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Beach · Boca Chica, Província de Santo Domingo
Playa Boca Chica
A bay of shallow, transparent water protected by a reef, with light sand, fried‑fish stalls and the islets of La Matica and Los Pinos in front: Santo Domingo’s beach.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa Boca Chica
Playa Boca Chica occupies a wide bay on the southern coast, closed off by a coral barrier that breaks the waves before they reach the sand. The result is a kind of natural pool of warm, shallow water where you can walk tens of meters with the water at waist level. The sand is light and fine, with coconut palms and almond trees providing shade in some stretches.
Off the beach lie two small mangrove‑covered islets, La Matica and Los Pinos, which can be reached by boat or kayak. The western part of the bay concentrates hotels and clubs; the central area is the most popular, with stalls serving fried fish, tostones, lobster and cold coconut; the eastern waterfront is calmer.
Being only minutes from the capital and the airport, Boca Chica is Santo Domingo’s weekend beach. On Saturdays and Sundays there is music, vendors and many people; on weekdays the pace is much slower. It is an urban beach, with the town center directly behind it.
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 or a full day.
Best time
In the morning, when the water is clearer and the sand still has space. Monday to Friday the beach is much quieter than on weekends. The dry season, from December to April, usually has cleaner seas.
How to get there
The beach is in the center of Boca Chica, south of Rua Duarte. From Santo Domingo, follow the Las Américas highway for about 30 km; Las Américas airport is just a few minutes away.
Tip
Agree beforehand on the price of chairs, umbrellas and boat trips, which are offered on the sand. Bring water shoes if you plan to walk near the reef, where there are rocks and sea urchins.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa Boca Chica
Is the water at Boca Chica shallow?
Yes. Because of the reef, the bay is shallow and calm, and you can walk far out to sea with waist‑deep water.
Can you reach the islets in front?
Yes, by boat or kayak offered on the beach. La Matica and Los Pinos are small and covered in mangrove.
Is there food available on the sand?
Yes. The stalls serve fried fish, tostones, lobster and drinks, and there are restaurants on Rua Duarte, right behind.