Macao Beach photoshoot guide

If you've seen photos of couples walking on wild sand with big waves and green cliffs behind them, there's a good chance they were taken at Macao. It's my favorite beach for sessions near Punta Cana, and here's everything you need to know.

Why Macao photographs so well

• It's natural. No lines of resort umbrellas. The landscape is open sand, dunes and vegetation.
• It has movement. The waves are stronger than at resort beaches, which gives spray, texture and energy.
• It changes as we walk. In one session we can have open beach, dunes and the cliffs at the end of the bay.

When to go

Late afternoon. During the middle of the day Macao gets busy: surf lessons, restaurants and buggy tours that stop there. By the last hour and a half before sunset most of that has left.

I plan to arrive around 75 minutes before sunset. In Punta Cana the sun sets around 6 pm in winter and around 7 pm in summer — I check the exact time for your date.

What to wear at Macao

Macao has warm, earthy tones: sand, dry grass, green cliffs. These colors work beautifully:

• Cream, white and sand
• Terracotta, rust and olive
• Soft blues that echo the water

Choose fabrics that move. The wind here is part of the look. And bring a hair tie — you'll thank me.

Getting there

Macao is roughly 20–30 minutes by car from most Bávaro resorts, more from Cap Cana or Uvero Alto. When you inquire, tell me your hotel and I'll send you the easiest way to get there.

Is Macao good for families?

Yes, for playing on the sand and wide group photos. But the waves are strong, so with small kids we keep the water play to the shoreline. For families with very young children, a resort session is often more relaxed.

Combining Macao with your resort

If your time allows it, we can start at your resort — for example, family photos by the pool — and then finish at Macao for sunset. It's the best of both. Tell me what you have in mind when you send your inquiry.