Cabarete

Cabarete Bay (windsurfing and kitesurfing)

The bay that made Cabarete famous around the world, with wind and waves for board sports.

Cabarete Bay is the setting that gave the town its worldwide fame. Its almost perfect combination of elements —a steady thermal wind that picks up in the afternoon, a reef that generates waves on the outer part, and a sheltered, flatter-water zone toward the shore— makes it an exceptional place for both windsurfing and kitesurfing, suitable for different levels. The daily rhythm is part of the charm: in the morning, with less wind, the bay is good for beginners, gentle surfing and paddleboarding; in the afternoon, when the wind intensifies, it fills with windsurf sails and kite kites in a thousand colors, in a vibrant spectacle that you can enjoy even from the sand, drink in hand. It's one of Cabarete's most characteristic sights. There are numerous schools and centers offering equipment rental and lessons for all levels, from the first day on the board to fine-tuning. Cabarete has hosted international competitions in these sports, which confirms the quality of its conditions. Getting there: the bay is the center of the town, in front of the main beach; you get there on foot. Best time: summer (June–September) for stronger winds; afternoons to watch and practice windsurfing and kiting. Tips: to learn, choose schools with good references and IKO-certified instructors; use sun protection and respect the zones by level and sport. Check the day's wind report.

ℹ️ Distance: Center of the town, in front of the main beach (on foot) · Best time to go: Summer (June–September) for more wind; afternoons for windsurfing and kiting · Entry: Beach free; windsurf/kite lessons from US$ 60–80 per hour (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day or more

Kite Beach

The beach dedicated to kitesurfing, a little to the west, where hundreds of colorful kites take off.

Kite Beach is, as its name suggests, Cabarete's beach dedicated especially to kitesurfing, located a little west of the main bay. Its wind and space conditions make it ideal for this discipline, and in the afternoon the sky over the beach fills with dozens or hundreds of colorful kites, in one of the destination's most photogenic spectacles. Kitesurfing requires space and precautions, so this beach is more geared to those who practice this discipline (with its schools and centers, like the Cabarete Kiteboarding Club), while the main bay mixes more windsurfing, surfing and other sports. Watching the kites take off and maneuver, with the jumps and acrobatics of the kitesurfers, is impressive even for those just watching. For beginners, the area's schools offer kitesurfing courses with IKO-certified instructors, a discipline that requires learning and respect for safety rules. For spectators, it's a perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere from a beach bar. Getting there: a little west of the main Cabarete bay; on foot, by bike or taxi. Best time: afternoons with wind; summer for stronger conditions. Tips: if you don't practice, keep your distance from the kites' takeoff and maneuvering zones for safety. To learn, certified schools and plenty of patience; a full introductory course (several hours spread over days) usually runs around US$ 300–450.

ℹ️ Distance: West of the main Cabarete bay (on foot, by bike or taxi) · Best time to go: Afternoons with wind; summer for stronger conditions · Entry: Beach free; kitesurf lesson from US$ 60–80/hour, introductory course US$ 300–450 (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day

Encuentro Beach (surfing)

The area's surf beach, with waves for all levels and surf schools.

Playa Encuentro, a few kilometers west of Cabarete, is the area's surf beach and one of the best on the north coast for this discipline. Its various breaks offer waves for different levels, from beginners taking their first steps to experienced surfers seeking more demanding waves, which makes it a very popular spot. Mornings, with less wind, are usually the best time to surf, before the afternoon thermal wind picks up (which is what windsurfers and kitesurfers seek). That allows you to combine: surfing in the morning, wind sports in the afternoon. At Encuentro there are several surf schools (like Cabarete Surf Company, Cabarete Surf Camp and Ocean Academy DR) offering 90-minute lessons and board rental. The beach, more natural and less developed than the main bay, has a particular charm, with its vegetation, its beach bars and its surfer community. It's an ideal complement to Cabarete's wind offering. Getting there: a few km west of Cabarete; by taxi, bike or car. Best time: mornings for the best surf conditions; the northern-hemisphere winter brings the best waves. Tips: to learn, schools with good references; respect the line-up rules and other surfers. Sun protection and care with currents.

ℹ️ Distance: A few km west of Cabarete (taxi, bike or car) · Best time to go: Mornings for surfing; northern-hemisphere winter for the best waves · Entry: Beach free; surf lesson (90 min) US$ 65; board rental from US$ 20/hour or US$ 30/day (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day

The town of Cabarete and its atmosphere

A street hugging the beach full of restaurants, bars and schools, with cosmopolitan life and nightlife.

