Dominican Beach, Punta Cana

Punta Cana has 10 different beaches, many of them wide and all boasting clean white or golden yellow sands. Several beaches are ranked as among the world's best by the European Blue Flag organization, notorious for its stringent environmental and water-quality standards. The DR, overall, has more Blue Flag beaches than any other Caribbean island.

The following Punta Cana beaches' descriptions go from south to north. Although all are located on the Atlantic Ocean, some tend to have calmer waters when the beach slopes gradually into the water. Except where noted, beach snorkeling typically is limited due to heavy boat traffic. Good reefs tend to be offshore. Water temperatures reach a winter low in the upper 70s and go to a summer high in the upper 80s.

Playa Juanillo: My favorite beach in the world, this gorgeous palm-filled coastline usually is not crowded. Cleaned daily by Cap Cana resort staff, Playa Juanillo has a cafe/bar with an extensive menu, and kayak and small sailboats nearby for rental. To access it, you'll pass through a guarded gate at Cap Cana resort and swap your passport or driver's license for a day pass.

Punta Cana Beach: The name means "Point of the White Cane Palms" for the great stands of trees lining this most famous but private beach. Guests not staying at Punta Cana hotels can lunch at Playa Blanca's beach restaurant, open daily. For access to Playa Blanca, use the guarded gate to Punta Cana Resort and leave your passport or driver's license for a day pass.

Playa Cabo Engano: An isolated and scenic beach good for beachcombing that's unknown to most visitors. Located south of the community of Cabeza del Toro, it's accessed on a dirt road best for 4-wheel-drive (but considering the area's explosive growth, it may now be paved). No real reason for most to visit.

Cabeza de Toro: This popular beach offers decent beach snorkeling in shallows at the Catalonia Bavaro Resort and the boat-traffic free side of the Catalonia Royal Bavaro resort, which has public access. Two resorts here — NaturaPark and Be Live Grand Punta Cana — have Blue Flag beaches.

El Cortecito/Las Corales: These adjoining beaches have no access restrictions and offer everything for the day. Reminiscent of a small fishing village, the area has several beach restaurants, shops and water-sports vendors. Off the beaches are some of the area's main commercial centers containing supermarkets, shopping centers, gift shops and restaurants. The famous seafood restaurant Captain Cook's is at Cortecito.

Bavaro Beach: One of the most developed beach sections and often crowded, Bavaro remains a striking palm-lined stretch despite the hotels, restaurants and gift shops occupying it. Walk the beach to book activities from parasailing to speed boats. An offshore reef helps protect the beach. The adjoining Barcelo Bavaro Beach and Palace Deluxe Resorts share a Blue Flag status section.