Cabarete sits on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, and while most people know it as a world-class kiteboarding destination, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Cabarete beyond the water, such as:

• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Exploring waterfalls
• Eating fresh food
• Dancing

The list goes on! Here’s everything you need to know to plan a well-rounded trip, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family with kids.

Looking for kiteboarding lessons? We teach private, personalized sessions right on Kite Beach.

What is Cabarete known for?

Cabarete earned its reputation as the watersports capital of the Caribbean. The town sits right on the Atlantic Ocean with consistent winds blowing 300+ days a year, which is why kiteboarding, windsurfing, foiling, and other sports dominate the scene here.

But there’s a TON more to do in Cabarete than just wind and waves!

Families come for the safe and kid-friendly beaches, couples enjoy the mix of adventure and relaxation, and you’ll also find a diverse community of digital nomads and remote workers from all over the world, including the US, Canada, and Europe.

As the local saying goes: Cabarete lo tiene todo—Cabarete has it all.

You’ll find:

• World-class kiteboarding conditions
• Consistent surf breaks at Encuentro Beach
• Hiking, waterfalls, and horseback riding
• Fresh, locally-sourced food at dozens of restaurants
• Live music, dancing, and beachfront bars
• An international community mixed with Dominican culture

At the same time, Cabarete is not:

• An all-inclusive resort destination
• A luxury getaway with high-end hotels
• Just a beach town for swimming and tanning
• A place to sit still and do nothing

This town works best for people who want to stay active, try new things, and experience authentic Dominican culture. If you’re looking for a quiet resort where meals and drinks are included and you never leave the property, Punta Cana is a better fit.

10 best things to do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

1. Learn how to kiteboard at Kite Beach

Kiteboarding is what put Cabarete on the map, and Kite Beach is where you’ll find the best conditions for learning. An offshore reef runs parallel to the shore, flattening out the water and creating a safer, easier environment for beginners.

You’ll see kites in the air most days, and watching experienced riders launch tricks can be pretty inspiring. If you’ve never tried it, this is the place to start! Most people need about 9 hours of lessons to ride independently, which fits perfectly into a weekend or week-long trip.

There are plenty of kiteboarding schools in Cabarete, and at KLK Cabarete Kitesurfing Lessons, we offer private and personalized experiences to get your riding FAST!

Learn more about the difference between kiteboarding and kitesurfing. 

2. Go surfing at Playa Encuentro

Encuentro Beach is hands down the most beautiful beach in the area. It’s a surfer’s paradise with nice waves, plenty of shade from the trees, and a laid-back crowd.

Come early in the morning for the best surf conditions—around 6-8 am when the wind is still calm. Once the wind picks up in the afternoon (usually around noon), the surf schools close down, and most people head out. 

We recommend taking surfing lessons with Vibez Surf Club!

Even if you’re not surfing, Encuentro is worth the visit. Families love it because the vibe is peaceful and there’s space for kids to play. On weekends, you’ll often find live music and local vendors selling coconut water and fresh snacks.

3. See the caves in the El Choco National Park

El Choco National Park sits just outside Cabarete and protects a network of underground caves and jungle trails. The caves are the main draw—some have pools of crystal-clear water where you can swim, and the formations inside are incredible.

You can hire a guide at the entrance to the park who’ll take you through the cave systems and explain the history and geology. The hike to the caves is easy and takes about 20-30 minutes through tropical forest. Bring water shoes!

4. Go horseback riding

One of the best things about Cabarete is that you’re not stuck on the beach! El Choco National Park and the surrounding countryside have plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the water.

Horseback riding takes you through rural Dominican hills, local farms, and freshwater rivers where you can stop to swim. It’s a completely different experience from the beach, and you’ll see parts of the island that most tourists never get to.

The ride usually lasts 2-3 hours and ends with an authentic Dominican lunch, such as stewed chicken, rice, beans, and fresh fruit juice.

We recommend Rancho Luisa y Tommy.

5. Enjoy the food

Cabarete has a great food scene with fresh ingredients and a mix of Dominican and international options. You’ll find healthy bowls, fresh seafood, Dominican comfort food, and everything in between!

The restaurants here are authentic and locally-run. They’re not chain spots or resort buffets. Most menus lean heavily on what’s available locally, which means lots of fresh fish, tropical fruit, and vegetables.

