Macao Beach Punta Cana
Punta Cana's vibrant public beach, famous for its surfing waves, wide sandy shores, and lively local atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Macao Beach Punta Cana
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Punta Cana's vibrant public beach, famous for its surfing waves, wide sandy shores, and lively local atmosphere.
"Beautiful beach with lots of waves, great for surfing and enjoying a local vibe."
Bring Your Own Gear
Save money by bringing your own beach chairs and towels to avoid rental fees. :moneybag:
Beware of Vendors
Some vendors can be pushy, especially near the entrance. Be firm if you're not interested. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surfing Waves
Catch some waves at this popular surf spot, perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Sandy Shores
Wide, sandy expanses offer plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Local Vibe
Experience a more authentic beach day with local families and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Amenities
Waves & Swimming
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Going to Dreams Macao (need advice/tips)
Bring Your Own Gear
Save money by bringing your own beach chairs and towels to avoid rental fees. :moneybag:
Beware of Vendors
Some vendors can be pushy, especially near the entrance. Be firm if you're not interested. :shopping_bags:
Macao beach safety
Advice on beginner surfing beach and rental/hotel options?
Surf's Up!
Macao is a great spot for surfing lessons. Ask locals for recommendations! :surfer:
Parking Perks
Parking closer to the beach costs money; free spots are available further away. :car:
Surfing at Playa Macao
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Gear
Save money by bringing your own beach chairs and towels to avoid rental fees. :moneybag:
Beware of Vendors
Some vendors can be pushy, especially near the entrance. Be firm if you're not interested. :shopping_bags:
Surf's Up!
Macao is a great spot for surfing lessons. Ask locals for recommendations! :surfer:
Parking Perks
Parking closer to the beach costs money; free spots are available further away. :car:
Restroom Reality
Restroom facilities can be basic and sometimes lack amenities. Plan accordingly. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Macao Beach is praised for its beautiful, wide sandy shores and its excellent surfing conditions, offering a more authentic local beach experience. While some find the facilities basic and vendors pushy, many enjoy the lively atmosphere and reasonable prices for food and drinks.
"Nice free public beach….free if you bring your own chair or towel to sit on. There is a fee to rent a lounge seat. We were charged $20 USD for 2 seats for the day. But the beach is lovely. Lots of waves but shallow to swim & wade in the water. It was pretty crowded but still very enjoyable. Especially considering that most beaches in the northern coast area are full of seaweed right now, just the peak of summer. There are a few vendors at entrance and we only noticed one food option, but it was delicious! Cold drinks, seafood platters, fries and such reasonably priced considering you’re paying for the convenience. One of the coldest beers I had on the island! Taxis hover around the area so not hard to find a ride, but they can be pushy. Overall a good afternoon."
Wailym Cruz
"Beautiful beach. That was the last stop on our buggie trip and was worthed to stop by and enjoy the view. I wish we've had enough time to go for a swim. The water looks amazing and inviting for a swim."
Krasimira Valkanova
"Visited during an excursion. The beach itself is nice. The views are beautiful. But the water is not blue, it was brown, of dark color. Surprisingly, there were not any sargassums there. There are many annoying souvenir vendors. The restrooms (toilets), have no accommodations. The doors would not close, the lockets are stolen and broken, the bulbs are missing, you can see only wires, even the flush buttons are stolen, it is dirty, it is ghetto. Even if you come there, there is no way you can find a place to change your clothes."
Rose Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Macao Beach is accessible by taxi or as part of an excursion. Many buggie tours include a stop here. Taxis are readily available but can be pushy, so negotiate your fare beforehand. :taxi:
Yes, there is parking available. Parking closer to the beach usually costs money, while free spots can be found a bit further away. :car:
Public bus transportation to Macao Beach might be limited and less direct compared to taxis or organized tours. It's generally recommended to use taxis or book an excursion for easier access. :bus:
Macao Beach is a well-known destination in Punta Cana, often included in local tours. GPS or asking locals for directions will help you find it easily. :round_pushpin:
The most convenient ways are usually through your resort's excursion desk or by hiring a taxi. Some resorts might offer shuttle services to popular beaches. :resort_hotel:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Macao Beach is a free public beach. You only pay if you choose to rent lounge chairs or purchase food and drinks. :ticket:
Macao Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict official opening hours as it's a public space, but facilities like vendors might have their own schedules. :clock1:
No advance booking is necessary for Macao Beach itself, as it's a public beach. If you're joining a specific tour or activity, then booking that in advance would be required. :calendar:
Generally, there are no major restrictions for visiting Macao Beach. Standard beach etiquette applies, and it's advisable to be mindful of local customs. :wave:
Rental fees for beach chairs can vary, but reports suggest around $20 USD for two chairs for the day. It's always a good idea to confirm the price before committing. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Macao Beach is famous for surfing, with opportunities for lessons. You can also swim, sunbathe, relax on the sand, and enjoy the local atmosphere. :surfer: :beachwithumbrella:
Macao Beach has waves, making it ideal for surfing. While you can swim and wade, the water can be shallow and the waves might be strong for casual swimming. :ocean:
Restrooms are available, but reviews indicate they can be basic, sometimes lacking proper maintenance or amenities like working locks or lights. Changing facilities might be limited. :toilet:
You'll find souvenir vendors and food stalls selling refreshments, seafood platters, and fries. Prices are considered reasonable for the convenience. :food_drink:
It can get crowded, especially during peak times or when tour groups visit. Walking towards the ends of the beach often leads to less crowded areas. :people_hugging:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are food options available, including seafood platters, fries, and cold drinks. The prices are generally considered reasonable for the convenience of beachside dining. :fries: :beer:
Yes, you can purchase cold drinks, including beer, at the vendors located on Macao Beach. :cocktail:
While there are food vendors directly on the beach, more extensive restaurant options would likely be found in nearby resorts or towns. :restaurant:
Reviews suggest that the food and drinks are reasonably priced, especially considering the convenience of being right on the beach. :moneymouthface:
Seafood platters and cold beers are often mentioned as good choices for a refreshing beachside meal. :fishcake: :beveragebox:
📸 📸 Photography
The wide sandy shores, the crashing waves, and the palm trees offer great photographic opportunities. The late afternoon light provides a beautiful golden hour glow. :camera:
Yes, Macao Beach is very photogenic with its natural beauty, including expansive sands and the dynamic ocean. :sparkles:
Late afternoons are ideal for photography due to the softer, golden light. Early mornings can also offer beautiful light with fewer people. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in public areas before flying. :aerial_tramway:
You can capture stunning shots of surfers in action, serene beach landscapes, vibrant sunsets, and candid moments of local life. :ocean_wave:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Macao Beach
When planning your surf session, consider the time of day. Mornings often offer calmer conditions before the wind picks up. If you're a beginner, opt for a lesson with a certified instructor who can guide you on wave selection and paddling techniques. The vibrant energy of the surfers and the powerful ocean create a dynamic and exciting atmosphere that's a highlight for many visitors.
Beach Amenities and Facilities
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding restrooms and changing facilities. Reviews indicate that these amenities can be basic and sometimes poorly maintained, with issues like broken locks or missing fixtures. This means visitors might need to be more self-sufficient and plan accordingly, perhaps using their resort facilities before or after their visit. Despite these limitations, the natural beauty and lively atmosphere of Macao Beach make it a worthwhile destination for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit