Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
- Naureen Chhipa
- 3 hours ago
- 11 min read
Cabarete, renowned for kite surfing, is the perfect Caribbean getaway for those seeking adventure and excitement during their visit to the Dominican Republic. The north coast of the Dominican Republic offers a diverse range of activities in Cabarete, making it suitable for everyone. You can enjoy a relaxing day filled with spa treatments and yoga, or you can venture to the nearby beach for kite surfing and other adrenaline-pumping water sports. Las Cuevas de Cabarete is another hidden gem of the area! On our last visit to Cabarete, we spent four days curating the ultimate travel guide and itinerary, sharing all the best things to do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic so that you can have an unforgettable trip!
Cabarete is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. A 45-minute drive from Puerto Plata, 3 hr drive from Santo Domingo, 3 hr 20 min drive from Samaná, or a 5 hr 40 min drive from Punta Cana. We recommend spending a minimum of 4 days in Cabarete.
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It's actually on my bucket list to hang out in Cabarete for a whole month and learn how to surf!
Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic | 4-Day Travel Guide & Itinerary
Table of Contents:
Transportation in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
1.1. Renting a Car in the Dominican Republic | All You Need to Know
1.2. Shared Shuttle Vans and Private Cars to/from Cabarete, Dominican Republic
1.3. Taking Uber, Taxis, and Motoconchos in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Accommodations in Cabarete, Dominican Republic | Where to Stay
2.1. Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa | Eco-Hotels & Bungalows in Cabarete
2.2. El Encuentro Surf Lodge | Budget & Long Stays in Sosua / Cabarete
4-Day Itinerary and Travel Guide for Cabarete, Dominican Republic
4.1. Day 1 Travel to Cabarete | How to Get to Cabarete & Natura Cabana Stay
4.2. Day 2 Yoga, Kite Surfing, Surf School, and Horseback Ridding
4.3. Day 3 Las Cuevas de Cabarete, Downtown Cabarete, & Hidden Restaurants
4.4. Day 4 Excursions, Guided Tours, and Day Trips to/from Cabarete
Transportation in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Renting a Car in the Dominican Republic | Dominican Republic Road Trip
We rented a car at the Santo Domingo airport (Las Americas International Airport) and drove from Santo Domingo to Cabarete on the northern coast. The drive from Santo Domingo to Cabarete was approximately 3 hours. The highway is well-maintained, making for a smooth drive. On our way, we were greeted with a stunning mountain top view as we passed Santiago, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. Keep in mind that on this route, you'll pass several toll booths, so make sure to have some Dominican pesos at hand. Visiting the kite surfing town of Cabarete was part of our 2-week road trip through the Dominican Republic. I love driving in the Dominican Republic, except in Santo Domingo, the capital, which can be chaotic. We used Discover Cars (a search engine that finds the best car rental deals), rented our car before our visit, and picked it up at the airport in a matter of minutes. I highly recommend renting a car when traveling to Cabarete instead of using public transportation, as it's not always the most reliable option. Click here for more information on car rentals in the Dominican Republic and for the latest prices.
Shared Shuttle Vans and Private Cars to/from Cabarete, Dominican Republic
If you prefer not to drive when reaching Cabarete, hiring a private car or a shared shuttle van is a great option. Here are some of the most popular routes for Cabarete.
Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport to Sosua, Cabarete
Private Transfer to/from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata
Uber in Cabarete, Dominican Republic | Dominican Taxis & Motoconchos
While the Uber app works in Puerto Plata, there's limited service to/from the Cabarete/Cabarete beach area. There are fewer frequent cars available. You can still use the app to order an Uber, but your ride might not be accepted or cancelled by the driver. For Cabarete, it's better to order a Dominican taxi service and ask for a fixed price before agreeing, or use a motoconcho (motorbike taxi), rather than using Uber.
Do I need a car in Cabarete, Dominican Republic?
