Cabarete: The Caribbean’s Ultimate Adventure & Surf Town

🌊 Welcome to Cabarete

If you're dreaming of a destination where you can ride the waves by day and sip cocktails under swaying palms by night, Cabarete is calling your name. Nestled along the Dominican Republic's northern coast in Puerto Plata Province, this small beach town has earned international fame as a hotspot for kiteboarding, surfing, windsurfing, and adventure travel.
 

But Cabarete is more than just a haven for thrill-seekers. With its bohemian vibe, eclectic dining, vibrant music scene, and welcoming international community, it’s one of the most dynamic and youthful destinations in the Caribbean.

Let me guide you through everything this coastal paradise has to offer — from water sports and hiking to wellness retreats and sunset beach parties.

📍 Where Is Cabarete?

Location: North coast of the Dominican Republic, 40 minutes east of Puerto Plata

Region: Puerto Plata Province

Airport Access: Closest airport is Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), 25 minutes away

Cabarete is part of the "Amber Coast" — named after the rich amber deposits found in the region — and is ideally located between the mountains and the sea.

🏄‍♂️ Why Visit Cabarete?

🪁 1. Kiteboarding Capital of the Caribbean

With consistent trade winds and wide beaches, Cabarete is one of the top kiteboarding destinations in the world.

Kite Beach hosts international competitions and offers lessons for beginners and advanced riders alike.

🌊 2. Surf & Windsurf Paradise

Surfing in Encuentro Beach is perfect year-round, especially for early morning riders.

Windsurfing has deep roots here — it’s where Cabarete first gained fame in the 1980s.

🧘‍♀️ 3. Wellness & Yoga Retreats

A growing community of yoga studios, holistic centers, and vegan cafés.

Many hotels offer wellness packages with beachside yoga, detox diets, and massage therapy.

🍽️ 4. International Food Scene

From beachfront tapas to gourmet Italian, Thai, and local Dominican cuisine — Cabarete is a foodie’s playground.

🌅 5. Lively Yet Chill Vibe

Beach bars with live music, fire shows, and DJ nights.

A multicultural, youthful crowd of travelers, digital nomads, and athletes.

🎯 Top Things to Do in Cabarete

🪁 1. Kiteboarding on Kite Beach

World-renowned spot with ideal wind conditions from May to September.

Numerous kite schools offer rentals, classes, and advanced coaching.

🏄‍♀️ 2. Surfing at Playa Encuentro

Just 10 minutes from town.

Consistent swell year-round, especially November–March.

Friendly surf schools and board rentals on-site.

🚣‍♂️ 3. Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Explore nearby Laguna Cabarete or calm morning ocean waters.

Great for a relaxing paddle or early sunrise workout.

🥾 4. Caving in Cabarete Caves (El Choco National Park)

Hike through lush tropical forest and discover underground limestone caves.

Swim in freshwater pools hidden within the caves — a magical experience.

🏞️ 5. Hiking & Horseback Riding in the Mountains

Ride through coffee farms and tropical trails to hidden waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

🧗 6. Canyoning & Waterfall Adventures

Nearby 27 Charcos de Damajagua offers one of the most exhilarating water hikes in the Caribbean.

🏖️ Best Beaches in Cabarete

🍹 Where to Eat & Drink in Cabarete

Cabarete’s dining scene is a reflection of its international community. You’ll find a mix of flavors from around the globe alongside Dominican classics.

🌮 Top Restaurants:

Vagamundo – Artisanal café with vegan & vegetarian options.

Bliss Restaurant Lounge – Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic garden setting.

Fresh Fresh Café – Health-conscious bowls, smoothies, and coffee.

La Casita de Papi – Famous for lobster in coconut sauce.

🍸 Best Bars:

Lax Ojo Bar – Popular beachfront hangout with live DJs.

Onno’s Bar – Great for dancing and cocktails right on the sand.

Kite Club Café – Chill vibe with oceanfront seating and healthy menu.

🏨 Where to Stay in Cabarete

Whether you’re a budget traveler, kiteboarder, digital nomad, or luxury seeker, there’s something for you.

🧳 What to Pack for Cabarete

Swimwear & rash guards (for kite/surf)

Reef-safe sunscreen

Light beachwear and flip-flops

Dry bag for ocean activities

Bug spray (for evenings)

A good hat and sunglasses

Sneakers for hiking or caving

📅 Best Time to Visit Cabarete

🚐 Getting to Cabarete

By Air:
Fly into Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) near Puerto Plata (25–30 mins by car).

By Car:
Well-connected via Route 5 (Carretera Sosúa-Cabarete).
Driving from Santo Domingo takes approx. 4.5–5 hours.

By Bus:
Caribe Tours offers services to nearby Sosúa and Puerto Plata.

🌍 Day Trips from Cabarete

Sosúa: Just 15 minutes away — calm bay beach, snorkeling, vibrant nightlife.

Puerto Plata: Visit historic forts, cable cars to Mount Isabel de Torres, and amber museum.

Laguna Dudu & Blue Lagoon: A freshwater cenote with ziplining and cave diving.

27 Charcos de Damajagua: For thrill-seekers looking for waterfall jumps and natural slides.

👣 Digital Nomads & Expats in Cabarete

Fast Wi-Fi and multiple co-working-friendly cafés

Affordable long-term rentals near the beach

Growing remote work community — ideal for solo travelers or creatives

Spanish is widely spoken, but English is common in town

🧘 Wellness & Eco-Conscious Travel in Cabarete

Choose eco-lodges and sustainable hotels

Support local, organic restaurants and artisans

Practice yoga, meditation, or join a retreat

Explore natural areas like El Choco National Park responsibly

✨ Final Thoughts

Cabarete is where the Caribbean dream meets adventure, creativity, and community. Whether you’re learning to kiteboard, sipping espresso by the sea, or dancing barefoot under the stars, Cabarete welcomes you with open arms.

It’s not just a place — it’s a lifestyle. And once you experience it, you may never want to leave.