
Cabarete – Travel Guide
Cabarete, a coastal gem on the north shore of Hispaniola, an island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, is a lively town known for its vibrant atmosphere and main street lined with shops, restaurants, and condos. Undoubtedly, it’s the top destination in the Dominican Republic for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities like diving and horseback riding. The town’s energy truly shines from its beautiful beach.
All about Cabarete



Getting Around Cabarete
By Walking
Cabarete is compact, and many places, such as the beach, restaurants, bars, and shops, are within walking distance. The main road, Route 5, runs parallel to the beach, making it easy to walk along the strip to various destinations.
By Motorbike Taxi (Motoconcho)
Motobikes “motoconchos” are quick and convenient to travel short distances and can be found everywhere in town, and they will actively solicit you for a ride. Simply tell the driver where you want to go, hop on, and hand the driver the exact fare when you arrive at your destination and walk away. They are very inexpensive, however, since these motorcycle drivers are a bit reckless, speeding through traffic, you may want to make the extra money to take a taxi.
By Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Cabarete, and you can either hail one on the street or arrange for one through your hotel or a taxi service. Most of the taxis wait for passengers in the center of town. Always agree on the price before the ride. Uber is not available in Cabarete.
By Mini Buses (Guaguas)
Guaguas are minivans that serve as public transport between Cabarete and other nearby towns like Puerto Plata or Sosua. They are more affordable, however, they are very overcrowded and uncomfortable.
Carros Publicos are shared taxis, typically older cars, that follow a set route between towns. They stop frequently to pick up or drop off passengers. Just flag one down along the main road and hop on. It’s common for these vehicles to be crowded, so expect to share with locals.
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By Car
If you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country, renting a car can be a good option, as it gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Keep in mind that driving in the Dominican Republic may be a bit challenging due to aggressive driving habits and road conditions.
By Bicycles and Scooters
Renting a bicycle or scooter is a great way to explore Cabarete at your own pace. Many shops in town offer rentals by the day or week.
Tips for Getting Around
Always carry small bills in Dominican Pesos for moto-taxis and public transport.
Be ready to negotiate the fare with taxis and motoconchos to avoid misunderstandings.
Be cautious when walking or biking along the main road, as traffic can be busy, especially during peak hours.

