Cabarete Kitesurf Holiday
Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola in 1492 while searching for a route to the Indies. Today, the island is divided into two countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Cabarete, situated on the north coast, has become a true paradise for kitesurfers and, more recently, for Wing Foilers. Since the 1990s, the village has grown into a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub, attracting visitors both on the beach and the water.
The best time to travel to Cabarete for a Kitesurf or Wingfoil holiday is December to July. The main lagoon of Cabarete usually reaches wind speeds of around 20-25 knots in the main wind season. Early in the morning, you can rent a SUP and go for a ride on the lagoon before the trade winds pick up. Follow it up with a local breakfast, then get back to the water! What makes Cabarete one of the best kitesurfing destinations is the combination of flat water, excellent wave riding, and 'downwinders', alongside the endless list of non-wind activities.
In the evening there is no shortage of bars and restaurants to have a drink and a meal, and to party. What better way to spend a day of rest than to leave the village of Cabarete to meet the locals, admire the lush vegetation of the mountains, the pristine beaches, the waterfalls and many other stunning landscapes.
Apart from the Dominican Republic being a well-known holiday destination, it is also famous for having the
second-best coffee in the world, which is typically grown on the most mountainous island in the Caribbean. Natural beauty is never far away on this beautifully unspoiled island, with
excursions such as mountain biking and viewing cascading waterfalls.Activities In Cabarete
Away from the kitesurfing, many people visit Cabarete for the spectacular diving, especially up towards Las Terrenas which is a 2 hour drive east along the north coast where you will find numerous beaches to explore.
Five minutes from Cabarete are cliff jumping spots, you may need to ask a local where to turn off but they’re easy to find.
Hire a car and drive 30 minutes east along the coast. You will find a stunning beach, Playa Grande (please DO NOT buy lobster - they are very slow-growing animals). When the swells roll in, this is also an insanely beautiful surf spot.
A little further on from Playa Grande is Blue Lagoon, which is legendary for being bottomless. Scientists have allegedly made many tests and cannot find a bottom. The water is crystal clear so be sure to take your waterproof camera.
Apart from the above, there are also numerous other excursions available, most of which you may want to use a tour operator. These excursions include El Limon, the stunning waterfall, 27 waterfalls, mountain biking, kayaking, and abseiling The Magic Mushroom. If you visit Cabarete between January and March you may be lucky to catch the whale season which is spectacular. The whale watching happens at the Semana Peninsula. However, some lucky people have reported seeing the whales from Cabarete Bay when Paddle Boarding.