Playa Boca Chica

Playa Boca Chica Review

You can walk far out into warm, calm, clear waters protected by coral reefs here. On weekends, the strip with the rest of the midrise resorts is busy, drawing mainly Dominican families and some Europeans. But midweek is better, when the beaches are less crowded. Sadly, on the public beach you will be pestered and hounded by a parade of roving sellers of cheap jewelry and sunglasses, hair braiders, seafood cookers, ice-cream men, and masseuses (who are usually peddling more than a simple beach massage). Young male prostitutes also roam the beach and often hook up with older European and Cuban men. The best section of the public beach is in front of Don Emilio's (the blue hotel), which has a restaurant, bar, decent bathrooms, and parking. Better, go to one of the nicer waterfront restaurants—Boca Marina Restaurat & Lounge, El Pelicano,

Neptuno's Club,—and skip the public beach altogether. Amenities: Food and drink; toilets; parking.

Best For: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.