Destination Guide
Cabarete
The kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean — a laid-back North Coast town where trade winds, reef breaks, and an international crowd of water sports enthusiasts converge. A genuine alternative to the all-inclusive resort scene.
Why visit
Cabarete punches well above its size. The bay has world-class wind conditions, the nightlife is legitimately good, and prices are a fraction of the resort zones. It attracts a mix of serious athletes, backpackers, and long-stay digital nomads — all drawn by the same thing: a real town with real character on a beautiful stretch of Caribbean coast.
Best for
- ✓Kitesurfers and windsurfers
- ✓Budget backpackers and digital nomads
- ✓Nightlife seekers on the North Coast
- ✓Travelers who want an alternative to all-inclusive resorts
What to do
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Cabarete Bay is one of the top kitesurfing spots in the world. Consistent trade winds June through August make it a mecca for kite and windsurf schools. Lessons are available for all levels and board rentals are easy to find.
Cabarete Beach
The main beach is a lively strip of bars, restaurants, and kite schools facing a wide bay. Morning is calm enough for swimming; afternoon winds pick up for water sports. The vibe is more backpacker and surfer than resort.
Kite Beach
A separate stretch of beach east of the main bay specifically dedicated to kitesurfing. Consistent wind, flat water behind a reef, and a line of kite schools. Spectators welcome — it's a great show even if you're not in the water.
Cabarete Nightlife
The town comes alive after dark. Ocean Dream and Lax Bar are local institutions. Live merengue and bachata often kicks off after midnight. More authentically Dominican in atmosphere than tourist resorts.
27 Charcos de Damajagua
A world-famous natural waterslide attraction about 30 minutes from Cabarete. Hike upstream to a series of 27 turquoise pools and limestone slides — you jump or slide back down. Helmets, life jackets, and guides provided. A bucket list experience.
Getting there
The closest airport to Cabarete is Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, approximately 1 hour west by car. From Santo Domingo, the drive is about 3.5 hours via the north coast highway.
POP airport guide →Where to stay
Cabarete Town Center
The main strip of budget guesthouses, hostels, and mid-range hotels along the beach road. Walking distance to everything. Most lively but also most noisy at night.
Kite Beach Strip
Quieter than town center. A few boutique hotels and condo rentals catering specifically to kite and windsurf travelers. Best choice if water sports are your priority.
Encuentro Beach
A short tuk-tuk ride west of town. The surf break here attracts a different crowd — wave surfers rather than kite surfers. Good reef break and a couple of surf schools operate here.
Food highlights
Beachfront restaurants
Cabarete's main street is lined with open-air restaurants serving everything from fresh ceviche and fish tacos to Dominican rice and beans. Prices are reasonable and quality varies — walk past a few before picking.
Comedor culture
Head a block back from the beach for comedores serving cheap, filling Dominican lunches. Stewed chicken with rice and beans, mangu, and fresh juice for under $5. The real local experience.
Smoothies and health food
Cabarete has an unusual concentration of health-conscious spots catering to the sports crowd — smoothie bars, acai bowls, and fresh juice stands are easy to find, especially near Kite Beach.
Travel tips
- ✓The nearest airport is Puerto Plata (POP), about 1 hour west. Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) are 3+ hours — rent a car or hire a driver.
- ✓Cabarete is significantly cheaper than Punta Cana all-inclusives. Budget travelers do well here.
- ✓Trade winds are strongest June–August — prime kitesurfing season. December–February is calmer and better for swimming.
- ✓Cash is king in the smaller bars and comedores. There are ATMs on the main road.
- ✓Tuk-tuks (motorcycle taxis with sidecars) are the local transport. Agree on a price before you get in — short trips should be under $2.
- ✓The surf at Encuentro Beach is a legitimate reef break — not beginner-friendly. Take a lesson first if you're new to surfing.
Map
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