San Rafael Beach: Where River Meets the Sea
Discover Playa San Rafael in Paraíso, Dominican Republic: Where the river meets the sea, offering a unique blend of fresh and saltwater experiences, vibrant beach culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Playa San Rafael, nestled in the Barahona province of the Dominican Republic, is a captivating beach where the cool, clear waters of the San Rafael River meet the turquoise Caribbean Sea. This unique setting offers visitors a refreshing blend of fresh and saltwater experiences. The beach is characterized by its smooth, white pebbles and the lively atmosphere created by both locals and tourists. Popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, San Rafael provides a picturesque escape with its lush palm trees, nearby eateries serving authentic Dominican cuisine, and stunning sunset views. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and recreation in a stunning natural setting. The beach is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
A brief summary to Playa San Rafael
- 2VH7+V9C, Paraiso, 81000, DO
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy a quieter beach experience before the crowds arrive.
- Bring water shoes to comfortably navigate the pebble beach and riverbed.
- Negotiate prices with motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) drivers before starting your ride.
- Try the local fried fish with tostones (fried plantains) from nearby vendors for an authentic taste of Dominican cuisine.
- Be cautious when swimming in the sea due to strong waves and currents; the river offers calmer waters.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Barahona, head to the local bus terminal (central de autobuses) and look for a bus heading towards Paraíso. Buses typically depart every 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes and costs around 50 Dominican Pesos. Once in Paraíso, you can take a motorcycle taxi (motoconcho) or walk the remaining 3 km to Playa San Rafael. Negotiate the motoconcho fare beforehand, which should be around 150-200 Dominican Pesos.
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Driving
From Barahona, head southwest on Avenida 27 de Febrero towards Calle Luperon. Continue to follow Avenida 27 de Febrero for about 2.5 km. Turn right onto Carretera Barahona-Paraiso (also known as Carretera 44) and continue for about 22 km. Once you reach Paraíso, look for the signs directing you to Playa San Rafael. There is no entrance fee for the beach, but parking may be available for a small fee.
Discover more about Playa San Rafael
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hotel Daymond Blue
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Hotel Yamir
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Unmissable attractions to see
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San Rafael Beach
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Los Patos beach
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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