Battle of the Beach: Why Dominican Republic Has Won This Category For Us In The Past & How That May Change
- Rachael Jackson
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Hey, friends! 👋 It’s Rae, and welcome back to my family travel series! After kicking things off with my introduction, I’m so excited to dive into one of the biggest questions I get asked about all the time: Mexico vs. the Dominican Republic. Both destinations are among the most popular for family all-inclusive vacations, but when it comes to deciding which is best for your crew, it can feel a little overwhelming, right?
I totally get it—choosing between these two beautiful places can be tough. So, today, we’re going to break it down and compare the two in detail. After all, you want your vacation to be as stress-free as possible (because, let’s face it, life with kids can be stressful enough already!).
Let’s get into it!
Battle of the Beach: Why Dominican Republic Has Won This Category For Us In The Past & How That May Change
If you’re dreaming of gorgeous beaches, amazing resorts, and family-friendly activities, both Mexico and the Dominican Republic are top contenders. But let me tell you something that I’ve learned from personal experience—when it comes to all-inclusive resort beaches, the Dominican Republic has hands down some of the best I’ve ever seen.
Picture this: long stretches of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and the kind of beach that makes you want to kick off your shoes and never leave. Dominican Republic's Bavaro Beach, in particular, is known for its sapphire-colored water and endless coastline, perfect for those relaxing walks along the shore or family water activities. If beach quality is at the top of your list, then Punta Cana is the winner, no question about it.
Why Bavaro Beach Wins (In Our Opinion)
There’s a reason Bavaro Beach is the epitome of beach vacations. It’s wide, the sand is soft and powdery, and the water is warm with that signature tropical blue hue that makes it look like something out of a postcard. The Dominican Republic beach scene, especially around Punta Cana, feels like a paradise where every corner is picture-perfect. The shores stretch endlessly, so you’ll never feel crowded, even at the larger resorts. This makes it the go-to choice for beach lovers, especially those who want to spend the day basking in the sun and wading through warm waters.
And let's not forget the resorts here—many of them are literally right on the beach. You’re never far from the waves crashing softly onto the shore, and many resorts, like those in Bavaro Beach, even offer beachside service where you can sip cocktails while your feet are buried in the sand.
The Riviera Maya—Beautiful but with a Twist
Now, don’t get me wrong—Riviera Maya has some beautiful spots, especially when you head further south toward Tulum. The beaches here are stunning and perfect for those looking for a more boho-chic vibe. But if we’re comparing the two, Riviera Maya resorts, particularly those in Playa del Carmen and Playacar, can sometimes face issues like beach erosion and you might not get those wide, expansive shores that you’ll find in Punta Cana. Some of the beaches in Playa del Carmen and Playacar are narrower and don’t offer that endless stretch of sand you get in Bavaro Beach.
Many resorts along the Riviera Maya also have more rocky shores or shallow waters that can limit the kinds of water activities you might be interested in, like snorkeling or paddleboarding. If you’re looking for wide, beautiful beaches that seem to go on forever, the Riviera Maya doesn’t quite deliver in the same way that Punta Cana does.
2022 Checking out the Bahia Principe Tulum Resort Beach in Riviera Maya
The New Mexican Beach Contender: Costa Mujeres
Now, here’s where things get interesting. There’s a new hotspot for beach lovers in Mexico, and that is Costa Mujeres, just a short drive from Cancún. The beaches here are pristine, with soft sand, clear water, and a more tranquil vibe compared to the busier Cancun beaches. We’re heading there next month, so stay tuned for an update on whether Costa Mujeres can give Punta Cana a run for its money in the beach department.
Could Costa Mujeres be the new beach winner in Mexico? I’ll let you know once we experience it firsthand, but for now, Dominican Republic’s Bavaro Beach is still our top choice for beach lovers.
The Verdict (For Now)
If pristine beaches are a key consideration for your family vacation, Punta Cana definitely stands out with its untouched, beautiful shores. However, don't overlook the Riviera Maya, as its pools are equally, if not more, impressive. For instance, the lazy river at Grand Sirenis will have you feeling like you're floating on air—or water.
But as for now, Dominican Republic still holds the crown for beach quality in our family’s book, though we’re curious to see if Costa Mujeres might change that. Stay tuned for my review on that next month!Until then, what do you think? Have you been to Bavaro Beach or Riviera Maya? Or do you think Costa Mujerescould become the new beach hotspot? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I love hearing from fellow beach lovers! 🌊🌞
Until next time,Rachael 💕
But wait—before I sign off, I can’t forget to mention Cuba! Let's be honest, when it comes to beaches, no one can beat Cuba. We consistently traveled there for many years (and loved it), but had a bad experience in 2018 after Hurricane Irma hit the country, so we haven't ventured back.
We do have family who still head there annually and love it, so don't count it out, but right now for us, it’s not the most ideal destination for a family vacation. I’ll be diving deeper into our experiences in a separate Cuba post eventually, so stay tuned for that one!
Until Next Time, Happy Travels! 🌴
I agree with PC but you will have to venture to Aruba which will make both scote poorly. Happy travels!.