Rio San Juan & Playa Grande were once both sleepy little fishing villages and farming communities that have now turned themselves over to cater for the mass tourism in the immediate vicinity. Still retaining an air of quaintness most of the tourism is centred around a couple of massive all inclusive hotels - The Bahia Principe Hotel and The Playa Grande Hotel. Both are 1 hour and 45 minutes (Playa Grande is about another 20 minutes past Bahia Principe Hotel) drive from Gregoria Luperon International Airport heading east and both offer a super wide range of restaurant’s both buffet and a la carte, activities, shops, bars, swimming pools, children’s clubs, medical centre, bank and money exchange facilities and miles of beautiful beach with sunbeds and snack bars.

Amongst the attractions along this stretch of coast is the Gri Gri Lagoon boat trip to view the abundance of mangrove swamps, local bird life and rock formations. After the boat trip have a walk around the little village as there are some delightful little bars and restaurants on offer.
Playa Grande is quite a famous beach as over the years various commercials have been filmed here due to the stunning beauty of the beach. Golden sands and palm trees and the bluest aquamarine waters gently lapping the shore line. Please note that Playa Grande waters have a lot of hidden riptides (a strong underwater current) and there is no life guard present on the beach. Take extra care with children and do not swim in the ocean if the waves are looking angry.

If you ride a local bus (gua gua) to get to the beach be prepared to walk down to the beach as the bus will only drop you off on the highway. It is a good 20 minute walk down to the beach. Sundays are a busy day on the beach with Dominican families and you will discover a lot of temporary stalls set up on the beach selling cold beer, rum and food, great to watch a lot of activity but not if you want a quiet relaxing day.

Playa Grande also boasts one of the best golf courses in the Dominican Republic carefully designed to incorporate the coastline and natural elements. (See The Real DR Golf Information pages). Playa Grande Hotel also offers a day spa package for those not wishing to golf complete with lunch included.