Home to 402 km (250 mi) of the world’s most gorgeous beaches with consistent rolling waves and wind that blows all year round, the beautiful Caribbean nation of The Dominican Republic is often the go-to spot for surf enthusiasts. The famous Encuentro Beach near Cabarete offers the best breaks for surfing. Still on the north coast, Playa Encuentro hosts the Master of The Ocean tournament every February, where you can see some of the best surfers in the world. Head a little to the east, and you’ll find Rio San Juan, which houses many stunning beaches for surfing, with schools and camps to hone your skills.
Whether you’re a veteran or beginner, this country is an unmissable getaway destination for surfing, with many lovely accommodations also on offer. To ensure a convenient yet memorable vacation, scroll down to discover the best places to surf and stay in The Dominican Republic!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to surfing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Sleek and stylish beachfront villa, Cabarete (from USD 1275)
This stunning beachfront villa combines the bright tropical ambiance with an elegant contemporary design. This rental boasts all-white interior and modern furniture, along with amenities that make up a luxurious base while you take on the challenging surf breaks of Playa Encuentro, around 12.4 km (7.71 mi) away. You can also try kitesurfing in Bozo Beach, about 6.5 km (4.04 mi) away. The waves are perfect during the summer months.
The property offers many sections for you to relax and laze around while enjoying the ocean breeze. Savor a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool overlooking the ocean or sit back on the patio accompanied by the calming sounds of rolling waves.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we especially enjoyed the comfortable orthopedic bedsi would recommend it to anyone coming to cabareteCleanliness:
pictures don't do the house justice beds were extremely comfortable super clean very secluded private and safeHost:
the entire staff was greatthe maid staff took very good care of usvery nice staff and espectacular villaalex the host was extremely welcomingstaff was very welcoming helpful and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
great place everything you need for a trip
Superhost
2. Casa Coral Sosua (from USD 398)
Nestled in the exclusive and secure gated community of Playa Laguna II is this stunning, spacious tropical getaway with a bright and lively atmosphere, perfect for big groups. If you’re looking for surfing action, you won’t be short of options. Playa Sosúa is only a 14-minute drive away to the west while Playa Encuentro, a favorite of many surfers alike, is only 15 minutes away by car to the east.
You can also find plenty of entertainment options inside the villa. The airy living area features a PlayStation 5, and a billiard table is also available. Sit back on the outdoor patio to enjoy the surrounding greeneries or rejuvenate your senses in the swimming pool.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
ac works great in all the roomsfurniture and bedding in good shape and great space for large groupnice amenities and comfortable rooms for 8 peoplematilda was a fantastic chef and made delicious dinners and breakfasts for usthe grounds are beautiful with the pool and jacuzzi and the beach right thereCleanliness:
dulce did a fantastic job cleaning the housethe jacuzzi pool outdoor area and bedrooms were immaculately cleancleaning staff dulce was punctual professional and friendlyclean modern and close to anything you need to get tothe house was clean and location literally 50 yards from the beach which made our stay very relaxingHost:
great maid service and the manager jack is very helpfuljack was very helpful as a property managergreat place and great staffi highly recommend them as hoststhe host gives so much helpful tips once you bookRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is ideal with the beach a minute away and shopping/restaurants nearbythe villa is in a nice quiet safe location next to a beachvilla was great location was great and safe and jack was beyond helpful with everythinggreat place great location and as advertisedthis place is the best
3. Rustic isolated cottage with barbecue facilities, Puerto Plata (from USD 99)
This cottage is perfect if you want to hide away from all the noise and truly soak in the ocean breeze and tropical surroundings while still being accessible. Nearby, you can capture the gorgeous views of Playa de Guzmancito only five minutes away. For surfing purposes, you can pack your boards and travel around 22.3 km (13.86 mi) to the east to find Playa Grande where you’ll find a long, spacious beach with challenging waves, even for professionals.
Although the interior of this rental is quite modest and toned-down, you’ll be provided with all the essentials you need, including a well-equipped kitchen and barbecue set.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
private clean and comfortableHost:
host was very helpfulthe staff and leo were helpful and available for our needsit was exactly the kind of place i love and is better than the photographsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfect: far away from noise and people but easily accessible
4. Tropical villa with private pool, Puerto Plata
Located within walking distance of Perla Marina Beach, this four-bedroom villa offers a more traditional charm with a tropical ambiance. Surfing enthusiasts will find this getaway spot ideal with the famous Encuentro Beach located only around 3.5 km (2.17 mi) away. There, you can find challenging waves for expert surfers during the wintertime while beginners can hone their skills in the tamer waves of the Main Break, which works all year round.
