The Seven Beaches Route: One Morning, Seven Empty Coves
What the route actually is
West of Las Galeras the coast runs as a series of small bays separated by rocky points, with no road reaching any of them. The Seven Beaches route works along that stretch by boat, stopping where the conditions and the group suggest. The coves differ more than you would expect over such a short distance: some are wide with pale sand, some are narrow slots of shingle between rock walls, one or two are framed by arches and stacks that the sea has cut out of the limestone. The variety is the point, and so is the emptiness.
How the morning is structured
Boats leave early, because the sea is calmest then and the light is better. The day is a sequence of short hops with stops rather than one long crossing: fifteen minutes of travel, then time ashore or in the water, then on to the next. You will not land at all seven — some are viewed from just offshore, either because the swell makes landing unwise or because the rock leaves nowhere to put a boat. Expect to be back around lunchtime. Which coves are on the list changes with the day's conditions, and that flexibility is a feature rather than vagueness.
Swimming, snorkeling and the rock
Several stops have rock and coral at the edges where a mask is worth having, and the water in the sheltered coves is usually clear and calm. The rocky points between beaches are where the fish are, so if there is a snorkeling stop it will normally be at the edge of a cove rather than in the middle of it. Take care where you put your feet: the limestone is sharp, sea urchins live in the crevices, and reef shoes are worth more here than on a sandy resort beach.
What to bring
There is nothing to buy anywhere on this route, so bring water for the whole morning, sunscreen, a hat and something to sit on. Reef shoes or old trainers make the rocky landings much easier. A dry bag keeps your phone alive through spray and wet landings. If anyone in the group is prone to seasickness, take something before departure — the hops are short but the boat moves about between coves, and the stop-start motion affects people more than a steady crossing does.
Frequently asked questions
Do you land at all seven beaches?
Usually not. Some are viewed from just offshore because the swell makes landing unwise or the rock leaves nowhere to bring a boat in. Which ones you land at depends on the day.
How long does the Seven Beaches trip take?
It is a morning trip. Boats leave early for the calmest sea and best light, and you are generally back around lunchtime.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, with the usual caveats: short boat hops, rocky landings and no lifeguards. Reef shoes help a lot, and tell us their ages so we can plan stops and life jackets.
Book the Seven Beaches Trip