station balneaire
Cabarete
The world capital of kitesurfing and windsurfing since the 1990s — exceptional trade winds, international community, over 30 professional schools, incomparable hippie-chic and sporty atmosphere.
Cabarete is the world capital of kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing-foiling — an official consecration confirmed by the regular organisation of the Kitesurf World Cup (PKRA, GKA) here since the 1990s. This Dominican north coast village (30 km east of Puerto Plata, 10 km east of Sosúa) benefits from a rare combination of four optimal conditions: constant trade winds (15-25 knot east-northeast, 300+ days a year, with the famous thermal winds generated by the island's heating that blow daily 12pm-6pm in summer), protected bay (reefs and capes limit waves, safe playground), moderate waves (0.5-1.5 m on the main bay, ideal for kite; stronger 1-3 m waves at Encuentro Beach for surf), warm water (26-29 °C year-round).
The Cabarete bay stretches 3 km, divided into distinct zones. To the west, Kite Beach (1 km, the main kitesurf beach, over 30 professional schools) which sees hundreds of kitesurfers take off each day in a spectacular aerial ballet (peak time 2-5pm). In the centre, the Cabarete main bay (1.5 km, urban beach lined with seafront restaurants and bars, windsurfing and wing-foiling). To the east, Encuentro Beach (5 min away, 1-3 m waves, Dominican capital of surf, surf schools, Pacific vibe).
The international community defines Cabarete's identity. Germans, Argentinians, French, Brazilians, Italians, Russians, Swiss — most kite and surf instructors are foreign and live here year-round. The atmosphere is hippie-chic and sporty, light-years from Punta Cana's all-inclusive formatting: international gourmet seafront restaurants (Lax Ojo, José Oshay's, Onno's Bar), beach cocktail bars, free morning yoga classes, local organic Saturday market. No massive all-inclusive resort — accommodation is mainly boutique hotels (Velero Beach Resort, Natura Cabana, Casa de Campo) and kitesurf guesthouses (Kite Beach Hotel, Kitebeach Inn, Watermark Luxury Oceanfront).
Cabarete's pitch is clear: sporty and international destination for those wanting to learn, practice or simply live in the unique atmosphere of world-class water sports. Beginner kite lessons (€200-450 per week depending on school), equipment hire (€80-120/day), surf school at Encuentro (€30-50 the lesson), wing-foil (the rising discipline, €60-90/h). For non-practitioners: beach atmosphere, restaurants, diving and snorkelling at neighbouring Sosúa, Damajagua and Puerto Plata excursions.
What we love
- ✅World capital of kitesurfing: world-class conditions, exceptional trade winds, regular World Cups
- ✅Over 30 professional schools (French, English, German, Spanish), beginner and improvement lessons
- ✅Vibrant international community (Germans, Argentinians, French, Brazilians): unique hippie-chic sporty atmosphere
- ✅Charming boutique hotels and beachfront guesthouses (Velero Beach Resort, Natura Cabana, Kite Beach Hotel)
- ✅Encuentro Beach 5 min away: Dominican surf capital, 1-3 m waves, surf and wing-foil schools
What to know
- ❌Sustained winds not ideal for family swimming (prefer Sosúa or Playa Dorada)
- ❌Few massive all-inclusive resorts (boutiques and guesthouses mainly)
- ❌Less intense nightlife than Bávaro (but healthier and more international)
- ❌Serious hurricane risk (June-November), exposed north coast
Situation
Où se situe Cabarete ?
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Why is Cabarete the world capital of kitesurfing?+
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Our verdict
Cabarete is the Dominican Republic's essential sporty destination — world capital of kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing-foiling since the 1990s. For water sports practitioners: it's simply one of the world's best spots, essential over Punta Cana or Sosúa. For curious non-practitioners: unique hippie-chic and sporty vibe, vibrant international community, top gourmet restaurants, charming beachfront boutique hotels. Our recommendation: 5-7 nights at Cabarete to enjoy fully, combined with 2-3 nights at Puerto Plata (culture) and possibly 3-4 nights at Samaná (3h east, nature and whales) for a complete 10-14 day northeast trip. Favour June-August for daily thermal winds (guaranteed), December-March for perfect climate + trade winds. Avoid September-October (hurricanes). It's the most authentic, international and sporty option of the Dominican Republic.
Nearby
"Janvier : conditions kite-surf excellentes (vents alizés 15-20 nœuds), climat parfait, haute saison."
Expert on Cabarete · 1 contributions
Africa & Americas Desk — Mowando·Editor