Playa Caleton — Attraction in undefined

It’s got beautiful & emerald crystalclear water with jungles. From Cabarete, it takes 45 minutes to get to Caletón. They serve wonderful, Wonderful ice cream, which I buy, not timidly. Piña Colada is always excellent, just like today I’ve ordered it. The water of this side of Atlantica is very salty, I treated my running nose very fine, actually. Trip on boat costs $20 (1 person) to: Natural Pool “Piscina Natural”, jungles, and under caves. Wherever - I have desire to take a swim under those caves, but there is so-so deep, and it’s not allowed to snorkel. Be careful, when you get into the boat - it’s problematic, the crew helps me, always, when I take this wonderful excursion, and I know - I gotta lose Weight. They have parking, yes. They, also, have restrooms. They have good menú, I order all along French fries and fried chicken (it’s their “Dominican “KFC””). Catamaran costs, for 4 hours, $750, and I believe - it’s cheap yet. You can notice horses, when arriving to the Caletón and leaving the beach. I, even, like the smell of gasoline, when we go by the boat, honestly. We’re very lucky for this spot...

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Playa Caletón – Still Beautiful, But No Longer a Secret

Playa Caletón near Río San Juan used to be my hidden paradise. A small, stunning beach with crystal-clear, wave-free water that’s perfect for families. Sadly, the secret is out. On weekends, it gets absolutely packed with buses from all over the Dominican Republic. Because it’s a small beach, just a couple of buses can make it feel overrun. On a recent Sunday, we got there early but still had to settle for the rocky coral side, which is less comfortable and has a slight smell. Getting into the water means walking over large rocks, but once you’re in—it’s still paradise.

As an American, litter really bothers me, and unfortunately, the increase in crowds has led to more trash on the beach and even in the water. I found myself constantly picking up litter and bringing it ashore in my own bag. I wish everyone respected this space the way it deserves.

That said—weekdays (Monday–Thursday) are still magical. The beach is quiet, clean, and breathtaking. Locals will set up your table anywhere you like—even in the water! You can enjoy freshly cooked seafood: fish, lobster, shrimp—seasoned with love and served right on the beach. Drinks are delivered to your spot, and vendors pass by offering ice cream and floaties for the kids. I always come prepared, but it’s nice to know what’s available.

Bathrooms are simple—remember, this is the Dominican Republic, not a first-world country—but they’re serviceable. There’s a small fee to use them, which is standard.

Travel Tip: If you’re driving from Cabarete or Puerto Plata, don’t miss the famous queso store along the way! It’s a family-run shop with delicious fresh cheese and must-try garlic galleticas. Worth the stop every time.

I’m happy for the locals benefiting from tourism, but a little sad for myself—this beach used to be a peaceful secret. Now it’s something you have to plan carefully around. Go on a weekday if you want to enjoy the Caletón I fell in love with.

Spanish-en español ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Playa Caletón – Aún hermosa, pero el secreto ya se descubrió

Playa Caletón, cerca de Río San Juan, solía ser mi paraíso escondido. Una playa pequeña, con aguas cristalinas, sin olas y perfecta para familias. Lamentablemente, ya no es un secreto. Los fines de semana se llena de autobuses que llegan de todo el país. Como la playa es pequeña, con solo dos o tres autobuses ya se siente sobrepoblada. En mi última visita, llegamos temprano un domingo, pero ya estaba llena. Terminamos en el lado con coral, que huele un poco y es incómodo para entrar al agua por las piedras grandes. Aun así, una vez en el agua, sigue siendo una maravilla.

Como americana, me molesta ver basura, y con tanta gente, es común ver desechos en la arena y en el agua. Pasé buena parte del tiempo recogiendo basura y poniéndola en mi propia bolsa para sacarla. Me duele ver un lugar tan hermoso maltratado.

Dicho esto, de lunes a jueves sigue siendo un paraíso. Tranquilo, limpio y espectacular. Los locales te arman una mesa donde quieras, ¡hasta dentro del agua si así lo deseas! Puedes disfrutar de mariscos frescos—pescado, langosta, camarones—cocinados en el momento, con ese sabor dominicano casero. También te llevan las bebidas a tu mesa, y pasan vendedores con helados y flotadores para los niños. Yo fui preparada con todo, pero es bueno...

Protected from the surf by guards rocks, it is a small cove with clear blue waters leading to a fantastic little beach, sandy and sunny. The sand runs into the surrounding trees, where there is plenty of shade. They will bring a practical table and chairs out for your group, and you can post up and order beverages if you didn't bring any. Be sure to try the menu. Our red snapper, and lagostino were very fresh, and the pulpo is authentic! It can be busy, but the shoulder seasons are a good time to visit. Generally, Sundays will be busier. Bring pesos for the lavatory (it's literally pennies to use, and supports some of the folks who work there) *Note the tide was in at the time...