Cabarete: water sports and nature discoveries on the programme

Published on August 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm

A paradise for idlers, the Dominican Republic also attracts water sports enthusiasts. 40 km east of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, also known as the Amber Coast, the small fishing village of Cabarete is a paradise for surfers and kite surfers. Almost 4 km of coconut tree-lined beach offer one of the best spots on the planet, thanks to a strong, steady wind and big waves that shake the waters all year round. The site hosts numerous international competitions, including Cabarete Surf Week in mid-June. Cabarete is a mecca for surfing enthusiasts of all kinds! What's more, the tourist resort that borders the beach has a lively and sporting atmosphere. And for those who aren't fans of board sports, how about a bit of caving? Head to the el choco and las cuevas national park to explore some superb caves in the jungle!

The waves of the Cabarete coast.

Summary

Playa Cabarete: THE kitesurfing spot par excellence!
Las Cuevas de Cabarete for wild exploration
Our favourite hotel in Cabarete
Practical information

Punta Cana

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Playa Cabarete: THE kitesurfing spot par excellence!

The magnificent beach at Cabarete is a long stretch of fine sand dotted with thatched umbrellas and coconut palms. It is world-famous as a windsurfing and kitesurfing spot, hosting world cup events in June. But the wind picks up every afternoon, kicking off the day for kite surfers and windsurfers. An impressive ballet of colourful sails swirling above the waves: an astonishing spectacle! Cabarete beach also plays host to several kitesurfing and windsurfing world cup events.

A kitesurfing figure on Cabarete beach

While the constant wind is a delight for kite surfers and windsurfers, it's not for the average swimmer! To enjoy the peace and quiet, it's best to swim in the morning when the wind hasn't yet picked up. In addition, the ban on motorised sports on the beach provides a welcome calm.

Practical information:

📍 Location: It's HERE on Google Maps

👛 Price: access is free. Half-day surf lessons cost around $40.

⏰ Times: free access

🚌 Getting there: for $28, or around thirty euros, the bus is the cheapest option. It takes 3 hours to get there from Santo Domingo.

Las Cuevas de Cabarete for wild exploration

Las Cuevas de Cabarete are 3 caves located in the El Choco y las cuevas National Park, one kilometre from Cabarete. These caves were once home to the Taino Indians. They can be visited on a two-hour guided tour. The underground network dates back millions of years. One of the caves contains a freshwater pool, deep enough for experienced cavers to explore. A steep staircase leads to vast chambers and tunnels filled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as rock art.

Pond in El Choco National Park near Cabarete

This tropical forest is a 77.5 km² protected nature reserve, home to numerous species of endemic and migratory birds, as well as a number of endemic medicinal plants, cocoa and coffee trees. The programme includes exploring the caves, of course, but also boat trips on the lagoon, hiking or horse-riding and bird-watching.

Practical information

📍 Location: it's HERE on Google Maps

👛 Price: for a guided tour of the caves, you'll have to pay $20/person

⏰ Times: tours take place every day from 8.30am to 6pm

🚌 Getting there: It's best to get there by car. From Cabarete beach, access is very easy, as the caves are just 2 kilometres west of the beach, along coastal road no. 5.

Our favourite hotel in Cabarete

Practical information

When should you visit Cabarete?

Thanks to a very pleasant climate, you can visit Cabarete all year round. In fact, the maximum temperature in Cabarete averages 29°C over the whole year. It rises to 27°C in March and 31°C in September. May is the rainiest month of the year, with 211 mm of rain recorded. To get the most out of your stay without worrying about the weather, it's best to visit Cabarete from January to April, from June to August and in December.

Documents and visas

French nationals must have a valid passport to visit Cabarete and Punta Cana in general.

Health

No vaccinations are required, but a D-T-Polio update is recommended, as is anti-malarial treatment. Always drink bottled water and avoid raw vegetables and milk. Beware of heat shock between the over 30°C outside and the 15°C air-conditioned rooms, bars and restaurants.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, but in Punta Cana you'll have no trouble finding people who speak English and French.

Currency

The currency is the Dominican peso (RDS). ATMs can be found in the reception areas of major hotels. Most of the time, you can pay in US dollars, and sometimes in euros in European hotel chains. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted. Lastly, prices do not include VAT. In this case, you must add 16% tax to which it is a good idea to add a 5-10% tip.

by Editorial Team

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Dominican Republic