Playa del Macao Reviews and Ratings
(North East Coast – Dominican-Republic)
- Forecast
- Maps
- Live
- Weather State
- Spot Information
Visitor reviews of Playa del Macao surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Beautiful beach. Easy access and very quiet on weekdays.
Unfortunately a new hotel is about to open, so this beautiful place will become crowded. I would still go back as I enjoyed the surfing a lot.
I am an intermediate surfer and was afraid of getting into an unknown surf spot, so I made contact with Saskya from Punta Cana Surf Adventure who was super friendly and helpful. I ended up booking an intermediate-level lesson with her and just rented the board the rest of the days, after I got acquainted to the beach... This was the best decision!
Macao is perfect for any level. Beginners on the far right and advanced surfers have bigger waves on the left.
I always felt safe and was very well looked after by the school staff, even when I just rented the board.
Overall very happy I went, and I plan to be back!”
Claire from UNITED KINGDOM - 23 Jan 2020
Playa del Macao Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 17 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.2(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.3(1: Playa del Macao is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.0(1: Playa del Macao is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in North East Coast - Dominican-Republic. 5: the best break in North East Coast - Dominican-Republic). |
Difficulty Level: 3.3(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.2(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Playa del Macao can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.9(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Playa del Macao, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.7(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Playa del Macao are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Playa del Macao is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.9(1: Getting to Playa del Macao requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.7(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.8(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.8(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Playa del Macao for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.0(1: Camping at Playa del Macao is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.1(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Playa del Macao is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.1(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.6(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Playa del Macao, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.3(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Playa del Macao where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Plata El Macao is my local surf spot. It is a beautiful and natural hidden place, one of the most beautiful beaches within the DR.
Surfing is great here, there's a surf-camp "Macao Surf Camp" where you and your family and friends can learn how to surf. It is an excellent spot even for pro surfers and beginners.
At MSC you can eat fresh "just caught": fish as mahi mahi, kingfish , snapper and others. They have a small restaurant just a few steps from the beach. The owners are local old pro surfers well known in the DR surfer's community and they will be pleased to serve and help you in almost anything.
You will find a very convenient price for a surf lesson that you wont be disappointed, and you will surf on your first day, surfboards for rent, fresh water, dress booths, bar with all kind of drinks and if eventually you need to repair your surfboard, they can do it for you as well.
I started surfing on January 2014, after 6 months visiting every week the beach now I have improved a lot and and defining my own style.”
PAUL BARROS from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - 22 Jun 2014

