A land of possibilities – with the right attitude and drive you can unlock all the fun new levels of everyday activities in this grand beach town we call home. In Cabarete, whether it’s water sports, horseback riding on the beach, getting a massage or just relaxing – Cabarete is the right place to help you connect with elemental parts of life.
Our top tip is to get familiar with Dominican culture and its nature, we know in Cabarete there is always an adventure coming up in the next moment. So keep an open mind and let’s jump right into it:
#1 Water Sports
In 2021 the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic named Cabarete the capital of surf and wind of the country. This was a great step toward incentivizing water sport tourism much like Costa Rica and Hawaii has for surf.
Not only is Cabarete a top 10 Kiteboarding destination of the world, our main surf beach Playa Encuentro has the most consistent waves and best conditions on the island. You can learn to surf or Kitesurf pretty much any day of the year.
Imagine waking up early, walking on the sand and practicing your favorite water sport. Here in Cabarete, not only is it possible, it’s actively encouraged. A famous coastal town for becoming the capital of water sports: Here you can go surfing, kiting, paddle boarding, windsurfing, diving or snorkeling most days of the year. There are several water schools all along the coast in Cabarete, Encuentro, Kite Beach and Sosúa that offer lessons for various options.
Here’s a quick list:
For surfing we recommend Dominican Surf School, they have a large selection of boards, 100% Dominican Staff, beginner and advanced lessons, and group rates. They also organize retreats and Dominican Culture experiences like cooking a meal at the river or beachside bonfires under the stars.
Contact: Papito Santana +1(829)928-1371 or check out their instagram.
For Kiting and all other water sports lessons or gear rental we recommend Vela Watersport School located in the center of Cabarete and owned and operated by one of our Sales Specialists Audrey Meyer.
#2 Waterfall tours
Sun screen? Check.
Water Shoes? Check.
Bug Spray? Double check.
Spending time in nature is priceless. If you’d like to take some time and explore different parts of the DR, go on a bucket list escapade and discover some nearby waterfalls and ‘saltos’ on the island. Not sure where to start? Meet Argenis Ecotours for some guidance to places like Rio Partido, Cola de Pato and Magic Mushroom (Salto de Elena). Another option is Helmut’s Kayak River Adventures for a full package on rappel and canyoning and several other spots. Tours can range from 25 USD to 100 USD per person depending on what they include. And… just a heads up – some of these may require an intermediate physical condition. So, if you have physical limitations, let them know in advance before choosing a tour.
Contact:
Argenis Ecotours +1 849 341 6080
www.kayakriveradventures.com
#3 Workouts in Playa Encuentro
Speaking of becoming the best version of yourself? Get strong and live it up while you’re at it. The surf mecca of the Dominican Republic is also becoming the fitness mecca with 2 performance centers, 3 yoga schools, 2 Jiu Jitsu gyms, and many fitness classes to choose from. Surf N Roll Performance Center offers different disciplines, private trainers and class packages (tae kwon do, swimming, functional body building, crossfit and more!). And just round the block is Vibez Cabarete for kids & adults group classes in martial arts disciplines like boxing, kick boxing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. They also have a really popular strength & conditioning class and private personal training available. Get physical!
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#4 Excursion Tours with Carambola
It’s always adventure time at Carambola Surf House – a great idea for anyone visiting and looking for a package option on what to do in Cabarete. They have their own stable with beautiful horses (available for horseback riding on the beach or in the mountains), they also include various nature tours, they can take you wakeboarding, or you can book their equipment for fun fueled adventures like Jet skis, ATV buggies and more! PS: They regularly collaborate in organizing Surf Competitions, so keep an eye out on the next one for a display on local performances.
Contact: https://carambolasurfhouse.net
#5 Tip Top Catamaran
Let the sea set you free! Hop on the next catamaran tour, exiting from Sosúa Bay down to Ocean World Marina in Puerto Plata. Go on the all inclusive group tour, do a half day or book the catamaran privately for yourself (and friends). If you’re curious about the all day tour (6 hours) it includes an open bar, dominican lunch, 2 snorkeling spots and snorkeling gear.
Contact: www.tiptopcatamaran.com
#6 Cave Hopping in Cabarete
If you ever find yourself in El Callejón de la Loma with loose time and a 20 USD bill to spare, go down to the end of the road and sign up for a Cabarete Cave tour. A true classic in our book. They are a key element of the El Choco National Park and they connect with a submerged network of other caves. Some of these are not accessible to the public and can only be reached by teams of experienced divers. The guides will present you with all the valuable details on Dominican Taino heritage, rock art and take you down to a fresh water chamber where you can jump in and swim in the dark. Brrr!
Here, you can also go on a hike, mountain bike and explore the lagoon.
Contact: (809) 984-9823
#7 Learn to Dance Bachata, Merengue, or Salsa
One activity that is cultural, fun, easy, cheap, and just one hour is learning to dance. Dominican culture has its roots deep in music and dancing so a dance class is a way to connect to the culture. Latin dancing can be a fun activity to do whether you’re on vacation or here to stay. For lessons we recommend NinaAfrika Dance School who has been teaching all levels and styles of latin dancing in the Cabarete area for over 10 years.
Contact: NinaAfrika Dance School Facebook or (849) 854-9692
In the end, this is just a little taste of what you can do in Cabarete. The list can go on!
Did we miss something? Tell us what you’d like to know more of.