Cabarete, Dominican Republic, is a destination I return to religiously, twice a year, summer and winter. My trips, always with friends and sans family, have honed into a perfect formula centered around Kite Beach. The ritual begins pre-dawn at Kite Beach, chasing sunrise surf or foil sessions at Encuentro. Fuelled by protein shakes and espressos from the Encuentro food trucks nestled under lush tree cover, we retreat briefly before the wind calls. Wing sessions dominate the afternoons, starting strong with a 5m wing and Prog 170 foil, evolving into Prog 125 as the breeze intensifies, sessions punctuated only by lunch breaks at nearby eateries. Evenings melt into poolside massages and relaxed dinners. Repeat daily.
These are my insights, gleaned from countless hours on the water and shores of Cabarete.
Understanding Cabarete’s Watersports Zones
Cabarete’s geography is key to its appeal: two distinct bays – the expansive Cabarete Beach and the more intimate Kite Beach – separated from the surfing mecca of Encuentro by a stretch of open coastline. Consistent glassy mornings give way to reliable 15+ knot winds kicking in around 10-11 am, lasting until sunset. Swell conditions are favorable, often epic. Add to this warm waters, balmy air, a forgiving reef, a safe atmosphere, and welcoming locals, and you have a watersports haven.
Cabarete Beach: Family-Friendly Foiling and Beachfront Buzz
Cabarete Beach, the town’s vibrant heart, offers beachside restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. While the water isn’t as crystal clear and a slight wind shadow exists, the expansive beach and a deep offshore reef (about 1/4 mile out) create ideal foiling conditions. With decent swell, this reef transforms into a wave foiler’s dream, delivering long, fast rides. For families, Cabarete Beach is arguably the best base. Recommended accommodations include Villa Taina, Millenium, Ultravioleta, or Palm Beach Condos.
Alt text: Kite surfers catching air on Cabarete Beach, Dominican Republic, showcasing the vibrant watersports scene and beautiful coastline.
Kite Beach: Winging Hotspot and Energetic Vibe
Downwind, Kite Beach presents a shallower, more compact bay. The reef here is closer and shallower, waist-deep at low tide, perfect for morning paddles and prone foiling. This is my preferred location. The trade-off is its distance from Cabarete town, requiring a drive, and limited nightlife beyond Xtreme Hotel’s post-dinner closure. Kite Beach excels for winging, offering extended rides and rollers inside the reef, though it can become too choppy for foiling when the wind picks up significantly. Agualina and Kite Beach Hotel are your best lodging options here.
Alt text: Silhouette of a winger enjoying a sunset session at Kite Beach, Cabarete, Dominican Republic, highlighting the ideal wind conditions and stunning scenery.
Encuentro Beach: Surfing Waves and Scenic Beauty
Encuentro Beach is synonymous with surfing. Featuring 3-4 distinct peaks and a shallow, waist-deep reef, it’s fantastic for surfing and kitesurfing. However, significant swell can make winging challenging due to wave size at the reef break. While I haven’t winged here myself, it’s a surfer’s paradise. Encuentro boasts the most picturesque beaches and excellent surf. Staying here is an option, about a 10-minute drive from town. While convenient for surfing and kiting (ride upwind to Cabarete and downwind back to Encuentro), foiling is borderline due to the shallowness, and family appeal might be limited. Prone foiling is possible further upwind – consult local surf instructors for directions, avoiding the main surf breaks. For accommodation, consider beachfront house rentals or Natura Cabana, a highly recommended option.
Alt text: Early morning surfers catching waves at Encuentro Beach, Cabarete, Dominican Republic, illustrating the beach’s reputation as a prime surfing location.
Playa Secreta: Secluded Prone Foiling
Tucked between Kite Beach and Encuentro lies Playa Secreta, a secluded and relatively deep spot ideal for prone foiling.
Essential Intel for Your Cabarete Adventure
Beyond locations, here’s some practical intel:
- Food: Delicious and reasonably priced, with no food safety concerns in my experience.
- Cash: Primarily cash-based economy.
- Airport: Fly into Puerto Plata (POP) – excellent airport.
- Transportation: Driving can be chaotic; scooter rentals are not advisable.
- Local Contacts: I can connect you with a long-time local surf guide for expert spot knowledge and island exploration. Also, a fantastic, reliable massage therapist is available for affordable, in-house treatments after long watersports days.
Cabarete offers an unparalleled watersports lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking family fun or a dedicated watersports trip, understanding these insider tips will enhance your Dominican Republic experience. Reach out if you have more questions – I’m happy to share further intel!
