you want a chair. We went left towards Cano Frio, and practically had the beach to ourselves. The one draw-back is that there is some trash by the road, but not where you sit or swim. The restaurant all the way to the right serves good food, but, environmentalists beware, they do serve parrot fish. Though delicious, these fish are the cleaners of the reefs and vital for their health. Due to overfishing of parrot fish, Dominican reefs are in decline. Do eat local to support the economy, but also put your tourist dollars to work by requesting that you not be served parrot fish.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nolinice
Oakville, Canada2,782 contributions
Dec 2020
We have been coming for 20 years and considered well deserved the title of one of the best beaches in the world . Not this year. The disappearance of turista caused by COVId, or perhaps the currents have caused an already dramatically reduced in size beach to be as filthy as we have ever seen it, with plastic everywhere. Thanks to whomever kept presentable at least the last portion near the braza del mar restaurant and sorry we did not have the foresight or courage to pick up some trash ourselves.
Written 3 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian B
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The beach is beautiful, but all the beaches in the DR are spectacular. The way the mountains frame the beach and come down to cliffs on the far edges are so beautiful!! The restaurants are very typical, and nice. The pineapple piña colada’s are fantastic! Average lunch plate is $450–900 pesos.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Falls Girl
Kissimmee, FL519 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
It is well worth the effort it takes to drive to this beach located off the main road towards Las Galeras in Samana Province, Dominican Republic. Look for the sign on the left if you're coming from Samana immediately after you pass the Texaco station (a great place for bathroom pit stops and snacks). There are two parts to this beach. You want to turn RIGHT. If you get to the end of the road and turn left, you will find the part of the beach more developed and heavily used by locals.
Turn right, and slowly wind your way down the beach. Enjoy the sheer natural beauty as you drive through the palm-tree lined road in the sand. This gorgeous beach is typically uncrowded, and has a small, rustic restaurant which serves delicious food including chicken and traditional fried whole fish. You must try the pescado entero frito while in the D.R.! If you come across someone selling pan de coco (Dominican coconut bread) try that, too, especially if it’s still warm.
This beach has toilets, but you are better off stopping at the Texaco station first. Some of the beach chairs are in better shape than others, but expect to pay about 100 pesos (two bucks) to use each one. Bring towels and a cooler, and plenty of sunscreen. For those not used to tropical vacations, you can get a trip-ruining sunburn in about fifteen minutes of unprotected direct sun.
Yes, the vendors can be aggressive but please remember this is how they feed their families, so don’t be cheap if you are buying something. A simple, “No, gracias,” should keep them moving.
If you are visiting Las Galeras, Las Terrenas, Samana Town, or staying anywhere on Samana Province, this beach is an absolute must-see.
We're locals, and we ask that you please do us and your fellow visitors a favor: skip the obnoxious ATV tour of this beach. This is the last place anyone should ever drive an ATV. Why spoil the tranquility for someone else with a loud, stinky, polluting vehicle? Have some consideration for nature, too. Thank you.
Turn right, and slowly wind your way down the beach. Enjoy the sheer natural beauty as you drive through the palm-tree lined road in the sand. This gorgeous beach is typically uncrowded, and has a small, rustic restaurant which serves delicious food including chicken and traditional fried whole fish. You must try the pescado entero frito while in the D.R.! If you come across someone selling pan de coco (Dominican coconut bread) try that, too, especially if it’s still warm.
This beach has toilets, but you are better off stopping at the Texaco station first. Some of the beach chairs are in better shape than others, but expect to pay about 100 pesos (two bucks) to use each one. Bring towels and a cooler, and plenty of sunscreen. For those not used to tropical vacations, you can get a trip-ruining sunburn in about fifteen minutes of unprotected direct sun.
Yes, the vendors can be aggressive but please remember this is how they feed their families, so don’t be cheap if you are buying something. A simple, “No, gracias,” should keep them moving.
If you are visiting Las Galeras, Las Terrenas, Samana Town, or staying anywhere on Samana Province, this beach is an absolute must-see.
We're locals, and we ask that you please do us and your fellow visitors a favor: skip the obnoxious ATV tour of this beach. This is the last place anyone should ever drive an ATV. Why spoil the tranquility for someone else with a loud, stinky, polluting vehicle? Have some consideration for nature, too. Thank you.
