Question about Playa Rincon safety

[wojtek]

Hi
I was wondering if anybody who lives around there or visits frequently could answer this question. I was there last November with my family (wife and two six years old kids)
We drove there from Las Terrenas and really enjoyed this beautiful beach. We stopped right in the middle of this half-moon shaped beach. After couple of hours two police officers on a motorcycle showed up and told us that this place is not safe (banditos) and that we have to leave. I did not want to go anywhere but these two cops stopped fifty yards away and waited for us to go. Before they left, they suggested going to the east or west end of the beach.
I am wondering if this beach is really dangerous.
We are going to Las Terrenas, for two weeks in the summer, and would love to visit Playa Rincon again. But because I am going there with my wife and two little kids I would like to make sure that this area is safe to visit. I hope someone can offer some input on this. Thank you in advance.

 

[cobraboy]

We go there all the time and have yet to experience or hear of any problems. However, historically Samana has had "banditos" because it was so isolated. Not so true any more.

We heard the same thing about Boca del Diablo, again with no bad experiences over the years.

Just don't look like an easy mark.

 

[LTSteve]

That sounds like a scam to me. Were these guys police or military? Perhaps they were trying to "guide"you to another area for a reason. There are places on Rincon where there is activity also you could go to Playa Valle which is closer and also very nice.

LTSteve

 

[curious29]

i heard it all the time from locals here, mostly goes from their good intentions... nothing bad happened to me during my biking in country....

be careful though in isolated areas...in the dark and soon to dark....btw. I was there in Playa Rincon and nothing happened to me. If you have car I wouldn't worry. I met some guys on bikes and fishers.... they all told me that is dangerous here, but, again nothing bad happened to me. I was there alone on bike ;-)

 

[Ken]

Over the years there have been a number of incidents at Playa Rincon. Any beach is risky if you are there alone. This does not mean that you will always be robbed, but if you are foreign and you are there alone or with only a family group, you are at risk.

The fact that somebody posting here was not robbed, does not make it any safer.

I don't think that the police were scamming you. I think that they wanted to be of help.

 

[wojtek]

Thank you guys
I felt perfectly safe over there. Locals around PR were very friendly and helpful (especially considering my non existing Spanish) When we returned to the nearest village to ask about river running across access road, one of the guys over there got on his bike and offered to guide us. After all, he did not even want to accept money from me. But of course I made him eventually

@LTSteve
Steve this was my first thought. It looked like some kind of scam to guide me to "beach services" (restaurants, plastic chairs etc...) But these cops looked legit to me (police uniforms and marked small motorcycle) I did not want to argue with them and get in trouble. But I'm still not sure about it. Maybe Ken is right.

On the other hand...
We went to some remote and deserted beaches in Samana and never felt uncomfortable. We spend most of our beach time over there at Playa Coson. It is not as remote as Playa Rincon but still practically deserted place. Should I worry?
@Ken
What do you mean by number of incidents at Playa Rincon? Robbing? Grabbing stuff and running away or confronting you and intimidating.
Thank you for your time and advice again

 

[Olvidado]

We go there all the time and have yet to experience or hear of any problems. However, historically Samana has had "banditos" because it was so isolated. Not so true any more.

We heard the same thing about Boca del Diablo, again with no bad experiences over the years.

Just don't look like an easy mark.

Anyone with a wife and two little kids is an easy mark. Any suggestion as to how you suggest they look?

 

[jrhartley]

be careful though in isolated areas...in the dark and soon to dark

doesnt really matter if its dark or not

 

[Ken]

What do you mean by number of incidents at Playa Rincon? Robbing? Grabbing stuff and running away or confronting you and intimidating.
Thank you for your time and advice again

Confrontation, intimidation with machetes for purpose of robbery.

I don't understand how anyone could think that police warning you about a beach and not giving you a flyer about a restaurant or hotel on another beach could be thought to be scammers. If they looked like police and conducted themselves like police, they almost certainly were police. The fact they were there should tell you something. The fact that there only interest was in getting you to leave because where you were was not safe for you, should tell you even more.

Going to a relatively isolated beach where you are the only people is inviting trouble. What could you have done if a couple of men with machetes had confronted you? Who could have helped you?

Does everyone who goes to Playa Rincon get attacked. No. But there is risk. The people who live in the area will tell you that. Are they also part of a scam? The police will tell you that. Have told you.

And jrhartley is right. Going to a relatively isolated beach where you are the only people is a risk at any time of the day. It is not the time of day that makes it risky, it is being alone.

 

[jrhartley]

....on the other hand the police might have been waiting for a shipment and didnt want anyone to see....who knows ?

 

[susan77]

Don't walk along ANY beach carrying a backpack-- thieves think it contains your laptop, making it a tempting "grab+run"-

 

[Memo]

The police most certainly gave you good advice which you would be free, if unwise, to ignore.

That said: go to Playa Rincon, leaving your baubles at home. Swim, have a meal with your family in a restaurant on the beach, wear lots of sunscreen; enjoy.

 

[Dolores1]

Have you checked out La Playita... is closer and great shallow swimming for all the family. Have lunch with Dona Isabel. But avoid going on a Sunday to miss the crowds. If you must go on a weekend, then stay in the water and plan for a late lunch... after 3pm.

 

[Jasper]

My stepson is a guide there. U wont be bothered with a local guide. Email me if u want his coordinates in las galeras.

 

[Kozy]

My Family just spent the day there this Sunday. Arrived and left by car. No problems- awesome beach !! K