Miches, the lesser-known Caribbean destination without sargassum

Time Out

5 days ago

The Dominican Republic is among the top destinations Argentinians choose when traveling to the Caribbean. According to figures from the country's own Ministry of Tourism, from January to June 2025, arrivals of Argentine tourists grew by 98% compared to 2024.
Today, 4 out of every 10 tourists arriving in the country are Argentine. This is noticeable when walking through hotels: mate everywhere, people asking for hot water, impromptu games of truco and soccer on the beach.
However, paradoxically, along with this 'boom' of Argentines in the Dominican Republic, another unprecedented phenomenon is occurring: a record amount of sargassum in the area. Sargassum is a natural occurrence that has a season from April to September, but this year 38 million metric tons of algae have already been recorded—the highest number in history.
Where is Miches?
In this context, many families look for alternatives or decide to reschedule their trips to another time of year. One of those options is Miches, a destination located in the northeast of the Dominican Republic, which is still developing and has no sargassum.
It is a coastal municipality located on the southern part of Samaná Bay, where most of its beaches are untouched. At one time, its residents were engaged in agriculture and fishing; today, tourism is the main activity. From Punta Cana airport, it takes about an hour and a half to get there.
What is sargassum?
It is a type of microalgae that is mainly found in warm tropical waters such as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. One of its characteristics is that it floats on the surface (unlike other types of algae) and forms extensive mats. While it does not harm humans—although it can cause headaches and irritation—it has a strong visual and olfactory impact and blocks access to many beaches.
Why is Miches a sargassum-free destination?
The main reason is the location. It is situated in a bay that has historically protected its beaches from sargassum. The key lies in the orientation of the peninsula, which extends from west to east and blocks the direct passage of algae coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
"Miches is located in a bay, which protects its beaches from sargassum"
The currents that carry sargassum tend to flow westward, hitting the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic directly. Upon reaching the peninsula's barrier, most of the algae are diverted northward, continuing their path through the Atlantic Ocean.
It's worth clarifying that this is a natural phenomenon, so it's unpredictable. The intensity and path of the currents can change and cause algae to eventually reach this coast, although this is rare.
Where to stay in Miches?
Miches currently has only three hotel chains operating. Viva Miches by Wyndham is the all-inclusive option, ideal for families. The hotel has 535 rooms in six different categories, varying by view and whether they include a private pool.
It's located on Playa Esmeralda, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, surrounded by over 10 kilometers of completely untouched sand. The sea is very calm, with few waves and warm water. The best thing about this beach is that you can walk for several kilometers away from the hotel without loungers, people, or music interrupting.
Inside the hotel, guests can enjoy 5 restaurants—one buffet and four a la carte. Our top recommendation is Latin Fusión, where you can enjoy traditional Dominican dishes such as the 'Dominican flag' (chicken, rice, and vegetables). The hotel also offers a spa, a specialty coffee shop, and a kids club staffed with trained childcare professionals and a very safe water park for little ones to splash around. Additionally, there is a packed schedule of activities ranging from dance classes to archery.
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Also included during your stay are other sea activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing on a catamaran. Outside the hotel, excursions can be booked, such as a sunset cruise with a swim stop at a sandbank in the middle of the sea.
What (else) to do in Miches?
Beyond the hotel, there are some nearby places worth visiting on excursions. One option is Montaña Redonda, a site with 360-degree views of the region from where you can see all of Samaná Bay and its two accompanying lagoons: Limón and Redonda.
There are also hammocks for taking photos while you swing over the void. Before climbing up, visitors are taken to see a rice plantation and learn about coconut oil production.
Another recommended outing is to Los Haitises National Park, one of the largest in the Dominican Republic. This place is one of the largest Caribbean mangrove refuges in the world and was home to the Taíno indigenous people in the 16th century. Besides navigating the mangroves, you can visit caves where they once lived and see some pictographs left by this community. Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed here. From the hotel, you can also take a catamaran and swim at a sandbank. On the way back, you can enjoy a special sunset over the Atlantic. Other excursions include visits to Samaná and Saona Island.
"Miches offers still-virgin beaches, few hotels, and a lot of peace and quiet"
Although it is a developing destination, Miches offers the magic that perhaps other nearby places have lost: pristine beaches, few hotels, and lots of tranquility. This, combined with the chance to enjoy a sargassum-free sea just over an hour from Punta Cana.