Playa El Quemaito: A Favorite Local Beach in the South
After nearly nine years of calling Barahona home in the south of the Dominican Republic, Boscolo and I often find ourselves dispelling the common misconception that our days are solely spent basking in the sun on the beaches of the south. While the reality may differ, we actively try to escape the routine and enjoy this beautiful place we call home. Among the variety of beaches and rivers that are abundant in this region, there's one hidden spot that has become our go-to beach retreat—Playa El Quemaito.
What to expect at Playa El Quemaito?
The name "Quemaito" holds an interesting significance. Derived from the Spanish word "quemar," meaning "to burn," Quemaito pays homage to the sun-drenched area. If you stay out in the sun without proper protection, you will “quemar”! Don’t worry, there are a few shade options at Quemaito Beach that we will share with you.
A ROCKY BEACH
After admiring the gorgeous blue sea, you will quickly see that the beach consists entirely of smooth pebbles, a characteristic shared by most of the beaches in the south of the Dominican Republic. If you're not used to this type of beach, it might come as a surprise, but give it a shot – you might find it surprisingly enjoyable. Wearing shoes is crucial for a comfortable stroll along the beach, and it's recommended to use water shoes in the water. The advantage of a pebble beach is the absence of sand getting everywhere!
THE OCEAN
The main reason we love Playa El Quemaito is the ocean. The water is refreshing, not cold, and the waves break near the reef, creating a calm shoreline with minimal waves. While in the water, the view towards the coast is breathtaking – hills of Bahoruco, the coast lined with palm trees on one side, and across the bay towards Barahona, you'll see stunning mountains in the distance.
Quemaito Beach is also a great place to snorkel. The crystal-clear, calm water is perfect for catching a glimpse of fish, coral an other sea life.
Photo credit: McCann Made Design CoA word of caution: it's important to wear water shoes in the ocean. There's coral present, and you might encounter a sea urchin or two. So, watch your step and be mindful of your surroundings.
WHERE TO SET UP
A recently remodeled boardwalk at Quemaito features numerous wooden casitas, each serving as a restaurant with corresponding tables and umbrellas. This setup means you don't have to bake in the sun if you don’t want to. Upon taking a seat at a table, a waiter or waitress will give you a menu for their restaurant. If you order food from them, the table fee is waived. However, if you choose to sit at a table with your own food, they'll charge you for table usage.
Quemaito is one of my favorite places to enjoy a plate of fried fish and tostones (fried plantains), with an ice-cold Presidente beer, locally known as vestida de novia (wedding dress).
If you prefer a more secluded experience away from people, there are a few trees on both the left and right sides of the parking area. You can find some shade there and create your own private beach retreat.
RESTROOMS
You might be curious if there are bathrooms in this remote spot. The answer is yes. The Dominican government has recently allocated funds to refurbish the boardwalk, small houses, and restrooms in the area, ensuring everything is well-maintained. There could be a small fee, around 10 pesos, for toilet paper. There is usually a woman sitting outside of the door to collect the free. To avoid this, you can bring your own toilet paper.
SAFETY
We have always felt safe at Playa El Quemaito. We usually stick around where there are more people. Use common sense, don’t leave your belongings out in the open, and be cautious about walking away from it. Lately, we've noticed more Tourism Police (PoliTur) walking along the beach. If they see a foreigner, they often come over to check on your well-being.
How To Get to Playa El Quemaito?