Cabarete FAQ
Where is Cabarete located and what is it known for?
Cabarete is located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata province. It is about 11 miles from Puerto Plata airport.
The city is dominated by tourism, particularly for kitesurfing and windsurfing. This is because it is known to be one of the best places to practice these sports in the Caribbean.
How do I get to Cabarete?
The closest airport to Cabarete is Puerto Plata Airport (POP). If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options. Taxis are available at the airport at a fixed rate. All taxi prices are per trip, not per person. Departure is fast and easy, as Puerto Plata airport is very small.
Alternatively, Santiago Airport (STI) is another airport used to get to Cabarete, it is less expensive than Puerto Plata. It takes about 1.5 hours by car to get to Cabarete from here. If you are driving at night, the mountain road to Cabarete is dark, steep, narrow, and poorly maintained. There is an alternative route to avoid the mountain road, but it takes a bit longer – about 2 hours. Taxis are available, however, a cheaper transport option is a bus to Sosua (leaves 20 past every hour from early morning till evening and takes 2 hours). From Sosual, if you have minimal luggage, flag a gua gua (shared bus) heading to Cabarete, which is about a 25 minute ride. A taxi from Sosua to Cabaret should cost about $10 US.
How do I get around in Cabarete?
The center of Cabarete consists of a main road of about 0.5 miles. You can walk to the beach from here.
Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are everywhere and will call to you constantly as you walk. The safety of these are questionable. If you do take a motorcycle taxi, be sure to negotiate your fare in advance, the drivers tend to charge more to tourists.
There are Sedans called “Publicos” and mini-vans called “Gua Guas” to take you around the area as well. Gua Guas stop running at 6pm. You can flag down either from anywhere on the side of the road, pile in together with the locals, and hop out at your destination. Have change on you to pay the driver.
Taxis are everywhere around town. Rates can be costly by local standards, you will always want to negotiate.
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What is the legal drinking age?
Alcohol is allowed to be consumed and purchased at the minimum age of 18 years old.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
Cabarete has warm water and consistent winds year-found, making it a popular destination for water sports. It consistently has excellent wind conditions with an average of 350 windy days a year, which is why it’s such a popular kitesurfing and windsurfing destination. Daytime temperatures generally range from 77°F to 86°F. The evenings tend to cool down slightly. Rainy season lasts from May to October, with September and October seeing the most rainfall. During this period, rain typically comes in brief, intense showers, often in the late afternoon or evening. Dry season is from November to April, with sunny skies and very little rain.
December to April is considered the best time to visit Cabarete. The weather is dry and comfortable, with steady winds, making it ideal for outdoor activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing, which Cabrete is famous for. Summer (June to August) is still a popular time, especially for water sports enthusiasts, as the winds are strongest, but it can be more humid, and there may be occasional rain showers.
If your main focus is wind-based water sports, the windy season starts in June and lasts through August, offering great conditions.
What is the nightlife like?
As the sun sets, Cabarete transforms into a vibrant hub of nightlife, offering a mix of beach bars, live music, and late-night dancing, all in a casual atmosphere. There are lots of beachside restaurants to grab a bit to eat for dinner. Happy Hour is popular, with many bars offering deals on drinks, especially around sunset. Many bars feature live bands or DJs, with genres ranging from reggae to Latin music to electronic. Weekends tend to be busier, especially with locals mixing with tourists, giving the dance floors a vibrant feel.
When is hurricane season?
The hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being September and October.
I don’t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
You won’t have any problems communicating in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans are very friendly; even if they do not speak your language, they will help you find someone who can or can find a way to communicate. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Is Cabarete a safe place to visit?
Cabarete, in general, is a laid-back beach town and safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it’s important to take common precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Is it safe to drink water?
No, we do not recommend drinking the tap water in the Dominican Republic. This is because your body is not accustomed to the microbes in the Dominican Republic’s water. Drinking tap water increases your chances of contracting an upset tummy.
What is the local time zone?
The Dominican Republic observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round. The country does not adjust to daylight saving time.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (RD$). US-Dollars are accepted in tourist areas and bigger cities. ATMs are also available for withdrawing local currency.
What is the tipping culture in Cabarete?
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. A 10% service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants. Additional tipping is at your discretion but is appreciated for good service.
Is Cabarete expensive?
Cabarete is relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Costs can vary depending on the type of accommodation and dining choices, but you can find options to fit different budgets.
What is the food like?
Cabarete has a variety of dining options, from local Dominican food (rice, beans, plantains, fresh seafood) to international cuisine, including Italian, French, and Asian. Many restaurants are located beachfront, offering beautiful views.
Is Cabarete a good place for families?
Yes, Cabarete is family-friendly, offering activities like beach outings, horseback riding, snorkeling, and exploring the natural parks. The town has a relaxed vibe, and there are plenty of accommodations that are family-friendly.
Can I rent equipment for kiteboarding or surfing in Cabarete?
Yes, there are several surf and kiteboarding schools and rental shops in Cabarete where you can rent equipment, take lessons, and even book guided surf or kite tours.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
In an emergency, dial 911.
There are small clinics in Cabarete for minor medical issues, but for more serious medical needs, travelers may need to go to nearby Sosua or Puerto Plata, where larger hospitals are located.
Top Attractions

Cabarete Caves Eco Park
Tucked inside the forest of El Choco National Park, this caves reveal an underground network dating back millions of years.

Cabarete Beach
Such an unique beach that has turned into an aquatic sports world reference thanks to its great waters.

Kite Beach
Kite Beach is Dominican Republic’s kiteboarding mecca, with several options for lessons and waterfront lodging.

El Choco National Park
It offers a world of nature for hikes, mountain biking, swimming in fresh water lagoons, and cave exploration.
Unique Experiences

Hiking in El Choco National Park.
A lush, tropical paradise, El Choco National Park offers a variety of hiking trails. Discover caves, pristine lagoons, and abundant wildlife in this protected nature reserve just outside Cabarete.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Experience.
Cabarete is a world-renowned destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to its consistent trade winds and calm waters. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the beaches offer thrilling conditions for water sports.
What to expect while traveling