Written 28 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laly490
4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
One of my favorite places on earth. This beautiful beach is virgin grounds. From the white fine sand, it’s cristal clear waters overlooking the mountain. There are locals who will cook for you. Fresh fish with fried Plantains (real organic food). Love love this place!
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1950fede
Lugano, Switzerland354 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
One of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the area. Fabulous nature, blue water and a beach that invites long walks. Avoid the restaurant area at the end of the beach, when it is invaded by tourists brought in from cruises. However, after 3pm they disappear again and the beach is left to those who still remain.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ariel y Silvia
Argentina60 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Rincon Beach and Caño Frio River with its colorful fish...On our own, by motoconcho, from Las Galeras
March 2024
One of the places we liked the most of our 3-week vacation in the Dominican Republic. It is not very promoted, we didn't know it existed... We found out in Samana, after visiting Cayo Levantado. We are grateful for having known Las Galeras. We liked it so much that we stayed 5 nights in that little town, so beautiful, quiet and safe. Wonderful, there are many excursions to do in different ways and budgets. We went from Las Galeras to Playa RIncon in a "motoconcho", the driver and us (Argentinian couple). Price 10 dollars total, round trip. They leave you on the beach in the morning and then pick us up around 5 in the afternoon. We had doubts about whether they would look for us again, but the motoconchos with vests are safe and comply.
A transparent river flows into Playa Rincon, Caño Frio, with colorful fish. It is a reserve, with an impressive type of humid forest.
It is advisable to bring repellent if you go into the forest.
We also carried some sandwiches, water and a beer in our backpack. There are few places to shop on that beach.
They also arrive by boat, but you make the most of the day and it is cheaper going by motoconcho, from Las Galeras del Hostel Las Ballenas. We highly recommend it. The boats stayed for a very short time.
The Caño Frio river is spectacular.
March 2024
One of the places we liked the most of our 3-week vacation in the Dominican Republic. It is not very promoted, we didn't know it existed... We found out in Samana, after visiting Cayo Levantado. We are grateful for having known Las Galeras. We liked it so much that we stayed 5 nights in that little town, so beautiful, quiet and safe. Wonderful, there are many excursions to do in different ways and budgets. We went from Las Galeras to Playa RIncon in a "motoconcho", the driver and us (Argentinian couple). Price 10 dollars total, round trip. They leave you on the beach in the morning and then pick us up around 5 in the afternoon. We had doubts about whether they would look for us again, but the motoconchos with vests are safe and comply.
A transparent river flows into Playa Rincon, Caño Frio, with colorful fish. It is a reserve, with an impressive type of humid forest.
It is advisable to bring repellent if you go into the forest.
We also carried some sandwiches, water and a beer in our backpack. There are few places to shop on that beach.
They also arrive by boat, but you make the most of the day and it is cheaper going by motoconcho, from Las Galeras del Hostel Las Ballenas. We highly recommend it. The boats stayed for a very short time.
The Caño Frio river is spectacular.
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lacobrigense
Lagos, Portugal6,304 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
For me one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Rincón with a preserved white sand Banner of 4 kilometers in an unexplored part of the coast. Surrounded by coconut trees and surrounded by mountains and pebble peaks at both ends, this remote beach seems to be a true utopia, disconnected from civilization.
I arrived at the beach in the morning to stay the best place, its difficult access location, the beach never gets crowded, so it was not difficult to find a suitable place in it. Do as we plan to stay throughout the day, we bring supplies like sunscreen, snacks and water as there are few amenities there.
We stretch the towels and lie down on the fine sand. We walked all over the beach to fully appreciate its beauty and took our cameras to shoot the wonderful cables from its ends. At the east end of the beach is Caño Frio, a freshwater river that falls on the coast of the steep mountain.
We headed to the west end of the beach and enter clear and warm waters. There is a protected area ideal for swimming. It is a good idea to rent or take dive equipment (if you're a fan like me) to use on site as the marine life is colorful and abundant.
It can be difficult to get to Playa Rincón due to the irregular stone road that leads to it. We rented a jeep to make the trip of almost 20 kilometers from Las Galeras. Boards will help to find the way. You have the possibility of can go by shared boat or private departing from
I arrived at the beach in the morning to stay the best place, its difficult access location, the beach never gets crowded, so it was not difficult to find a suitable place in it. Do as we plan to stay throughout the day, we bring supplies like sunscreen, snacks and water as there are few amenities there.