The villa also features a private pool and a well-equipped kitchen. The spacious living and dining area makes this property ideal for a family getaway.
Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata Province, Dominican Republic
135.0 km (83.9 mi) from Samaná BoardwalkAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
perfect for very cleanthe villa was cleanwho ever go there going to enjoy a beautiful and clean place i recommend 100×100i also feel like the bathrooms could’ve been a lot cleanerHost:
the landlord was also extremely kind and understandingmanu has turned out to be my favorite host so farthe biggest thing for me is to be able to host for friends and familyRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved the locationthe location is great and restaurants are close and have amazing foodi would definitely recommend this locationwhat a great vila in a great locationthis house is a wonderful place for vacationing
5. Project Paradise, Cabarete (from USD 700)
If you’re traveling in a large group, this is the perfect spot to chill and have fun in between surfing sessions in the nearby Cabarete Beach, only 3.9 km (2.42 mi) away. The 11-bedroom rental features a spacious yet vibrant interior with a game room and an outdoor pool surrounded by plenty of greeneries. A private chef is available at a fee to serve up a customized menu.
It’s best to travel here during wintertime (October - April) to catch the best waves while the weather is still warm enough for beachwear. When you’re done surfing, you can explore the lively nightlife of the popular Sosúa town, only a 19-minute drive away.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the flat was sparkling clean with all essentials in orderHost:
needless to say that ben and the staff were more than happy to help at our requestswonderful hosts ben and jj were attentive and over the top helpfulhost was super friendly and also gave us a private concertthe staff and cooks did an excellent job making sure everything was in orderben is a great host i had an amazing time with my familyRead more reviewsLocation:
we had great time staying at project paradise’s placerecommend this place if you are planning a trip to puerto platathis place is perfect for a group vacation we will definitely be back in the near futureall in a great place to stay we are picky new yorkers and highly recommend it
6. Secluded villa with private beach, Punta Cana (from USD 353)
Located within the private area of Iberostar Bavaro Resort, this rental offers a spacious and comfy base for you to explore the surf spots of Punta Cana. Macao Beach, only around a 22-minute drive away, has some giant waves, and it’s not too crowded despite being hailed as the most beautiful beach in the area. Over to the southeast, you’ll find Bávaro Beach, only 20 km (12.43 mi) away, surrounded by luscious tropical forests.
In your downtime, you can take a golf cart to the private beach with umbrellas and sun beds, relax in the hammock on the patio, or take a refreshing swim in the private pool.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was decent throughout the villa and reached well outside by the poolCleanliness:
the villa was very clean and organizedthe place is spotless clean well stocked and privatebig clean and full of light- the pool was always clean the staff would always clean it every morningthere is a very nice pool cleaned every morningHost:
alex was a great hostthe staff that supports guest are absolutely wonderful and attentivethe best hosts abs best villaernesto was very helpful and friendlycommunication with the host was splendidRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location close to all- the location is perfect really close to everywherewhat a beautiful place the property was in an amazing locationthe property is secure and gated with security always walking aroundat arrival we received a pleasant walk-through of the villa by lenny
7. Villa Luna, Punta Cana (from USD 423)
Located just a short nine-minute drive from the warm waters and great waves of Uvero Alto Beach, this private villa is perfect for surf enthusiasts who seek a luxurious stay in The Dominican Republic. Aside from Uvero Alto, you can also visit the beautiful Macao Beach only 12.1 km (7.52 mi) away to catch higher waves.
Upon entering this property, you’ll be welcomed with an elegantly designed and spacious interior with modern decor, topped off with a private pool and fireplace. You’ll also have access to the private beach, Playa Palmera. The private complex’s own plaza also has restaurants and supermarkets for everything you need.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the villa was spotlessly clean and the hosts provided us with everything that we neededRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic stay and beautiful villa that is about a 2 minute walk to the beach
8. Boutique-style beachfront bungalow, Las Terrenas (from USD 269)
Surrounded by lush tropical greeneries overlooking the modest waves of Playa Bonita, this property allows you to relax in a charming bungalow with the refreshing ocean breeze. If you’re up for more challenging surfing adventures, you can pack your boards and head west to Playa Coson, only 8.4 km (5.22 mi) away. October to March is an ideal period for the best waves and weather to surf in Las Terrenas.
