Surfing is not the only popular watersport that is practised on the North coast of the Dominican Republic.
Watersports in Cabarete
Before surfing started gaining popularity it was the wind sports that put Cabarete and the neighbouring beaches on the map. Windsurfing has been a popular sport for over 25 years in the
Dominican Republic. In the last 10 years kitesurfing came on the scene, and kitesurfers quickly discovered that the beaches of Cabarete are amongst the world’s best for the sport.
So here’s a list of things to do for active folks on the North coast of the Dominican Republic
KITESURFING
Learning: Always use a kiteschool that uses the latest equipment and qualified instructors. In Cabarete there are several good kite surf school: Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding on Bozo beach, Kiteclub and dare2fly are 2 good schools at Cabarete kitebeach ( 1 km west of Cabarete town)
Where: Cabarete has very good condition’s for people of all all skills levels and riding preference ( freestyle, flat water, waves)
Costs: Not cheap, lessons start at roughly 500 USD for an 8 to 10 hour course, then another few hours of supervision. Costs of buying material: USed: complete set around 800-1200 USD. New: 1500 to 2500 USD.
When: Best time to learn to kitesurf is the months of June until August and Jan-March.
WINDSURFING.
Learning: To learn to basics of windsurfing is pretty quick and hassle free, to master the sport takes years, that’s why windsurfing has been overshadowed by kitesurfing in recent year. Cabarete offers superb learning conditions, gentle breeze in the morning until 1 in the afternoon to learn the basics. Vela And HappySurf are good windsurf schools located right at Cabarete main beach.
Where: Mostly done at Cabarete Bay, some windsurfers go out at Kitebeach but it leads to frustartion to both the windsurfer and the kitesurfers.
Costs: Lessons course starts at a few hundred dollars. Used material can be bought for 600-1000 USD. New equipment can start at 2500USD and up.
When: Any time of the year is a good time to learn windsurfing. Intermediates and experts should stick to the summer months of June-Aug.
CANYONING, RAFTING & WATERFALLS.
Our friends over at Kayak River adventures organize awesome & exciting days trips to some spectacular places.Jump of rocks, climb trough waterfall.
Where: 1 hour out of Cabarete, Kayak River adventures takes care of the transport and lunches and run a great and safe trip.
Costs: Around 100 USD pp for an awesome days
When: Any time of the year
More info: http://kayakriveradventures.com/canyoning/magic-mushroom/
STAND UP PADDLE SURFING
Where: Cabarete main beach, lots of outer reefs for the advanced SUP-ers
Costs: Paddle board lessons are around 50 USD for 1-2 hours, after that paddle boards can be rented from several wind and kite surf schools at Cabarete bay and Kitebeach
When: Anytime of the year, winter is better for the advanced paddle boarders looking to catch some good waves.
What else is there to do in & around Cabarete, Dominican Republic
- horseriding on the beach
- Party into the early morning
- Culutural trips to Puerto Plata
- Visit the stunning beaches of las Terrenas
- Snorkeling in Sosua
- Or do nothing and relax after a great days surfing at Playa Encuentro
Still not convinced that Cabarete is worth a visit for your next holiday?
Looking for a one stop surf & active holiday?
Check out Swell Surf Camp
