Playa Las Ballenas
Playa Las Ballenas
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
436 reviews
Excellent
296
Very good
109
Average
17
Poor
7
Terrible
7
Oct J
Canton of Vaud, Switzerland7 contributions
Mar 2022
This was my first visit and am not convinced. The beach is quite nice, if not for the following stuff:
1. Pack of stray dogs roaming around people on the beach and by the restaurants.
2, The potholes on the Boulevard.
3. Trash all over the beach, particularly on Monday morning.
Seems the local authorities do not give a straw about the overall condition of the beach by letting stray dogs populate the beach without considering the health hazard it represents let alone the unbecoming estéthique that people retain from a visit.
The trash. The all eternal headache of any Municipality in the DR and this is no exception. When locals hit the beach on Sundays seems that they must take it as a achievement not to pick up after themselves and leave EVERYTHING possible around. No shame in not picking anything........nyet, nulle, NADA....
Like any 3rd World country, the scenery could be stellar if stuff would be neatly kept to maintain certain esthetics that would make people like it alot. But somehow, EVERYONE thinks that the Sun and weather will overcome any lack of services given to visitors.
Anyways, my 2 cents worth.
1. Pack of stray dogs roaming around people on the beach and by the restaurants.
2, The potholes on the Boulevard.
3. Trash all over the beach, particularly on Monday morning.
Seems the local authorities do not give a straw about the overall condition of the beach by letting stray dogs populate the beach without considering the health hazard it represents let alone the unbecoming estéthique that people retain from a visit.
The trash. The all eternal headache of any Municipality in the DR and this is no exception. When locals hit the beach on Sundays seems that they must take it as a achievement not to pick up after themselves and leave EVERYTHING possible around. No shame in not picking anything........nyet, nulle, NADA....
Like any 3rd World country, the scenery could be stellar if stuff would be neatly kept to maintain certain esthetics that would make people like it alot. But somehow, EVERYONE thinks that the Sun and weather will overcome any lack of services given to visitors.
Anyways, my 2 cents worth.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine I
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Gift shop Ballena Amarilla in the Dominican Republic charged my credit card twice for same transaction of £87.01. Only noticed when I received my credit card statement. Too late to dispute. AVOID THEM
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cartierwilliam
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic18 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Avoid bathing here. Las Terrenas sewage treatment plant hasn't worked since it was built by the Ministry of Toyurism eight years ago. The sewage pipes are connected and households and businesses dispose of their waste through the system, but the plant doesn't work, so the untreated waste water of 15,000 residents and thousands of tourists goes directly into Las Ballenas beach area. The water in this area is not apt for bathing owing to high concentration of fecal matter in the water, but neither the Tourism authority, local government or hotel owners want to tell people this sordid story.
Written December 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMLBill
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic227 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
There are actually five beaches claimed by, or claiming to be in, Las Terrenas. In order from how close they are to the action, they are Punta Popy, Playa Las Ballenas, Playa Bonita, El Portillo & Playa Coson.
Punta Popy suffers from the fact that there is a major highway from LT to Samana that runs along its massively eroding beach. The traffic is heavy & noisy. There's almost no beach left between the road and the water. There are a lot of good bars, though...
Playa Las Ballenas is actually where the famous Pueblo de los Pescadores is located. The road that runs along it is a dead end and made with pavers instead of asphalt. There is also a LOT of beach left between the road and the water. It is still very close to all of the action, though. You can easily walk from most of Playa Bonita to any of the hot spots along Playa Popy. The best news is that you get to come back home to Playa Las Ballenas afterward, and you don't have to put up with all the noise!!
Playa Bonita really lives up to its name. It is beautiful. It is a drop-dead gorgeous stretch of beach. At the end by the new condo development, the sand goes out very gradually and the water is quite calm. That little corner of Bonita is as good as it gets around Las Terrenas.
