Cabarete - Dominican Republic, Caribbean

Cabarete in the Dominican Republic is one of the best all round beach kitesurf holiday destinations. Cabarete offers a bustling beach holiday resort with a variety of beaches offering conditions for all levels and multi sport options including surfing and SUP. Located on the northeastern shores of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete is the second largest of the Caribbean Islands. The entire village is devoted to water sports including wing foil and kitesurfing. Everything is on your doorstep and equally suited for solo travellers, groups and families.

Sailing Spot and Conditions
In Cabarete, the variety is truly unique. Upwind the protected area inside the reef provides a flat water, slalom area. From the centre of the bay, the wide gap in the reef allows access to gentle rolling Atlantic swells. The reef is exposed in places but downwind sits 2-3m below the surface provide safe, wave sailing and good jumping conditions. With a wide bay, there is room for everyone with wing foiling and kitesurfing, plenty of ramps inside the bay and rolling swell, outside of the reef, making this a good spot for free riders, bump and jump, transitions, first jumps and getting air-time. The wind builds gently in the morning, perfect for beginners in the upwind, shallow water training area. For freestylers, you can practise new school tricks and jump at the kitesurf spot or in between the small breaking surf and rolling waves. Here is it also possible to practise strapless riding and jumps. With the side onshore wind you have the security of ending in the bay area with a distance of between 400 and 1000 meters from the outside of the reef back in.

From May to October the wind blows mainly side-shore Force 4-5. From November to April it mainly blows cross offshore building to Force 5-7, is less consistent but wave conditions increase to 4m high waves. October is usually the highest rain month, with variable and sometimes storm conditions. Sometimes the conditions are variable with changes in swell direction, size of swell and wind direction. If the swell comes in with a north/north-east it can bring a large shorebreak in some spots, whilst other areas can offer flat water. If the wind comes from the east to south-west, this can cause gusty conditions in the downwind part of the kite area whereas the upwind area can have more constant wind conditions. With high swell this can affect the kite launching and landing spots making it difficult and not suitable for teaching. When the wind is low, there are many superb surfing spots here for entry level to expert. During the summer months the swell averages between 1-2 meters and during the winter between 2-4 meters. The best time to surf depends on the swell direction, wind direction and tidal range. Please contact us to advise for the best time to travel for your requirements.
 

Culture and Activities
Cabarete town is situated directly behind the 4km long sandy beach where the windsurf and kitesurf centres are based. There are endless options here as well as multi activity packages with surfing and SUP which cater for all levels and an ideal place to learn, with junior and kid's courses. Other activities including horse-riding, mountain biking, walking and hiking tours, waterfall walks and eco tours into the interior tropical rainforest. There are many bars and restaurants with happy hours to get to started and the nightlife kicking off around 10pm with bars and clubs going to the wee hours to the rhythms of the Merengue and the Salsa. The whole island enjoys a warm and sunny climate throughout the year, with an occasional heavy downpour during the rainy season. It has a typical Caribbean atmosphere, with laid back bars and brightly coloured local houses, in sharp contrast to the comparative luxury of the high standard holiday accommodation.