Cabarete 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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82°F
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.
Best Things to Do in Cabarete#
Cabarete Bucket List#
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.
November - April
24-30°C (75-86°F)
Perfect kitesurfing and beach weather with steady northeast trade winds, low humidity, and lots of sunny days - the clearest, most active time for water sports.
May - August
26-31°C (79-88°F)
Hotter, more humid days with variable winds; afternoons can feel sticky but water remains warm - fewer tourists and solid conditions for casual beach time and surfing.
May - October
25-30°C (77-86°F)
Frequent heavy showers, possible tropical storms and rough seas; expect interrupted outdoor plans but good deals and fewer crowds if you’re flexible.
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 best navigated by a mix of taxis/private transfers for airport connections and local minibuses or walking for short trips around town. Renting a car helps if you want to explore the wider north coast, but within Cabarete most needs are covered by taxis, guaguas and on-foot access.
- Taxis & Private Transfers (RD$1,500-2,500) - Taxis and private transfers are the most convenient way to get to and around Cabarete, especially if you have luggage or are travelling late. Expect door-to-door taxi fares from POP to range RD$1,500-2,500 (≈US$25-45). Pre-booked private transfers are widely available and priceable in USD; confirm whether tolls and airport fees are included.
- Shared Shuttles / Airport Transfers (US$10-25) - Shared shuttles operate from POP and STI to the north-coast resorts; these are cheaper than private taxis (roughly US$10-25 per person depending on pickup and season). They drop you at hotels or central points in Cabarete but can add time due to multiple stops-plan extra time for evenings and busy travel days.
- Local Minibuses (Guaguas) (RD$50-150) - Local guaguas are the cheapest option for short hops between Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete (around RD$50-150 / US$1-3). They’re frequent during the day but can be crowded and have limited luggage space. Use guaguas for budget travel but expect slower, less predictable schedules.
- Car Rental (US$35-70/day) - Renting a car gives freedom to explore the north coast and inland attractions. Major international rental companies operate out of POP and Santiago; expect daily rates from about US$35-70 depending on season and insurance. Roads on the main route to Cabarete are generally good, but watch for occasional potholes and busy local traffic in town.
- Motorbike / Scooter Rentals (US$20-40/day) - Scooter or ATV rentals are common in beach towns for short trips around Cabarete and neighbouring beaches. Rates vary widely (roughly US$20-40/day). Helmets are a must, and be cautious on busier roads-traffic behavior can be informal.
- Walking - Cabarete is compact and very walkable in the main tourist area: the beach strip, restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance of many hotels. Use walking for short errands, but avoid unlit side roads at night and keep belongings secure.
Where to Stay in Cabarete#
Kite Beach / Downtown - $25-80/night
Hostels, guesthouses and surf camps cluster near Kite Beach and downtown. Plenty of low-cost rooms and rentals, though few internationally branded budget hotels with websites.
Beachfront / Sosua road - $80-160/night
Small boutique hotels and family-run inns are common; expect beachfront mid-range options and self-catering apartments. Book ahead in high season for best choices.
Oceanfront villas / outskirts - $180+/night
Limited true luxury resorts inside town; upscale villas and private rentals available nearby. Consider Puerto Plata for larger resort options with full services.
Where to Eat in Cabarete#
Simple Dominican plates-fresh fish, sancocho, empanadas and plantain-based sides-served in family-run eateries and beachside shacks. Expect generous portions and home-cooked flavors popular with locals and visitors.
Catch-of-the-day grilled or fried along the shore; ceviches and conch are common. Many spots open to the breeze, perfect for late lunches after water sports.
A mix of Mediterranean, Asian and health-focused cafés offering salads, smoothie bowls and vegetarian fare-popular with the kite-surfing and expat crowd seeking lighter options.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Cabarete’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.