However, it suffers from a few problems that make it less attractive for the casual visitor. First of all, you really need a car. There's not much there, other than the beach, some hotels, and... the beach. The grocery stores are in Las Terrenas. Though they aren't far, taxis here are quite expensive. That 15 minute taxi ride will set you back $15, each way, if you can find one. Going to one of the outstanding restaurants in Las Terrenas at night will cost you more in taxi fare than you spend on the dinner. The other problem is the beach erosion. Other than the first few hundred yards by the new condos, the rest of the beach has been devastated by erosion.
El Portillo is the kite boarders' preferred beach. It's beautiful, too. It's just a long way away. If you are staying there, you're probably in one of the all-inclusive resorts anyway. Therefore you'll have little need to come to Las Terrenas. Unfortunately, you'll miss out on this amazingly cool little town.
Playa Coson is also a beautiful beach (are you detecting a pattern here?). It's just farther away with even fewer services available. Most of the homes there are very high end. If you are renting here, ask for a private chef to do your cooking. There are many available. Otherwise, you'll drive a long way, in the dark, to get to a restaurant.
All of this brings me back to Playa Las Ballenas. Like Goldilocks discovered when she visited the Three Bears' house. In the eyes of the vast majority of folks who've spent much time in LT, Playa Popy is "too hot" (too much traffic, too much noise), Playa Bonita & Playa Coson are "too cold" (dead at night, no stores, gotta have a car) and Playa Las Ballenas is "Just Right." The beach is excellent, it is quiet & within easy walking distance to all the best that this cool little town of Las Terrenas has to offer.
Punta Popy suffers from the fact that there is a major highway from LT to Samana that runs along its massively eroding beach. The traffic is heavy & noisy. There's almost no beach left between the road and the water. There are a lot of good bars, though...
Playa Las Ballenas is actually where the famous Pueblo de los Pescadores is located. The road that runs along it is a dead end and made with pavers instead of asphalt. There is also a LOT of beach left between the road and the water. It is still very close to all of the action, though. You can easily walk from most of Playa Bonita to any of the hot spots along Playa Popy. The best news is that you get to come back home to Playa Las Ballenas afterward, and you don't have to put up with all the noise!!
Playa Bonita really lives up to its name. It is beautiful. It is a drop-dead gorgeous stretch of beach. At the end by the new condo development, the sand goes out very gradually and the water is quite calm. That little corner of Bonita is as good as it gets around Las Terrenas.
However, it suffers from a few problems that make it less attractive for the casual visitor. First of all, you really need a car. There's not much there, other than the beach, some hotels, and... the beach. The grocery stores are in Las Terrenas. Though they aren't far, taxis here are quite expensive. That 15 minute taxi ride will set you back $15, each way, if you can find one. Going to one of the outstanding restaurants in Las Terrenas at night will cost you more in taxi fare than you spend on the dinner. The other problem is the beach erosion. Other than the first few hundred yards by the new condos, the rest of the beach has been devastated by erosion.
El Portillo is the kite boarders' preferred beach. It's beautiful, too. It's just a long way away. If you are staying there, you're probably in one of the all-inclusive resorts anyway. Therefore you'll have little need to come to Las Terrenas. Unfortunately, you'll miss out on this amazingly cool little town.
Playa Coson is also a beautiful beach (are you detecting a pattern here?). It's just farther away with even fewer services available. Most of the homes there are very high end. If you are renting here, ask for a private chef to do your cooking. There are many available. Otherwise, you'll drive a long way, in the dark, to get to a restaurant.
All of this brings me back to Playa Las Ballenas. Like Goldilocks discovered when she visited the Three Bears' house. In the eyes of the vast majority of folks who've spent much time in LT, Playa Popy is "too hot" (too much traffic, too much noise), Playa Bonita & Playa Coson are "too cold" (dead at night, no stores, gotta have a car) and Playa Las Ballenas is "Just Right." The beach is excellent, it is quiet & within easy walking distance to all the best that this cool little town of Las Terrenas has to offer.
