One Of The Best Beaches In The Caribbean Is A Budget-Friendly Pebble-Lined Surf Haven With Cold Beer

Resting on the southwestern side of the Dominican Republic, there is a beach that sets itself apart from other sandy shores of the Caribbean. Here, a beautiful river flows into the ocean, offering crystal-clear waters as large waves welcome surfers from around the world and smooth pebbles pile upon its shore. It's no wonder Playa Los Patos (Los Patos Beach) is often considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

As the island nation's shortest waterway at only 200 feet, the Los Patos River cools the waters along this beach. That's because it's spring-fed and flows directly into the Caribbean. The river creates a natural freshwater pool just before it enters the ocean. While Playa Los Patos may not be the legendary surfing capital of Haleiwa, the turquoise waters further out lure many surfers to its waves. However, it's important to understand that only experienced swimmers and surfers should enter the deeper areas. Even with lifeguards standing by, the strong surf and tricky currents can make for a dangerous environment for the unprepared.

However, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do out of the water. Be sure to check out these essential hacks for your Caribbean vacation: Bring a chair and wear water shoes to avoid the pebbles underfoot. You'll also want to have plenty of sunscreen handy and an umbrella, since there is no natural shade near the water. It's also a perfect location to enjoy some local cuisine. Vendors are positioned along the nearby boardwalk offering plenty of cold cerveza (beer), Dominican food, and souvenirs at reasonable prices.

While the beach gets most of the attention in Los Patos, there's much more to experience here in the Barahona province of the Dominican Republic. Just a short walk away from the water, caves full of Taíno petroglyphs offer visitors a glimpse into the island's history before the arrival of European settlers. The Taíno people, the island's original inhabitants, left delicate pieces of art depicting their ancient stories, and they are still viewable today.

Nearby in the town of Paraíso, plenty of affordable accommodations are available. Ranging from large hotels to smaller, private guesthouses, there's an overnight stay available for any budget. There are also a number of restaurants, shops, and even a spa to make the most of your visit to this island paradise. Remember, when making your plans, it's important to know when it is the worst time to visit the Caribbean islands. Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June through November, so be sure to check the forecast before traveling to ensure a storm doesn't dampen the experience.

Playa Los Patos is open 24 hours a day and is less crowded on weekdays, since locals tend to gather in large groups on the weekends. For international travelers, the most convenient way to reach Los Patos is via Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ). Car rentals and buses both provide transportation to Los Patos from Santo Domingo, which is 155 miles away. While there is plenty of parking at the beach, a small cash-only parking fee applies.