The gorgeous coastline west of Barahona is the region's premier attraction, yet it remains virtually undiscovered by outsiders. The first major beach spot is Baoruco, 15km west of Barahona along Highway 44, a tiny fishing village with the best hotel in the Barahona region, Casa Bonita (phone 809/696-0215, fax 223-0548; US$50-75), with great views, a patio with a swimming pool and an elegant restaurant.

Fie kilometers beyond Baoruco, pueblo San Rafael holds an enticing beach, if one with a strong, crashing surf. Fortunately, a waterfall thrums down the nearby mountains and forms a natural swimming pool at the entrance. Paraiso, another 5km to the west, is the biggest town along this stretch, but still doesn't boast much in the way of facilities. It does have a long strand of superb sandy beach, along which stands Hotel Paraiso (phone  809/243-1080; up to US$25), a decent place to stay for the night.

A better beach lies yet 5km further west, in Los Patos, where the ocean is joined again by a river descending from the mountains to form a freshwater swimming pool. The beach, surrounded with dense mangroves, stays pretty active throughout the week, and beach vendors are set up to take care of most visitors' needs. The one hotel, Virginia, Calle Peatonal (no phone; up to US$25), is pretty basic with private cold-water bath and no toilet seats.

Dominican Republic
     travel guide

Dominican Republic
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Entry requirements
Money and costs
Getting around
Food and drink
Communications
Crime and safety
Brief history
Best of DR
Info and maps
diving, surfing
Festivals, holidays

Explore Dominican Republic

Barahona
Barahona
The City
East of Barahona
San Cristóbal
San José de Ocóa
West of Barahona

Bayahibe
Bayahibe
travel info

Boca Chica                 
Boca de Yuma

Cabarete
Cabarete
Windsurfing
Restaurants
Sports outfitters

Cibao
Cibao
Explore Cibao 
Cordillera Central

Explore Cordillera Central
Jarabocoa
Jarabocoa
Arrial & accommodation
Restaurants,  
     tour operators