Everything an insider knows — and a first-timer needs — to get the most out of Cabarete and the Dominican Republic's North Coast.
Playa Encuentro (reef/beach, all levels, 7-min walk), El Canal (fast rights, intermediate+, steps away), Perla Marina (dawn patrol, on property), Kite Beach (flatwater, kite only), Cabarete Main (longboard/beginner, 10-min drive).
See All Spots →Puerto Plata Airport (POP) — 25 min from lodge. Direct flights: JFK 3.5h, MIA 2h, BOS 4h, IAD 3.5h, YYZ 4h, YUL 4h. Car hire or private transfer available. No visa required for US/EU/CA/UK citizens.
See Flight Guide →Year-round destination. Trade winds peak November–July (best for kite/wing). Best surf: November–March (NW swells). Whale watching: January–March (Samaná Bay). Avoid September–October (hurricane season).
See Activities →Rooms from $120/night including breakfast. Street food $3–8. Restaurant meals $12–25. Surf lesson $40–60. Kite lesson $80/hr. Beer $1.50. Rum cocktail $5. Day trip to 27 Waterfalls $35pp. Airport transfer $25.
See Room Prices →27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (45 min), El Choco National Park (15 min), Playa Grande (45 min), Puerto Plata cable car (30 min), Samaná whale watching (2h Jan–Mar), Santo Domingo (3.5h).
Plan Day Trips →Cabarete is safe for tourists. Drink bottled water. Sun protection essential — UV index reaches 11. No vaccinations required for US/EU travelers. Travel insurance recommended. Nearest hospital: Puerto Plata (25 min).
See FAQs →Straight from the people who live here — so your Cabarete trip goes perfectly from the first day.
The best instructors at Encuentro and Kite Beach get booked up fast in high season (Dec–Apr). WhatsApp us and we'll reserve your lessons before check-in.
Cabarete's famous trade winds pick up between 12–2pm every day. Surf in the morning, kite or wing in the afternoon. Perfect split.
USD is accepted everywhere in Cabarete. ATMs are available but carry some cash for smaller restaurants and street vendors.
Quality surfboards, SUPs, and kite gear are all available for rent in Cabarete from $10–30/day. Skip the airline board bag fees.
Ask us for recommendations. The best sancocho, fresh fish, and tostones are a 5-minute walk away for $5–8 — not at the tourist restaurants on the main strip.
The surf at Encuentro is empty at 6am. Glass-off conditions, just you and a handful of locals. Our breakfast starts at 7am — perfect timing.
Booking through us directly via WhatsApp or email avoids the 15–20% OTA commission. We pass that saving to you and can customize your stay.
January–March is whale watching season in Samaná Bay (2h away). Rooms fill up months in advance for this window. Book early.
Want a beach bonfire on your last night? Just let us know when you check in. We set it up, bring the firewood, and make the magic happen.