🇩🇴 Cabarete, Dominican Republic
🌊 Caribbean's #1 Kitesurfing Destination

Cabarete Beach
Dominican Republic

Where the trade winds never stop and the Caribbean nights never end. Your definitive guide to Cabarete — from Kite Beach to hidden waterfalls, sunset cocktails to world-class waves.

300 Windy Days / Year
40 min From Puerto Plata Airport
80°F Year-Round Temperature
10+ Kite Schools on Beach
📍 Quick Answer — What is Cabarete Beach?

Cabarete Beach is a world-famous beach town on the Dominican Republic's North Coast, widely recognized as the Caribbean's premier kitesurfing and windsurfing destination. Located just 40 minutes east of Puerto Plata's international airport, Cabarete attracts travelers from over 50 countries with its near-constant trade winds (250–300 kitable days per year), vibrant beachfront restaurant scene, underground caves, tropical nightlife, and a welcoming expat and adventure sports community unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Cabarete: The North Coast's Crown Jewel

Cabarete started as a quiet fishing village. Then, in the 1980s, adventure seekers discovered its secret: relentless northeasterly trade winds — known as the Alizé — blowing across a sheltered bay with a protective reef. By the 1990s, the world's top windsurfers and kitesurfers had made it their Caribbean home base, and Cabarete was officially on the map.

Today, it's so much more than a sports destination. Italian expats run oceanfront trattorias. Dominican fishermen still cast nets at dawn. Beach bars transform into bachata clubs after dark. El Choco National Park hides underground caves with freshwater lagoons just 10 minutes from the sand. And 27 Damajagua Waterfalls — one of the Caribbean's most spectacular natural attractions — sits just an hour away.

This is the real Dominican Republic: alive, raw, cosmopolitan, and utterly addictive.

#1 Kitesurfing Spot in Caribbean
50+ Countries Represented
24/7 Year-Round Destination
$$$ Budget to Luxury Options
Visit Cabarete Dominican Republic North Coast
🇩🇴 Puerto Plata Province North Coast of the Dominican Republic

Things To Do in Cabarete

From the world's most consistent kite winds to hidden underground caves, Cabarete delivers more adventure per square mile than anywhere on the Caribbean coast.

⭐ #1 Activity

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

With 250–300 kitable days per year and the legendary Alizé trade winds, Kite Beach is the undisputed capital of Caribbean wind sports. Over 10 IKO-certified schools offer lessons for complete beginners through advanced freestyle. Wind peaks mid-afternoon, giving you mornings for yoga, beaches, or exploring.

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🌊 Adventure

Surfing at Playa Encuentro

Just minutes from downtown, Playa Encuentro is considered one of the Caribbean's finest surf breaks. Beginner-friendly inner sections, powerful outer reef waves, and multiple surf schools make it perfect for all skill levels.

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🌿 Nature

El Choco National Park & Caves

Hidden beneath the tropical forest just outside of town, Las Cuevas de Cabarete are ancient limestone caves with crystal-clear underground lagoons you can actually swim in. El Choco National Park surrounds them with lush hiking trails, wildlife, and an experience unlike any beach resort activity.

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💧 Day Trip

27 Damajagua Waterfalls

An hour from Cabarete, 27 Charcos de Damajagua is one of the Dominican Republic's most extraordinary natural attractions. Trek through tropical forest, jump, slide, and swim down 27 natural cascade pools carved into turquoise-blue rock. Go with a local guide for safety and access to the upper falls.

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🐎 Unique

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Ride along Cabarete's shoreline at sunset — one of the most memorable Caribbean experiences you'll find anywhere. Local operators offer morning and sunset rides through coastal forest and along the beach. Pro tip: book the sunset ride for cooler temperatures and spectacular skies.

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🧘 Wellness

Yoga, Spa & Beach Wellness

Cabarete has cultivated a genuine wellness culture. Morning beachfront yoga sessions, world-class spa treatments at Natura Cabana using local ingredients, cacao ceremony tours, bachata dance lessons, and fresh smoothie cafes make this as much a mind-body retreat as it is an adventure destination.

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🗺️ View Full Things To Do Guide

Kitesurfing in Cabarete:
The Full Picture

Ask any experienced kitesurfer where in the Caribbean they'd go if they could only pick one spot — and most will say Cabarete. The combination of the Alizé trade winds, a protective reef creating a flat-water lagoon at La Boca, and the open bay at Kite Beach creates near-perfect conditions for every level of rider.

Not a kitesurfer? You don't need to be. Watching hundreds of kites fill the sky from a beachfront bar with a cold Presidente in hand is genuinely spectacular — the kind of scene you only find in Cabarete.

💨
250–300 kitable days/year More consistent than most Caribbean destinations
📅
June–August: Peak Season 15–30 knots of consistent thermal wind
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10+ IKO-Certified Schools Kite Point, LEK Kiteboarding, GoKite, dare2fly & more
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Multiple Riding Spots Kite Beach, La Boca (flat water), Bozo Beach, Encuentro

Wind Strength by Season

Dec–Apr (Winter) 14–24 knots
May–Aug (Summer) 16–30 knots 🔥
Sep–Nov (Shoulder) 10–20 knots
Kitesurfing at Cabarete Kite Beach Dominican Republic

Cabarete Nightlife:
The Beach Never Sleeps

When the kites come down, Cabarete transforms. The beachfront bars flip on their lights, the bachata and reggaeton start drifting across the sand, and a cosmopolitan crowd of expats, athletes, and travelers congregates for one of the Caribbean's most authentic nightlife experiences.