The town of Cabarete has a unique personality within the Dominican Republic: relaxed, cosmopolitan and multicultural. Its heart is a single main street running along the beach, where sports schools, restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and lodgings are concentrated. Many of the businesses are run by foreigners who arrived as tourists or athletes and stayed to live, which gives the town an international atmosphere. By day, life revolves around the sea and sports; in the afternoon, the beach bars and restaurants with tables on the sand fill up to watch the spectacle of the sails and kites as the sun sets; and at night, Cabarete comes alive with bars and beachside parties, with music and an easygoing atmosphere that is one of the liveliest on the north coast. The cuisine is varied and cosmopolitan, a result of that international community: there's everything from Dominican cuisine to restaurants from all over the world. Walking the street, eating by the sea and soaking up that bohemian, sporty atmosphere is an essential part of the Cabarete experience. Getting there: the town is walkable along its main street. Best time: sunset for the beach bars; nighttime for the buzz. Safety tips: as in any lively tourist area, watch your belongings, carry little cash at night and stick to busy areas. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

ℹ️ Distance: Main street facing the beach (on foot) · Best time to go: Sunset for the beach bars; night for the buzz · Entry: Free (walking around the town) · Duration: 1 to 2 hours (or an evening)

Cabarete Lagoon and El Choco National Park

Caves, lagoons and protected nature next to the town, with cenotes for swimming and kayaking.

Very close to Cabarete, El Choco National Park (Cabarete and Goleta National Park) protects a natural setting of 77 km² with lagoons, mangroves, forest and a notable cave system, offering a perfect contrast with the beach and sports. It's an accessible and highly recommended nature getaway. Among its attractions are the caves with cenotes (underground lagoons of clear fresh water) where you can swim, like the Crystal Cave and the Cave of the Frogs, surrounded by stalactites and rock formations, in a cool and magical setting. The guided tour includes a short walk through the forest, passing through several caves, and usually ends with a jump of about 3–4 meters into a pool. You can also tour the lagoon and mangroves by kayak or paddleboard, watch birds and walk trails through the tropical nature. It's an ideal plan for windless days or to change from the beach, combining gentle adventure, swimming in cenotes and contact with nature, a few minutes from the town's bustle. Getting there: the nearest entrance is about 15 minutes on foot from the center of Cabarete (east side); also by bike or taxi. A guide is mandatory. Best time: any day; the caves are cool even in hot weather. Tips: proper footwear, swimsuit and insect repellent; respect the park and leave no trash. The entry fee is usually paid in cash.

ℹ️ Distance: East entrance ~15 min on foot from the center of Cabarete (bike or taxi too) · Best time to go: Any day (the caves are cool) · Entry: US$ 20 per person (includes guide, helmet and flashlight; paid in cash, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (excursion)

The adventure of slides and jumps through waterfalls and pools in the range, accessible from Cabarete.

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are one of the most famous adventure excursions in the Dominican north and are easily done from Cabarete. It's a succession of waterfalls, pools and natural slides carved by the river into the rock of the Cordillera Septentrional, in a canyon of lush vegetation. The experience consists of climbing up on foot and swimming to a certain point and then coming back down by jumping into the pools and sliding down the natural slides: pure adrenaline in the middle of nature. You can do the route of 7, 12 or all 27 waterfalls, depending on your time and physical level. You always go with guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), a helmet and a life jacket, included in the entry price. It's an activity accessible to a wide range of people, though it requires some physical fitness and no fear of water or jumping. The setting —a canyon with crystal-clear water, rock walls and jungle— is spectacular and pairs very well with Cabarete's sports-and-beach days. Getting there: in the range, some distance from Cabarete (near Imbert); with an organized excursion (includes transfer and equipment) or on your own to the entrance. Best time: dry days (with heavy rain it may close due to flooding). Hours: 8:00 to 15:00 (last entry 13:00). Tips: clothing and footwear that can get wet, always follow the guide and respect the safety instructions. Not suitable for those with serious physical problems.

ℹ️ Distance: Range near Imbert, some distance from Cabarete (excursion with transfer) · Best time to go: Dry days (with heavy rain it may close due to flooding) · Entry: US$ 15 (7 waterfalls), US$ 20 (12 waterfalls), US$ 25 (all 27 waterfalls); includes guide and equipment (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day (2 to 6 hours depending on the option)