There is little information out there about this spot as it seems to be rarely surfed. But with the enormous all-inclusive hotels nearby there seems to be a lot of interest in surf near Punta Cana. So here it goes.
Macao is only 15 km West of Bavaro where most of the resorts are. Punta Cana is a bit further than that. While most resort staff will discourage you from leaving the resort property travel is not dangerous.
We hired a taxi to take us to the beach one day to explore and we paid him to wait for our return as it would be difficult to get a return taxi there. You can rent a car in Bavaro for the day which is also pricey. Parking is in view of the breaks so you can keep an eye out. Keep your car on the main road as it is easy to get stuck in the soft sand. There is also bar at the end of the beach where you can park.
There was small winblown surf the day I was there so this is subject to interpretation. As you approach the beach you will see Punta Macao to your right. Looks fine, although it is at the bottom of a cliff and getting caught on the inside looks like it might be a bit dangerous. There is a reef break straight out about 1/2 mile that looked good although I did not make the paddle myself. Then there is Playa El Macao which is miles of deserted sand bar breaks. There is no barrier reef in this area so the bottom falls off fairly sharply as compared to the resort areas. I imagine on a good North swell this could be great. But like I said it was howling onshore the whole time I was there and choppy, but surfable. So keep your eyes on the maps and you may get lucky. Not a destination in itself but if you happen to be there check it out.
Overview
Atmosphere
i was there on december 1st 2007 it was a saturday, i was surprised to see the amount of wind there i thought there was a storm coming through i asked a local security guard about the weather he said that in december there is a lot of wind so its typical in that month. the beach is all sand a very long beach , with 3 breaks maybe a couple more but less consistent. it breaks left and right. more experienced surfers consider this beach one the best here but its kinda hard to find it in good conditions. its easy to reach the pit very easy actually. its mostly an uncroweded beach because nobody around there surfs. maybe only one or two dudes.
Help !
Have dreaded 'extended family holiday' in Punta Cana April 19 to 26. Will go nuts if I don't get out of the compound to surf every day. Is there anywhere to rent decent longboards nearby or in Macao ? Thinking of bringing a couple of boards on the charter but airlines keep messing them up. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
comment by Pete, 2008-03-21 17:27:37
Help
comment by Rob, 2007-12-18 15:12:08
fun fun
I surfed Macau the week of Feb. and I had a blast overall.A tall coconut tree lined beach,littered with some trash was a lil depressing at 1st. When it gets chest high or better is alot of fun.It was a crime surfing solo for an hr or 2 in the carib chest/occasional head high while back on Long Island,snowstorm wreaking havoc on jetblue customers.An occasional local or 2 will join in and these guys were way cool.On the wknds,the beach down by the entrance gets crowded with the locals having fun partying.The best spot is in front of a house with a rock sea wall and a dirtroad ascends down just to the left.The taxi from Ocean Blue golf & beach resort was adventure to its own.$30.00 rnd trip and picked me up as planned on time.Pot holed roads that resembled craters,slow big rigs that if ya wanna pass,you better have a rocket booster.No trip was ever the same but none the less ''lol'' an adventure.Keep checkin wannasurf.com,this site was pretty much on the money.Lookin foward to coming back again soon.If all possible,I recommend 2 things: 1- bring 1 board in a pro lite fcs(I brought a 6-6,nat.art) 2- fly delta,didnt get charged for the board either way.Was very surprised!!
comment by Pete , 2008-03-21 17:34:34