Caberete

Cabarete

Cabarete is a small resort town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, located approximately 20 minutes east of Puerto Plata. It is widely recognized as one of the premier kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations in the world, earning the nickname the Caribbean's Kitesurfing Capital.

Overview

Cabarete's fame stems from its unique combination of year-round trade winds, warm water, a natural reef-protected lagoon, and a vibrant international community of water sports enthusiasts. The town attracts both beginners and professional riders, with several world-class schools and annual competitions taking place on its beaches.

Wind Conditions

Cabarete benefits from a combination of three distinct wind systems that ensure nearly year-round riding conditions:

Trade Winds (Alizé): Northeasterly trade winds that blow consistently throughout the year, providing reliable side-onshore conditions.
Thermal Winds: Present primarily in summer, these winds build through the day and peak in the mid-to-late afternoon.
Storm Fronts: Winter cold fronts add power and consistency to wind conditions from December through March.

Wind typically builds from around 12:30–13:30, peaks around 16:00, and dies off by 18:00. The predominant direction is side-onshore from the right (east), making it a safe and favorable angle for kitesurfing.

Cabarete records over 250–300 days of kiteable wind per year. Average wind speeds and conditions by season:

Season	Months	Avg. Wind Speed	Conditions
Peak Summer	June – August	16–30 knots	Most consistent; thermal winds; less wave action
Spring	February – May	14–24 knots	Trade winds; moderate waves
Winter	December – January	10–25 knots	Storm fronts; larger waves; good for advanced riders
Off-Season	September – November	10–20 knots	Rain season; fewer crowds; still rideable

Kitesurfing Spots

Cabarete and its surrounding area offer several distinct kite spots to suit all levels:

Kite Beach

The most popular kitesurfing zone, located just north of the Cabarete village center. Features stronger and more consistent winds, a reef closer to the shore providing good ramps for jumping, and choppier water. Best suited for intermediate and advanced riders. Can become crowded during peak season, especially in the afternoons.

Bozo Beach (Punta Goleta)

Situated between Cabarete town and Kite Beach, Bozo Beach has a longer bay with more space for launching and landing. The shore break is small in summer, making it more accessible for beginners and those looking to progress. A reef is located about a kilometer offshore.

La Boca

A flat-water lagoon at the mouth of the river, located a few kilometers east of Cabarete. Ideal for freestyle training, downwinders, and riders who want to practice tricks on calm water. Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.

Cabarete Bay / Cabarete Beach

The central bay of the town, shared with windsurfers and wing foilers. The lagoon is divided into dedicated zones for kiting and other wind sports. The water is deep enough to avoid coral contact, and the side-onshore wind direction means drifting offshore is uncommon.

Encuentro Beach

Primarily a surf spot and one of the best wave breaks in the Caribbean, Encuentro also hosts kiteboarders in the afternoon when winds pick up and surfers head in. Best for advanced riders only due to heavy winter swells and a rock shelf near shore.

Kite Schools and Equipment

Cabarete has a strong infrastructure of certified kitesurfing schools operating on its beaches. Safety regulations require that all beginners undergo certified training before launching a kite. Schools offer lessons for all levels (private and semi-private), supervised rentals, and equipment fitting advice based on current conditions.

Notable schools include:

ION Club Cabarete – based at Villa Taina on Cabarete Bay; offers Duotone gear rentals and lessons
GoKite Cabarete – at the Extreme Hotel, located on Kite Beach
LEK Kiteboarding – based in Cabarete Bay
Kite Club / dare2fly – on Kite Beach

Recommended Kite Sizes by Season

Season	Recommended Kite Size
June – August (Peak)	7–11 m²
April – May	8–13 m²
December – March (Winter)	10–16 m²

Safety Rules

Due to the popularity of the spots and shared beach space, strict rules apply to all kiters in Cabarete:

Kiteboarding is forbidden without prior certified training.
Kites must be launched and landed only in designated areas in front of licensed schools.
Equipment must include two independent safety release systems.
Riders must enter the water immediately after launching — flying kites on the beach is prohibited.
On the water, starboard riders have right-of-way; upwind riders fly kite high, downwind riders fly kite low.
There are no official rescue services; the school safety boat cannot operate beyond the reef in strong conditions.
Riders should not venture far offshore alone, especially in strong winds or heavy waves.

Water and Climate

Water temperature: ~26–30°C (79–86°F) year-round — no wetsuit required
Air temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F) depending on season
Hurricane risk: Minimal — Cabarete's geographic position on the north coast has shielded it from direct hurricane impact for over 100 years
Reef: A natural reef protects the lagoon and creates wave ramps; riders should avoid the reef in strong conditions

Getting There

Nearest airport: Puerto Plata (Gregorio Luperón International Airport) – approximately 30 minutes by taxi (~$20 USD)
From Santo Domingo: ~4 hours by taxi, ~6 hours by bus
From Punta Cana: ~8 hours by taxi or ~2 hours by plane (air travel recommended)

Related Activities

Beyond kitesurfing, Cabarete also offers:

Windsurfing and Wing Foiling in the dedicated lagoon zones
Surfing at Playa Encuentro (10 minutes west of town)
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in the calm morning bay
Kayaking through mangroves at La Boca river mouth
Snorkeling off the beach on calm days; diving available in nearby Sosúa (~20 minutes away)