Here are some of our favorite Cabarete restaurants:

For breakfast or lunch:

• Fresh Fresh Cafe
• Gypsy Bowls
• Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles
• Bonsai Poke & Tapas
• La Mesa Taina

For dinner:

• Tuva
• Bliss
• Drifter
• The Beach Club
• Le Bistro
• Ali’s Surf Camp

Authentic Dominican:

• La Casita de Papi
• El Saman (in Sabaneta)
• Wilson La Boca Restaurant

Sweets:

• Cabarete Bakery
• VGF (Vegan Gluten Free)
• Belgium Bakery

Make sure to try mangú, which is a Dominican breakfast dish made with mashed plantains, fried cheese, salami, avocado, and eggs!

6. Take a fitness class

Cabarete attracts people who like to stay active, and there are many ways to do that in addition to kite surfing and surfing! We recommend taking fitness & yoga classes at:

• Natura Cabana is THE spot for yoga and more mindful movement—the classes run in an open-air yoga temple right on the beach, and the atmosphere is calm and restorative.
• Vibez runs super fun group classes for strength training and kickboxing—if you’re looking for a solid workout that doesn’t feel like a chore, this is the place!

You’ll also find two different gyms in Cabarete downtown, one in Encuentro Beach, and another one in Sosua Ocean Village (GYM SOV) on the way to Sosua.

7. Go on a river tour

About 15-30 minutes from Cabarete, you’ll find La Boca, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The setting is very different from Cabarete beach, with calm water surrounded by mangroves and lush greenery.

Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant sits right on the river and offers guided boat tours through the river system. You’ll see local wildlife, mangroves, and remote parts of the coast, which is pretty cool. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding on the river.

After the tour, you can eat at the restaurant for authentic Dominican cuisine and delicious seafood with lots of fresh fish. It’s truly one of the most unique spots on the Northern Coast of the DR!

8. Enjoy the nightlife

Cabarete has vibrant nightlife that doesn’t feel overwhelming and in your face.

You can easily go out and dance until 3 am, but if you’re on a family vacation or want to stay in & relax, loud noises or music won’t disturb you.

Ojo Club Cabarete is THE main spot for dancing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. You can grab dinner there first and then stay for drinks. You can also grab a drink at a beachfront bar like Drifter!

9. Learn how to dance

If you’ve never danced bachata or salsa, Cabarete is a great place to learn. The Dominican Republic is where bachata was born, and you’ll hear it everywhere, from restaurants to taxis.

Nina Frika Dance School offers classes for beginners and experienced dancers. Even if you’re not a natural dancer, it’s worth trying at least once while you’re here!

10. Do a waterfall hike

About an hour from Cabarete, you’ll find waterfalls like Hongo Magico, Rio Partido, and Cola de Pato hidden in the Dominican jungle. These are local spots that don’t see many tourists, and the hikes take you through really cool natural pools.

The hikes usually last 2-3 hours, depending on which waterfall you visit. You’ll climb over rocks and end up at waterfalls where you can jump, slide, and swim. It’s an adventure, not a casual stroll, so come prepared to get wet and a little muddy!

You’ll need a guide to navigate the trails, and we recommend Albert Perez.

Things to do in Cabarete with kids

Cabarete is a great place for families (many families actually move here to raise their kids!) because there’s more to do than just hang out on the beach.

Of course, who doesn’t like hanging out on the beach?! But there are also other ways that kids can stay active and try new things.

Here are our top recommendations:

• Monkey Jungle: Kids can interact with monkeys in a natural jungle setting, plus go on a zipline
• Horseback riding at Sea Horse Ranch: Guided rides & lessons designed for beginners and kids
• Surfing lessons at Encuentro: Morning surf sessions are perfect for kids 5-6+ years old
• Kitesurfing lessons: Kids around 10+ can start learning with the right instructor and conditions
• Sosua Ocean Village Water Park: Slides, pools, and water activities just 10 minutes from Cabarete

All restaurants welcome kids, and the entire town is very safe for families. Your kids will always be treated with respect and a friendly attitude, and there are many areas on the beach for kids to play!

Unique things to do in Cabarete

Cabarete offers plenty of unique & cultural activities, such as cave and waterfall hiking, horseback riding in the jungle, and more.

Also, in contrast with an all-inclusive resort town like Punta Cana, Cabarete has a much more fluid mix between foreigners and Dominicans, especially if you speak a little Spanish.

