Cabarete Travel Guide
City Coastal city in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
On the north shore, Cabarete lives for wind: kiteboarding and windsurf schools, surf breaks, beachfront bars, and a compact nightlife make it a nonstop playground for active visitors.
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Why Visit Cabarete? #
Known as the Caribbean wind-sports capital, Cabarete draws travelers for world-class kitesurfing and a lively beachfront scene centered on Cabarete Beach. After a day on the water visitors often sample fresh ceviche and grilled lobster at open-air stands, while evening spots pulse with bachata and live bands. Small kite schools, surf shops and international regattas create a social atmosphere that mixes action sports, seafood dining and nightlife in one compact seaside town.
Top Things to Do in Cabarete
All Attractions ›
- Cabarete Beach - Popular kitesurfing strip with numerous schools and beachfront restaurants.
- Playa Encuentro - Consistent surf break favored by local and visiting surfers, with surf schools.
- Monkey Jungle Cabarete - Small wildlife rescue offering guided visits and close primate encounters.
- Sea Horse Ranch - Horseback riding, hiking trails, and a private beach on oceanfront grounds.
- Kite Beach (east Cabarete Bay) - Local windsurf and kitesurf hub with casual shacks and great sunsets.
- Local beachfront cafés on Calle del Sol - Relax with coffee or fresh seafood while watching kiteboarders and windsurfers.
- Sosúa Beach Town - Snorkeling, lively restaurants, and a fifteen-minute drive west from Cabarete.
- Puerto Plata Cable Car (Isabel de Torres) - Ascend Isabel de Torres for panoramic views and a botanical garden visit.
- Gri Gri Lagoon (Rio San Juan area) - Boat through mangroves to quiet coves and calm swimming spots nearby.
Best Time to Visit Cabarete #
Visit Cabarete during the dry season (November-April) for steady trade winds, consistent kitesurfing and sunny beach days - January-March are prime. Summer and the May-October rains bring heat, humidity and occasional tropical storms.
Best Time to Visit Cabarete #
Cabarete's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1711 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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September
September is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (264 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (243 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Cabarete
Cabarete is easiest reached via Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) at Puerto Plata; Santiago (STI) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) are alternative gateways with longer land transfers. Expect to combine an airport taxi or shared shuttle with a short local bus or taxi to reach the beachside town.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP): POP is the closest airport for Cabarete (about 20-30 km). Taxi transfers to Cabarete typically run about RD$1,500-2,500 (≈US$25-45) and take 25-40 minutes; shared shuttles and private transfers can be cheaper per person (around US$10-20) depending on booking. Public minibuses (guaguas) from Puerto Plata city to Sosúa/Cabarete are much cheaper (roughly RD$50-150 / ≈US$1-3) but require a short taxi or local bus from the airport into Puerto Plata town.
Cibao International Airport (STI): STI in Santiago is a longer drive (around 70-90 km) but is used by some international flights. Taxi or private transfer from STI to Cabarete commonly costs US$50-90 and takes around 1.25-1.75 hours. Intercity buses and shared vans run between Santiago and Puerto Plata/Sosúa areas for lower fares (roughly RD$200-400 / US$4-8) but schedules vary.
Train: There is no intercity passenger rail service in the Dominican Republic; trains are not a travel option for reaching Cabarete.
Bus: Long-distance bus companies and local guaguas serve the Puerto Plata-Sosúa-Cabarete corridor. Caribe Tours and local bus services run from Santo Domingo and Santiago to Puerto Plata; expect tickets from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata to cost roughly RD$400-700 (≈US$8-14) and take 3.5-5 hours, with onward local minibuses to Cabarete adding 30-60 minutes and a small fare (RD$50-150). Local public minibuses between Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete are inexpensive (around RD$50-150 / US$1-3).
How to Get Around Cabarete #
Cabarete is compact and quite walkable along the beachfront and main strip; most guesthouses, restaurants and kite schools are within easy strolling distance. For longer trips you’ll rely on moto-taxis (short rides are cheap), shared minibuses/guaguas to nearby towns (Puerto Plata, Sosúa) and regular taxis or rental cars for more flexibility. Practical tips: carry cash for small fares, agree the price with moto-taxis before you leave, and expect higher rates for airport transfers or late-night trips.
Where to Stay in Cabarete #
Where to Eat in Cabarete #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Cabarete's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Cabarete #
Nightlife is active for a town of its size, centered on Cabarete Beach and Kite Beach where beach bars and restaurants keep music and socializing going into the evening. Expect a mix of casual beachfront bars, occasional live music and seasonal parties; options thin out outside high season.
Shopping in Cabarete #
Shopping in Cabarete is focused on beachwear, watersports gear and small souvenir shops along the main street and beachfront. You’ll find a handful of kite- and surf shops, a few artisan stalls and convenience stores; there are no large malls in town, so specialty items usually require a trip to Puerto Plata.