We stretch the towels and lie down on the fine sand. We walked all over the beach to fully appreciate its beauty and took our cameras to shoot the wonderful cables from its ends. At the east end of the beach is Caño Frio, a freshwater river that falls on the coast of the steep mountain.
We headed to the west end of the beach and enter clear and warm waters. There is a protected area ideal for swimming. It is a good idea to rent or take dive equipment (if you're a fan like me) to use on site as the marine life is colorful and abundant.
It can be difficult to get to Playa Rincón due to the irregular stone road that leads to it. We rented a jeep to make the trip of almost 20 kilometers from Las Galeras. Boards will help to find the way. You have the possibility of can go by shared boat or private departing from
Automatically translated
Written 21 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SilvioW
Santos, SP1,049 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
It's hard to find such a beautiful beach.
The sea is an indescribable turquoise blue.
The contrast of the vegetation behind the sand line produces a beautiful contrast.
Access is not very easy. We went on a dry, sunny day, which made it easier. I believe that when it rains there will be access problems. But this is great, as it makes the beach emptier and more exclusive.
Spectacular and unmissable destination in the Dominican Republic.
The sea is an indescribable turquoise blue.
The contrast of the vegetation behind the sand line produces a beautiful contrast.
Access is not very easy. We went on a dry, sunny day, which made it easier. I believe that when it rains there will be access problems. But this is great, as it makes the beach emptier and more exclusive.
Spectacular and unmissable destination in the Dominican Republic.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola! Quisiera saber si se puede llegar a la paya Rincón (Samaná)y a otras con auto o si o si se es necesario camioneta? Gracias!!
Written 24 February 2021
Hola! Me preocupan muchos comentarios que leí acerca de la inseguridad y los robos..alguien fue recientemente?
Written 25 January 2019
Es asi. El lugar es hermoso. Las personas que han tenido su mal experiencia a lo mejor no tomaron sus nedidas de seguridad en un lugar extraño. El irse donde no hay personas o dejar sus desatendidos. Mi familia tiene mas de 20 años visitando ese lugar en semana santa y vamos alrededor de 3 veces al año. Si bien es cierto que como todos los lugares públicos de República dominicana van mucha gente de toda clase y que no se comporta igual que tu tambien es cierto que como dominicano sabes las fechas en que se pi en muy concurridos esos lugares y que tipo de experiencia tendrás a menos que estes con alguien que conozca el lugar. Peligro hay en todos los paises y lugares. Sin Miedo iria unos 20 años mas.
Written 7 August 2019
Est-ce que le fond marin est du beau sable et si l’on peut faire de l’apnée? Y a-t-il des chaises si oui doit-on payer et combien? Grosse vagues ou non?
Written 24 September 2018
Spécial plongée sable très blanc, chaises de deux dollars et les vagues sont forte et bel endroit
Written 5 October 2018
How can I get to Playa Rincon from Punta Cana please?
Written 23 September 2018
It actually kind of far from Punta Cana to Playa Rincon, what you can do is stay a couple of nights in Samaná, by Las Galeras, Samana. From there you can take a tour since it's the only way to get there, usually those tours (ATV) or (Van) bring you to other beautiful places and they include food.
Written 4 March 2019
Las Galeras to Playa Rincon is a 1/2 hr drive (18 km).
we went from Samana to Playa Rincon and it was an hour drive (without the stop to visit the farm). Hope this helps!
Written 30 July 2018
There are two sides to this beach area. One side is calm and the other side is very rough.
Even in the calm area I don't think the snorkelling would be great there, there is no reef. Hope this info helps you. Worth going to none the less...beautiful area.
Written 19 February 2017
How far is Luxury Bahia Principe cayo levantado hotel to playa rincón beach?
Written 21 May 2015
Ciao,
la Lonely Planet dice che Playa Rincon si può raggiungere anche in automobile ma che l'ultimo km di strada è troppo accidentato per piccoli veicoli.
Qualcuno sa dirmi se è attualmente fattibile o meno?
Grazie
Serena
Written 20 February 2015
Voy a estar en Las Terrenas, tu sabes si pasan a buscar al hotel?? para hacer el tour?'
Written 22 January 2015
Si puedes contratar cualquier tour dentro del hotel como fuera de ellos pero te aconsejo que lo hagas dentro es más seguro aunque un poco más caro pero tenes otra seguridad y cordinado pero si contratas fuera tenes la libertad de los horarios
Written 8 September 2019
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