Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Beach · Uvero Alto, La Altagracia
Playa de Macao
A long beach of golden sand and blue sea open to the Atlantic, surrounded by low cliffs and coconut palms, between Bávaro and Uvero Alto, with waves for surfing.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa de Macao
Playa Macao is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Dominican east coast and one of the few in the region that still retain stretches without hotels in front. The sand is golden, wide and soft, and the sea, open to the Atlantic, has a darker blue than reef‑protected beaches, with constant waves.
The waves make Macao the surf beach of Punta Cana: schools on the sand rent boards and give lessons to beginners. At the ends, low stone cliffs and vegetation close the cove and serve as a viewpoint. In the middle of the beach there are fishermen's stalls that prepare fish and seafood, and quad and buggy tours that depart from Bávaro also arrive there.
Because of the waves and currents, swimming requires caution on days with a stronger sea. The beach is public, with access via a road that leads off the highway between Bávaro and Uvero Alto.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the quad and buggy tours arrive, which usually show up mid‑morning. The sea is typically calmer from May to August.
How to get there
It is about 15 km north of Bávaro, roughly a 25‑minute drive, via an access road off the coastal highway. From Uvero Alto it's only a few minutes.
Tip
Respect the flags and the instructions of lifeguards and surf schools about the currents. Carry cash for the fish stalls, which do not always accept cards.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa de Macao
Does Playa Macao have waves?
Yes, it is open to the Atlantic and has waves almost all year; it is the region's surf beach.
Can you go from Bávaro to Playa Macao?
Yes, it's about a 25‑minute trip by car, taxi or quad tour.
Is there anywhere to eat at Playa Macao?
Yes, fishermen's stalls on the sand serve fried fish and seafood.