Place: Cabarete
Country: Dominican Republic
Region: Caribbean
Currency: Pesos
Language: Spanish, locals speak some english
Airport: Puerto Plata (POP)
Electricity: 110V 50 HZ
Population: 8.5 million

Caribbean's most laidback place to stay, Cabarete. This is the place to be for kite and windsurfers, Why? Most time during the year good trade winds and nice weather, Excellent value for money, Every night good food and party.

Wind & Climate in Cabarete

The trade wind gives Cabarete a consistent strong wind almost all year round. The wind blows from easterly direction. That gives Cabarete perfect side-onshore conditions for kite and windsurfing.
During the months February until August the wind is almost perfect every day. Especially in June the wind can be really strong up to 30 knots. This is also the time that all the best kiteboarders are there for the world tour.
Generally the wind in the morning is nothing. At 11.00 the wind will pick up a little bit. This is the time for beginners to go out practicing, or for 20m2 kites. Around 12.30 it gets warmer and the thermal wind will pick up. The wind will stay consistent hard until 16.00 o'clock. At 18.00 the wind will start getting less strong

Kite suring and kite school Cabarete

The kitesurfing in Cabarete is really excellent! Warm water and various breaks and beaches to go kiting. There are training a lot of great kiters, with a really high level. Also the local kids are kiting as the best. When you are looking for a kiteschool you don`t have to look very long. Every where on the beaches are kiteschools, especially on Kite beach. It counts around 4 kite schools.

Kitebeach is also the place to be. Here are the most kiters and only kiters. (sometimes it`s getting very crowded) Kitebeach is around 1km from Cabarete town; it has sandy beaches and areas to launch your kite. 300 meters from shore is a reef. As a beginner you don't have to come there but as a more experienced kiter it can be a lot of fun. On the reef very flat and shallow water. Behind the reef some nice swell.
Not only great kitesurfing on kitebeach, but cabarete has several places to go kitesurfing. Next to kitebeach is Bozo beach. This only a 10min. walk from kite beach or Cabarete centre Or go up or downwind. This is a less crowded place to go. No reef, but also nice warm, flat water. Further out there is a bank with some wave breakers.
When you really want some good swell, go to Encuentro beach. Normally this is a wave spot for surfing. But it's also great kiting with big nice swell. 6 km east from Cabarete is a place called La Boca. This is a river mouth with really flat water. Afterwards you can go out of the river mouth and do a long down winder back to Cabarete.

Getting to Cabarete

Easiest way from the airport to Cabarete is by taxi. Taxi will cost you about 25 USD p.p. time Traveling in Cabarete is also no problem. Just take a Motorcycle taxi to drive you around (local name : moto conchos) They charge you 10 pesos p.p. during day, when it`s dark they charge double price 20 pesos p.p. Taxis are the same price if you pay the taxi with 4 persons.

Other Activities

- Horse back riding
- Waterfall tours
- Trip to Playa Grande
- Surfing
- Rock climbing
- Whale watching

Nightlife in Cabarete

On the beach are several restaurants and bars, which have all kinds of meals. Prices are low. The nightlife is great, so go visit some bars. A lot off bars have local live music. One of the best places to go partying are Onno`s and Lax. They stay open until early in the morning. Most bars have happy hours from 6 pm to midnight. Local drink - Cuba libre.