Much of the area is still in its natural state. Boca Chica World-renowned Boca Chica beach is about 21 miles east of the capital. On weekends and holidays it is crowded as city dwellers escape to its sugar white sand, shallow waters, and coral reefs. Further to the east of Boca Chica are the equally beautiful white sand beaches of Juan Dolio and Guayacanes. The water is deeper, but it can be just as crowded on weekends and holidays.
Concession stands, food, and vendors abound.
This area contains the famous Casa de Campo Resort which is sprawled across 7,000 acres. The area is home to several excellent beaches that include the tiny Minitas beach and lagoon, and the very scenic palm-lined beach of Bayahibe which is accessible only by boat and is considered by many to be the best beach on the south coast. This area is home to many resorts and is one of the fastest growing tourist zones on the island. The southwestern coastline of the island is rocky with small cliff drop-offs, rocky ledges and relatively unsafe swimming conditions with undertows and currents. The best sandy beaches in the area would be Playa Monte Rio near the town of Azua and the beaches at La Saladilla and Los Quemaditos south of the town of Barahona.