Cabarete, made for kiteboarding
Golden beaches, steady trade winds, beachfront cafés and one of the Caribbean’s best water sports scenes — the best of Cabarete, handpicked by TAYA. Tell us the basics below and we’ll build your itinerary within 24 hours.
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800+ trips planned to Cabarete
Where to stay, when to go and what it really costs — the calls that shape your trip, in one honest guide. Cabarete is the Dominican Republic’s adventure beach capital, famous for world-class kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing, lively beachfront restaurants and a relaxed international atmosphere. Whether you’re chasing wind, waves or simply a laid-back Caribbean escape, Cabarete offers an energetic alternative to traditional resort destinations.
Ready to plan your trip?Cabarete, Curated.
Cabarete is a lively beach town on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, known for steady trade winds, world-class kiteboarding and windsurfing, surf beaches, and a relaxed international atmosphere.
Cabarete combines an active water-sports scene with a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. You can spend the day kiteboarding, surfing or exploring nearby nature, then enjoy sunset drinks and dinner directly on the beach.
Cabarete is ideal for kiteboarders, windsurfers, surfers, active couples, solo travelers and visitors who prefer independent hotels and local restaurants over large all-inclusive resorts.
Stay near Cabarete Beach for easy access to restaurants and nightlife, choose Kite Beach for water sports, or stay toward Encuentro for surfing and a quieter atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels and apartments to beachfront villas.
Cabarete’s main attractions include wind-powered beaches, surf breaks, freshwater caves, lagoon trails and easy access to the north coast’s adventure activities.
Top spots include Cabarete Beach, Kite Beach, Playa Encuentro and El Choco National Park. Nearby day trips can include Puerto Plata, Sosúa, waterfalls, river adventures and scenic coastal drives.
Kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding are the signature activities. Travelers can also explore caves and lagoons, go horseback riding, cycle along the coast or book canyoning and waterfall excursions.
Cabarete has a strong beachfront dining scene with Dominican, Caribbean and international restaurants. Nightlife is social but relaxed, with beach bars, live music, sunset cocktails and late-night venues concentrated near the town’s main beach.
Plan around the wind and surf conditions, choose your accommodation based on your preferred beach, and use trusted transport for trips outside the town center.
December through April is popular for dry weather and comfortable temperatures. Kiteboarding conditions are often strongest from late spring through summer, while surfing conditions can be especially good during the winter swell season.
The central beachfront area is easy to explore on foot. Taxis, private drivers and local public transport connect Cabarete with Kite Beach, Encuentro, Sosúa and Puerto Plata. A rental car is useful for independent day trips but is not essential for a short stay.
Cabarete offers good value compared with many major Caribbean resort destinations. Budget travelers can find apartments and local restaurants, while beachfront hotels, private lessons, equipment rental and guided excursions can increase the total cost.
Stay in Cabarete.
Ultravioleta
$196$280
Millenium
$168$240
Natura Cabana
$175$250
Greenland Bubble
$105$150
El Encuentro Surf Lodge
$51$73
Presidential Suites
$50$72
Cabarete Questions, Answered.
Destination Guide
How Cabarete compares
Cabarete, Sosúa, and Puerto Plata each offer a different experience on the Dominican Republic's north coast.
| Cabarete | Sosúa | Puerto Plata | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Kiteboarders, surfers, active couples and beach lovers | Snorkeling, diving, beach days and lively nightlife | Families, resort vacations, sightseeing and history |
| Overall Feel | Relaxed international surf town with a laid-back vibe | Busy coastal town with energetic beaches and nightlife | Historic Caribbean city with large resorts and local culture |
| Beaches | Wide sandy beaches with constant wind and waves | Sheltered turquoise bays ideal for swimming and snorkeling | Long resort beaches with calmer water and mountain views |
| Things to Do | Kiteboarding, surfing, paddleboarding, canyoning and waterfalls | Snorkeling, scuba diving, beach hopping and nightlife | Cable car, historic center, rum tours and excursions |
Best for Adventure
CabareteCabarete is one of the Caribbean's top destinations for kiteboarding, surfing and outdoor adventure.
Best for Beach Relaxation
SosúaSosúa's calm, protected bay is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Best for Families
Puerto PlataPuerto Plata's all-inclusive resorts and attractions make family planning easy.
Still deciding between Cabarete, Sosúa and Puerto Plata? Tell us your travel style and we'll recommend the destination that's right for you.
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