Playa Macao — Attraction in Higüey

I actually can't believe that the person setting up excursions at the resort recommended this beach. The locals have completely taken over this beach, and since there didn't appear to be a police presence here at all, the locals have turned this beach into a hustle.

We drove a rental car there, and immediately upon arriving, there were two young teen boys with cones set up blocking the entrance to the PUBLIC parking lot of the beach. The teen boys were basically looking to get money to let you pass, as well as sell you an ATV excursion courtesy of their street hustle company. I told them I wasn't interested in the ATV excursion, and they moved the cones to allow me to pass.

As you walk down to the beach, which is not even a city block walking distance, there are more teens trying to sell trinkets, pictures with parrots, and access to the beach chairs. As you walk onto the beach, the teens have chairs and umbrellas set up and they'll run down to charge you $12 to rent the chairs while you're there. I had to ask a few other families if they actually paid to sit in their chairs, which they all did.

The beach itself was beautiful but we didn't really enjoy it with kids hovering over us trying to hustle a dollar.

When you leave, you walk past a public restroom and shower to rinse off and guess what? Yep, the locals are charging to use that also. Ridiculous.

Back at the car, the two teens we first encountered tried to tell us we needed to tip them to leave. After not so politely asking them to move out my way, they moved the cones, and we left.

Bottom line is that this is a BEAUTIFUL beach that the locals have managed to turn into a not so pleasant...

We were here in July, which is an amazing time to visit to get hot weather and very warm ocean temps. The water was very clear, no seaweed as we experienced farther south at Bavaro beach. We came via taxi from the Majestic Colonial hotel. The Expedia rep was nice, but he tried to tell us it would cost $70usd to get there, and that we'd be better served taking a tour, which we didn't want to do as we ride ATVs and buggy's at home in Canada, and frankly we wanted beach time not time in a hot buggy. Anyhow, hubby asked a taxi driver how much to Macao beach and he said $15 (each way). Hubby confirmed "uno - cinqo?" (1 - 5?) and he said Si. After we got to the beach and paid him $17, he said he would wait for us. Ok, his choice. We stayed about 3 hours, a friendly guy rented us chairs and an umbrella for $10usd, we didn't eat as we brought water and snacks. Had a great time, not much fish to see snorkelling (to the right of the beach) but I did see 2 different rays, which was awesome! When it was time to go, there was our taxi driver ready to go. As we drove away, in his broken English he said No no, not $15, $25. We had some discussion but lacked communication skills. We didn't have quite that much and thought he was maybe trying to just get more, and when we got back to the hotel and we only had enuf money to give him $45 total, he was ok with that. It all ended well enough, but if you decide to take a taxi, make sure you know for sure how much it will cost! Was...

Playa Macao Beach is an absolute gem that left me awe-inspired during my visit. The moment I stepped onto the powdery white sands and felt the gentle breeze, I knew I had found paradise. The natural beauty of the beach, with its untouched coastline and crystal-clear waters, was simply breathtaking.

What made my experience even better was the sense of tranquility that Playa Macao Beach offered. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches in the area, this hidden oasis provided a serene escape where I could truly unwind and soak up the sun in peace.

The waves were perfect for both swimming and surfing, catering to a variety of interests. The golden opportunity to ride the waves while surrounded by such stunning surroundings was an experience I'll cherish.

The local vendors and their fresh coconut water and tasty treats added an authentic touch to the beach visit. Interacting with the friendly locals and indulging in their offerings only enhanced my appreciation for the warm and welcoming culture.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a chance to connect with nature, Playa Macao Beach has it all. It's a haven that invites you to experience the true essence of Punta Cana's coastal beauty. I wholeheartedly recommend this beach to anyone looking for an unforgettable and...