🍹

Mojito Bar

The quintessential Cabarete experience. Lowest prices on the beachfront, organic juices, incredible mojitos, and a crowd that spans every nationality. Open all day.

⭐ 4.4 · 806 Reviews
🎧

Bahia Bazaar / Ojo

Sunset cocktails and appetizers evolve into full DJ sets and real party energy as the night progresses. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the nights to be here.

🔥 Best for Nightlife
💃

LAX — Latin Night

Thursday is Latin night. Arrive by 11:30 PM and prepare to move your hips. Some of the best live bachata and merengue on the North Coast. Get there early for a table.

🎵 Thursday Nights
🍕

Pomodoro — Open Mic Sundays

Italian pizza, gelato, and a legendary Sunday open mic night that's become a Cabarete institution. Musicians from around the world show up to play — and sometimes the crowd is the best part.

🎸 Every Sunday
🛍️

Wednesday Night Market

Every Wednesday from 4–10 PM, Cabarete Beach hosts a lively market with handcrafted jewelry, local art, Dominican street food, and live music. Even non-shoppers love it.

📅 Every Wednesday
🥂

Bliss Restaurant

For a more elevated evening, Bliss delivers romantic oceanfront dining with fresh seafood, locally-sourced meats, and craft cocktails. Widely considered Cabarete's finest restaurant.

🌟 Fine Dining

Best Restaurants in Cabarete

Cabarete's dining scene is a direct reflection of its international community — Italian-owned trattorias, Dominican seafood shacks, Mexican taquerias, and fresh juice bars all compete for your appetite along a single beautiful beachfront strip.

Cabarete Coffee Company

A social enterprise run by the Mariposa DR Foundation. Exceptional coffee, fresh breakfast, and a feel-good reason to keep coming back. Their Kite Loop Panini is legendary.

★★★★★
4.8 · 426 reviews
🌮

Gordito's Fresh Mex

Cabarete's most beloved casual spot. Fresh Mexican-inspired food, massive portions, legendary Taco Tuesday, and a vibe that keeps locals and tourists coming back daily.

★★★★★
4.7 · 1,333 reviews
🦞

La Casita de Papi

Famous among locals for the freshest seafood in town. The paella and whole grilled fish are must-orders. This is where Dominicans eat — which tells you everything.

★★★★½
4.3 · 1,068 reviews
🥩

Bliss Restaurant

Cabarete's premier fine dining experience. Stunning ocean views, impeccable service, and a menu built around fresh local seafood, prime meats, and inventive cocktails.

★★★★★
Best for Special Occasions

Best Hotels in Cabarete

From eco-luxury boutique retreats to party-central kite resort accommodations, Cabarete's lodging scene covers every style and budget.

🌿 Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa

Eco-luxury surrounded by tropical garden, steps from a private beach. Morning yoga sessions, spa treatments with local ingredients. The most serene stay in Cabarete.

🪁 Agualina Kite Resort

Steps from Kite Beach. The kitesurfer's home base — wake up, walk 30 seconds to your lesson. Pool, restaurant, and a community of riders from around the world.

🌊 Ultravioleta Boutique Residences

Modern, chic apartments with an infinity pool that dissolves into the ocean horizon. Perfect for couples or longer stays. Style and luxury without the resort price tag.

🏖️ Velero Beach Resort

Elegant oceanfront accommodations with beautiful beach access. A full-service resort that feels intimate. Penthouses available for longer stays or larger groups.

What Kind of Traveler Are You?

Tell us your vibe — we'll show you exactly what to prioritize in Cabarete.

Your Cabarete Trip Planner

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    Featured Cabarete Businesses

    These trusted local partners offer exclusive deals and experiences for visitors. Own a business in Cabarete? Get listed here.

    🏨

    Hotel / Resort Listing

    Standard partner listing with photo, description, and direct booking link. Ideal for boutique hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.

    Inquire
    🌿

    Tours & Excursions

    Waterfalls, caves, zip-lines, horseback riding, day trips — get your tour listed where tourists are actively searching for experiences.

    Inquire

    Best Time To Visit Cabarete

    Cabarete is a genuine year-round destination, but each season has its distinct character. Here's how to pick the right time for your trip.

    ❄️

    December – April

    High season. Warm days, cooler evenings, 14–24 knot winds. Peak prices but best overall conditions. Cabarete Carnival in March.

    Best: All-around travel
    ☀️

    May – August

    Strongest winds of the year (16–30 knots). Glassy flat water, hot sun. Peak kiteboarding season. Beach can get crowded at Kite Beach.

    Best: Kitesurfers
    🍃

    Sep – Mid-Nov (Secret Season)

    Lowest prices, fewest tourists, still great weather. Brief afternoon showers but mornings are gorgeous. The budget traveler's Cabarete.

    Best: Budget travelers

    Cabarete Beach FAQ

    Everything tourists ask before visiting Cabarete, answered honestly.