Here are a few ideas for unique things to do in Cabarete:

• Visit a local market: Natura Cabana and Sea Horse Ranch host weekly markets with local vendors where you’ll find fresh produce, handmade goods, and Dominican snacks
• Spend a day at La Boca: This is where the river meets the ocean, about 15 minutes from town—pick up some pica pollo (fried chicken) on the way and relax all afternoon
• Take a community tour with Inspire DR: Walk through Callejón de la Loma and explore an authentic Dominican neighborhood
• Eat sancocho: This traditional Dominican stew made with root vegetables and meat is served at local restaurants like La Casita de Papi
• Hang out at a colmado: These corner stores double as neighborhood hangouts, so grab a cold Presidente (local beer) and join in on a game of dominoes

If you’re looking for suggestions on what to do during your trip to Cabarete, get in touch with us, and we’d be happy to give you a few tips!

Is Cabarete worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want an active trip with a mix of adventure and Dominican culture!

Cabarete is the perfect hidden gem destination for:

• Solo travelers and digital nomads looking for community and reliable wind
• Couples who want to kitesurf, surf, hike, and explore together
• Families with kids who like doing activities & creating memories
• Anyone tired of all-inclusive resorts who wants to experience a real town

You won’t run out of things to do!

But if you somehow exhaust Cabarete’s options, you’re close to other North Coast attractions: Sosua Beach for snorkeling (10 minutes), Puerto Plata for a day trip (30 minutes), and Playa Grande for a fun beach day (45 minutes).

FAQs

Is Cabarete crowded?

Not really! Winter (December through March) brings more tourists and families on vacation, and summer (June through August) attracts kitesurfers chasing the strongest winds. But even during peak season, Cabarete stays pretty relaxed. It doesn’t feel packed or overwhelming, and you’ll find plenty of space on the beach.

Do you need a car in Cabarete?

It’s not required, but it makes things easier. You can walk to most spots in town or take a motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) for a few dollars. Motoconchos are cheap and convenient, but they come with a higher accident risk. Regular taxis are also available.

Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore La Boca, El Choco, or nearby beaches without waiting around, but it can be expensive—expect to pay $40-60 USD per day. If you’re staying close to Kite Beach or Cabarete center and don’t plan to venture far, you can skip the car. If you want to explore the area on your own schedule, rent one.

What’s the best time of the year to visit Cabarete?

Cabarete has two main high seasons. Winter (December through April) brings warm weather, lighter winds, and good conditions for surfing and general beach activities. Summer (June through August) brings the strongest and most consistent winds, which is when many kitesurfers flock here. Avoid September through November if possible, as that’s hurricane season and wind can be less reliable.

Is Cabarete safe for solo travelers/families?

Yes! Cabarete is one of the safest spots in the Dominican Republic. Serious crime is almost non-existent, and the community is very friendly & welcoming. Solo travelers will be comfortable walking around during the day and in well-lit areas at night. The most common issue is petty theft, which you can avoid with basic awareness (AKA, don’t flash expensive jewelry or leave valuables unattended).

Where should I stay in Cabarete?

It depends on what you’re here for:

• Kite Beach: Stay here if you’re coming to kitesurf. You’ll walk out your door and be on the water in minutes. The area is quieter than the town center but still has good restaurants and bars.
• Cabarete center: Stay here if you want easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and activities. You’re a 15-20 minute walk from Kite Beach.
• Encuentro: Stay here if you’re surfing or want a more peaceful, nature-focused experience. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to town and Kite Beach.

Most people book through Airbnb, which has options ranging from budget studios to multi-bedroom villas.

We have a few awesome properties at or near Kite Beach:

• 1-bedroom apartment at Kite Beach Hotel
• Affordable Studio at Kite Beach Hotel
• Luxurious 1-Bedroom at Seawinds (closer to Cabarete Center)

The beach is public & open to everyone, so you don’t necessarily need to stay at a beachfront location.

Will I be bored if I don’t kitesurf/surf?

Nope! Water sports are a big draw, but Cabarete has plenty of non-water activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, eating at local restaurants, dancing, live music, and yoga. You can fill a week without touching a board if you want.

That said, if you have zero interest in water sports, Cabarete might not be THE best fit. Most people who visit or live here either kiteboard/surf, or want to learn how to do it!

Get private, personalized kiteboarding lessons in Cabarete 🏄

We’re KLK Cabarete, and we teach private kiteboarding lessons right on Kite Beach, which is the best spot for both beginners and experienced riders!

With us, you can:

• Take your first beginner lesson
• Progress to intermediate and advanced riding
• Learn as a couple or family with tailored instruction
• Go on guided downwinders
• Rent equipment

Learn more about our kitesurfing lessons or get in touch to book! 🏄