BEST OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: PLAYA RINCON & LAS GALERAS

Trip from Las Terrenas to Playa Rincon
Ranked as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Rincón’s whopping five kilometers (3 miles) of pristine, undeveloped white sand beach lining a bay of calm turquoise waters, peppered with coconut trees, captures every visitor’s eye. A mere 15-minute drive from Las Galeras, or a quick boat ride away, this is one of the most visited stretches on the Samaná Peninsula, boasting postcard-perfect tropical scenery. One side of the beach has docile and calm waters for snorkeling and sunbathing, while the northern side has rolling waves for bodysurfing fun. Enjoy freshly caught fish on the beach from a couple of seafront casual restaurants, or from fire-hearth cook shops, all enjoyed on picnic tables
Those who wander east find empty stretches, more wave action and the Cano Frío River. Locals cool off here in freshwater amid dense mangroves, while Dominican women serve fish and rice 'n’ beans cooked over an open-fire hearth. There are excursions to Playa Rincón by boat and quad bike. Kayaks and snorkel gear are available for rent. The beach is even more spectacular after 2 p.m., when the majority of day-trippers leave.
 
Our afternoon on Playa Rincon was relaxing. We sat on the sand, took a few dips in the water and ate fresh fish at one of the little fish shacks along the beach. It was truly amazing how few people there were at Playa Rincon even though tourism is so important economically to Las Galeras.