Playa Sosúa is the main beach, and practically a city within a city. Located on a crescent-shaped bay with calm, turquoise waters, this narrowing (due to erosion) stretch of sand is backed by palm trees and a seemingly endless row of souvenir vendors, restaurants, bars and even manicurists. The crowds of Dominican families and long-term visitors staying in local hotels and condos make this lively beach a great place for people-watching.

Snorkel gear is available for rent (two hours RD$400, includes life jacket and bread for the fish). Israeli flags lining the entrance point to Sosúa's legacy as a haven for Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sosúa attractions

1. Playa Alicia

0.24 MILES

An ordinary and wide patch of brownish-yellow sand (no shade) lapped by calm waters, Playa Alicia has steadily grown and been 'replenished' since its…

2. Museo de la Comunidad Judía de Sosúa

0.27 MILES

This museum has exhibits with Spanish and English text describing the Jewish presence in the DR. At the multinational Evian conference in 1938 the DR was…

3. Playa Encuentro

4.77 MILES

Four kilometers west of town. The place to go for surfing, though top windsurfers and kitesurfers sometimes come to take advantage of the larger waves…

4. Kite Beach

6.11 MILES

Two kilometers west of town. A sight to behold on windy days, when scores of kiters of all skill levels negotiate huge sails and 30m lines amid the waves…

5. Bozo Beach

6.3 MILES

On the western downwind side of Playa Cabarete, and so named because of all the beginner windsurfers and kitesurfers who don’t yet know how to tack upwind…

6. Parque Nacional El Choco

6.53 MILES

The famous caves of Parque Nacional El Choco are ensconced in the foothills of the Cordillera Septentrional, among 77 sq km of pastureland, lagoon, jungle…

7. Playa Cabarete

7.19 MILES

Main beach in front of town. Ideal for watching windsurfing, though the very best windsurfers are well offshore at the reef line. Look for them performing…

8. Brugal Rum Plant

9.99 MILES

The country's most famous rum distillery offers 30-minute tours from a 2nd-floor gangway, during which visitors learn the history and process of rum…