Playa Preciosa

Playa Preciosa is the small beach immediately east of Playa Grande, separated from it by a low rocky point and reached in about two minutes on foot from Playa Grande's main entrance. Preciosa means precious or lovely, and it earns the name: a short sweep of golden sand under green cliffs, with the swell lining up in clean peaks across the bay.

This is first and foremost a surf beach. The waves here are often bigger than at Playa Grande, particularly toward the back of the bay, and local instructors take more experienced students here when conditions allow. When the wind blows from the north and the swell is up, it is a serious place for strong surfers only. Board and wetsuit rentals are sometimes available on the sand, usually from the same instructors who work Playa Grande.

For swimmers, Preciosa demands more caution than its neighbor. There are no lifeguards and the currents can be powerful even when the surface looks inviting. On a flat summer day you can wade and float near shore, but on a typical winter day we would watch from the sand. Never swim alone here, and keep children out of the shore break.

There are no facilities at all: no bathrooms, no food, no chair rentals and limited shade, so bring water, snacks and sun protection from the shacks at Playa Grande. The upside is that the beach rarely feels crowded. Even on weekends, when Playa Grande is busy with Dominican families, Preciosa usually has only a handful of surfers and walkers.

The beach is clean and the water clear on calm days, though sargassum can wash in during some summers, and there is no regular clean-up. The path from Playa Grande crosses some rocks and steps, so sandals with grip are better than flip-flops.

Who it is best for: surfers, photographers, and travelers already at Playa Grande who want ten quiet minutes away from the parking area. Who it is not for: families, weak swimmers, or anyone who needs services nearby. If you want calm water in the Río San Juan area, Playa Caletón is the sheltered option, about ten minutes west by car.

Best time: early morning, when the light on the cliffs is soft and the wind has not yet picked up, and summer if you hope to get in the water.