Boca Chica

Travel Guide
Dominican Republic showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Just east of the Dominican capital, this city is perfect for families and partygoers alike, with island tours, shallow beaches and a lively nightlife.

Bask in the sun and dance to the music of Boca Chica. This popular Caribbean city is just 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, making it a convenient place to get away from the bustle of the big city. Swim in the shallow Boca Chica Beach, browse the boardwalk or join in the nightlife that continues until dawn. 

The sizeable Boca Chica municipality began to flourish in the 1950s when hotels were built under the order of Rafael Trujillo, former ruler of the Dominican Republic. Its incredible white-sand coastline and nearby islands made it an immediate tourist hit, especially on weekends. Visit the historic Hotel Hamaca, a former asylum for a famed Cuban revolutionist and now an icon for the city. 

Listen to music, snack on street food and swim in the warm waters of Boca Chica Beach. Wade out into the shallow sea and cool off away from the hot Caribbean sun. Water levels barely get above waist height, making this a great place to bring young kids. 

Try some of the city’s watersports. Jet Ski, snorkel or kayak around the bay. Spot marine life and enjoy the views of the coastline as you go. Take an island tour and visit the secluded beaches of Los Pinos and La Matica. Back on Boca Chica Beach, take a horseback ride down the beach at sunset.

Along the promenade, buy snacks such as fried fish, drink from a coconut or get your hair braided. Shops along the boardwalk sell souvenirs and clothing at affordable prices. Purchase cigars or local music CDs as gifts to take home. 

Eat dinner with the musical accompaniment of Merengue beats along Calle Duarte, a pedestrian street near the beach. Later in the night, party crowds replace families as clubs open their doors. Under the protection of patrolling police, mingle with locals and dance in open-air bars until dawn. 

Boca Chica is a 1-hour journey from Santo Domingo by car, bus or taxi. Get around the compact beach community on foot.

Where to stay in Boca Chica

My view 😍

La Caleta

While visiting La Caleta, you might make a stop by sights like Dream Casino Be Live Hamaca and La Caleta Park.

La Caleta
Dominican Republic featuring general coastal views

Reparto Ibarra

3.5/5(33 area reviews)

While Reparto Ibarra isn't home to many top sights, Boca Chica Beach and Nautical Club of Santo Domingo are some notable places to visit nearby.

Reparto Ibarra
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Altos De Chavon

While Altos De Chavon isn't home to many top sights, Boca Chica Beach and Nautical Club of Santo Domingo are some notable places to visit nearby.

Altos De Chavon
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Los Coquitos

Los Coquitos might not have many top sights, but Boca Chica Beach and La Caleta Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Los Coquitos
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Bella Vista

While there might not be top attractions in Bella Vista, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Boca Chica Beach and Caucedo Port.

Bella Vista
whala! boca chica - All inclusive
whala! boca chica - All inclusive
3 out of 5
Avenida Abraham Núñez, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo
The price is NT$2,627 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
NT$2,627
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star beach property in Boca Chica. Enjoy free breakfast, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
6.4/10 (1,312 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

whala! boca chica - All inclusive
Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo Airport
Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo Airport
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Las Américas, Km27, Boca Chica
The price is NT$4,052 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$4,052
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Boca Chica. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
"Quiet relax place safe"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo Airport
Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto Santo Domingo
Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto Santo Domingo
4 out of 5
KM 22 Autopista Las Americas, next to Las Americas Free Zn, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo
The price is NT$2,972 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
NT$2,972
per night
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boca Chica. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (832 reviews)
Average night, cheap hotel
"A very average hotel. Breakfast was ok and rooms were very humid/musty."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto Santo Domingo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vista Marina Residence
Vista Marina Residence
3 out of 5
Calle Duarte 6, Santo Domingo, Boca Chica
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Boca Chica. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Popular attractions Boca Chica Beach and La Matica ...
8/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Clean."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Vista Marina Residence
CASA TROPICAL  RD
CASA TROPICAL RD
3 out of 5
30 Prolongacion Juan Bautista Vicini, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Boca Chica. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Boca Chica Beach and La Matica Island are ...
CASA TROPICAL RD
KSL Residence
KSL Residence
3.5 out of 5
Ave Juan Bautista Vicini, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Boca Chica. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Boca Chica Beach and La Matica Island ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"Hey good afternoon, I had a great stay at this hotel. Very nice friendly was there whenever I needed anything place was clean the area was nice one two blocks away from the beach beach was awesome. The hotel was great big thank you to them for the wonderful hospitality it’s a great vacationing home ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

KSL Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Boca Chica

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
150
" "5 - Excellent 23.734177215189874%
4 - Good
231
" "4 - Good 36.550632911392405%
3 - Okay
143
" "3 - Okay 22.626582278481013%
2 - Disappointing
43
" "2 - Disappointing 6.80379746835443%
1 - Terrible
65
" "1 - Terrible 10.284810126582279%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 20, 2020

Beach is beautiful but it could've been cleaner. Not many space to walk around as some of the business are way to close to the shore. You can't barely walk around certain areas. Too many prostitutes and pot smokers, especially at night time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 5, 2020

I love, love, love Boca Chica and hope to make it home one day.

1/5 - Terrible

ND-SC
Mar 25, 2020

The beach was so dirty, it was not even a real beach. Wild dogs, plastics bags and bottles IN the water. Beach is facing an industrial port or factory. View was scary.

5/5 - Excellent

Hoorge
Mar 8, 2020

...nice weather so far...

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 5, 2020

good for someone to enjoy the beaches

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020

Very out dated I stayed in unit 1245 ! No ac and very limited water .

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