Written May 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod M
Edmonton, Canada26 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We spent a lovely day here - not too crowded and a bit sheltered by the point. Shallow water for a long way so great for families and non-swimmers. If you eat at one of the little stands across the road your beach chair is complimentary for the day. Had a great meal of shrimp in garlic with fried plantain and vegetables. The mojitos and caiparinhas were great too.
Written March 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mfoleypa
Dominican Republic5 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Stayed on Playa Las Ballenas and enjoyed the views and the great snorkeling. You can just walk in the warm water and enjoy seeing lots of large and small colorful fish. Very safe and calm. Water clarity was excellent! There is a fairly large reef you can explore or grassy parts, both with lots of fish. We saw local fishermen taking lots of fish and octopus for that nights dinner.
No need to book a snorkeling trip if you come to this beach, excellent!
No need to book a snorkeling trip if you come to this beach, excellent!
Written July 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kulka67
Athens, GA11 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Great place for lunch or dinner. Kitchen open very late. Great service and very good food. Highly recommended
Written July 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
me2
11 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Calm, peaceful (a bit busier on the weekends) but always gentle waves - and the best beachside restaurant ever - Sol y Mar - we've literally spent months here - why go anywhere else?
Written February 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
Norfolk, VA44 contributions
Feb 2019
The water and view are beautiful you have a choice of places to grab cerveza or cocktails, water is calmer than other areas around. Great place to walk
Written February 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
make-more-art
New York City101 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
Busy weekend spot, but oh so much fun and lovely water. Excellent weather, No seaweed, Terrific week.
Written January 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello my name is Mike. You charged my credit card and gave no rooms neither were you there for twio days the hotel was closed.
So the question is,,,, why have you stolen my money
Written February 18, 2019
Hi, I’m undecided between booking a place in Playa Ballenas or staying in Playa Popy, mainly because I’m concerned the drive at night from Terranas town/Pueblo pescadores will not be safe. I plan to rent a car to get around to different areas of Samaná by day, but want to have the comfort of going into town at night for dinner. For that reason, I feel walking distance in Popy would be good. However, I hear the beach is nicer in Ballenas, and it be nice to wake up one of the days and just walk to the beach versus driving anywhere. Any recommendations or advice from those who have been to Las Terranas?
Written April 12, 2018
we were there over Xmas and New years and stayed at the far end of Las Ballenas from town. felt totally safe. our 16 year old son took an ATV into town at night and back by himself... frankly, beach felt safer there than in Miami. the drive, btw, is gorgeous, sometimes slowed by traffic (it is narrow and the locals like to chat) but we loved it!
Written April 12, 2018
Hi, Vlasta. What would you like to know about this attraction? Hello, we are deciding to go to Dominican to Las Terrenas and are still not sure which house to book, if closer to Playa Las Ballenas or Playa Coson. We would prefer to be closer to town but really prefer clean beach. Any advice?
Written January 24, 2018
Hi, for my experience I prefer to be closer to town, so I recommend you that book any cheap but good hotel to enjoy all beaches near by, in other way you can go to playa Coson in a day, near in town there more beaches and all are clean.
Written October 23, 2019
BOnjour vous conseillez quel type de chaussure pour les plages? cordialement
Written August 9, 2017
Bonjour, j'ai réservé à l'hôtel v samana (las terrenas) et donc je regarde pour visiter les plus belles plages et faire les plus belles excursions, pouvez vous me dire quelle moyen de locomotion utilisé et avez vous des idées d'excursions sympa?
merci d'avance pour votre aide, cordialement
Written August 6, 2017
Hola, si vas a estar en Samana cualquier vehiculo que gaste poco combustible es bueno; ahora bien si piensas andar en carreteras en camino dificiles por el resto del pais es preferible un vehiculo con fuerza de traccion; el transporte interubano o pubico no es tan bueno y andar en motores es peligroso. Considera que en Dominicana no se respetan las preferencias al momento de conducir, maneja con mucho cuidado y no aparte tu vista del camino. Samana es el mejor lugar para visitar Suerte en tu visita a nuestro pais.
Written August 26, 2017
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