To relax and unwind, have a cozy night in and make the most out of the property’s fast internet and Netflix or head to Hotel Atlantis next door to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen was fully equipped even with a dishwasher excellent wifi connectionCleanliness:
house was spotlessly cleanit was clean beautiful and had everything we neededspectacular place beach front clean and cozyit was very clean and has everything you needit’s super clean and we had everything we neededHost:
people are welcoming and helpfulthank you for hosting usbirgit was a lovely host and very accommodatingbirgit is a great hostbrigit was a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location is excellent with many restaurants just steps from the housevery nice stay privileged location far from noisy citysuperb location beautiful spot in punta bonita just 3 mins walking from the best beach in terrenasamazing location and easy going hostshad a great time everything about the house and location was perfect
9. Cozy cottage with ocean view, Las Terrenas (from USD 138)
Rejuvenate your senses with the calming sounds of rolling waves while staying in this charming cottage nestled in the heart of Las Terrenas with the beach as your backyard. Both Playa Coson and Playa Bonita are within 9 km (5.59 mi) from this property, so avid surf-goers will have multiple options to catch some waves.
Sit back and relax on the patio with the breeze flowing through you or soak up the sun while swimming in the second-floor pool. If you’re a foodie, this location is perfect as it is surrounded by many great restaurants.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
plenty of closet storage nice views from upper balcony great water pressure in the showerbarely used the ac at night but it worked great as did wifialso you can enjoy the pool with ocean viewthe pool was the perfect place for a midday cool offwe love the small poolCleanliness:
the villa is extremely clean and well keptcondo was well appointed clean and spacious and the backyard was a definite bonusthe space was clean and had everything we needed and morethe house is beautiful and clean and everything is set up to make your stay a relaxed visitthe house is super convenient cozy and cleanHost:
amazing home and great hostcarlos is a great hostcarlos is extremely responsivecarlos was so attentive and eager to ensure that our vacation was perfectcarlos and anny are excellent hosts who provided timely communication to usRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location next to all the restaurants and steps away from the beachi loved staying at the central villagebeautiful location highly recommend staying hereexcellent beach front location loved iti highly recommend villa central was phenomenal
10. Airy villa with modern design, Playa Encuentro (from USD 179)
Boasting a sophisticated contemporary design, this gated modern villa was built by a Hollywood producer right at the heart of Playa Encuentro, one of the most sought-after surfing destinations. Here, surfers can find the ideal right-hand reef breaks, best enjoyed early in the morning. There are even surf schools to sharpen their skills. The world-famous Cabarete Beach is also around an 18-minute drive away.
Stepping into the spacious interior, the open-concept living area, kitchen, and dining set meet an imposing wall of glass that lets in plenty of natural light. It overlooks the outdoor pool and lounge area where you can laze around in your downtime.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house itself is very nice architecturally though some of the interiors need upgrading (primarily the kitchen)Cleanliness:
it was super spacious and cleanthe property is well lived in but clean and well keptthe place was wonderful clean and the description was very accuratehouse is as described private clean roomy classyHost:
great host and great placeamazing she was extremely helpfulhost was responsive with any questions about our stay and easy to communicate withthank you kristy for being responsive and a wonderful hostkristy was also a great host recommending amazing places to eat that were not too farRead more reviewsLocation:
it is in a great location for a surf trip just a few minutes walk awaygreat house in a fantastic location if you’re looking to spend time at encuentro beach like we werehad a great stay in sosua great location and very close to a nice restaurant at encuentro surf lodgehouse is absolutely amazing and in a great locationwe all enjoyed the location and the home
Experience the exhilarating Caribbean waves
The challenging waves and picturesque beaches of The Dominican Republic await to be explored. To keep yourself recharged and refreshed throughout your trip, make sure to pick the perfect place to stay. Luckily for you, there are plenty of attractive accommodations scattered close to the best beaches to surf. Pack your surfboards and choose your ideal getaway spot from this list of the best places to surf and stay in The Dominican Republic!
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