We loved having a car at our disposal during our travel to the Dominican Republic. However, if you like walking and decide to stay in the downtown area of Cabarete, a vehicle might not be necessary. You'll only need a car to get to the town of Cabarete and to explore beyond the downtown Cabarete area. When we visited Cabarete, we stayed at Natura Cabana, located in the nearby city of Sosua, just a 5-minute walk from Encuentro Beach (Playa Encuentro) and a 20-minute drive from Kite Beach (the best beach for kite surfing in the Dominican Republic). Cabarete is a beach town, so the vibe is very bohemian and beachy with plenty of water activities, surfing, and fun things to do. Click here for more information and the latest prices on car rentals in the Dominican Republic.
Accommodations in Cabarete | Where to Stay in Cabarete
Cabarete, Dominican Republic Hotels
We've visited Cabarete a couple of times, and we've stayed at Natura Cabana and El Encuentro Surf Lodge. They're both great options for accommodations in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Natura Cabana is a beachfront boutique hotel featuring a yoga temple and a farm-to-table-style restaurant, perfect for couples seeking an eco-friendly stay in Cabarete during their trip. Meanwhile, El Encuentro Surf Lodge & Restaurant is a more budget-friendly option that caters to families and larger groups.
Safety in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Cabarete is generally a laid-back beach town in the Dominican Republic, known for its relaxing atmosphere. In contrast, the downtown area is more lively and active. During our time exploring the Dominican Republic, we have never encountered any theft issues. However, we recommend being more cautious with your belongings while walking in downtown Cabarete and avoiding leaving them unattended at the beach or in restaurants.
Best Things to do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Cabarete 4-Day Complete Itinerary Travel Guide
Day 1- Travel to Cabarete, Dominican Republic & Natura Cabana Stay
The closest airport to Cabarete is located in Puerto Plata if you're flying in. We will be driving from Santo Domingo to Cabarete, arriving at Cabarete at 3 pm for check-in at Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel and Spa, where we will spend the next four nights. Take this day to enjoy all the amenities this oceanfront boutique hotel has to offer.
Day 1 Cabarete Sample Itinerary:
3:00 pm- Check-in at Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa
3:30 pm- Enjoy welcome drinks while settling in
4:00 pm- Cool off and take a dip in the pool
6:00 pm- Have dinner at Natura overlooking the sunset
Day 2- Yoga, Kite Surfing, Surfing in Cabarete, and Horseback Riding
Day 2 Cabarete Sample Itinerary:
10:00 am- Book a yoga class at Natura Cabana
12:00 pm- Breakfast at Karaya Restaurant (Open for breakfast and lunch 8am to 5pm)
Local Tip: If it's your first time visiting the Dominican Republic, I highly recommend ordering a traditional Dominican Breakfast: A platter with mashed plantains (mangú), pickled red onions, fried eggs, salami, and cheese. Out of this world delicious!
2:00 pm- Take a Kite Surfing / Surfing Lessons in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Cabarete is one of the world's top 5 best locations for kitesurfing!
Don't know how to surf? Not a problem! A handful of surfing schools are available to train, from beginners to experts! It's actually on my bucket list to hang out in Cabarete for a whole month and learn how to surf! Here are some great guided experiences:
Beginner Kiteboarding Lesson ➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Intermediate Kiteboarding Lesson ➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Surfing Lesson at Playa Encuentro ➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Local Tip: Don't Forget to try the local Dominican beer "Presidente."
6:00 pm- Dinner at La Casita de Papi in Cabarete Beach, Cabarete, Dominican Republic
La Casita de Papi Cabarete is famous for its delicious seafood among the locals!
Day 3- Las Cuevas de Cabarete (El Choco National Park)
Downtown Cabarete, and a Hidden Gem Restaurant in Cabarete
Day 3 Cabarete Sample Itinerary
Inside the forest, you'll find "Las Cuevas de Cabarete" (El Choco National Park), an underground cave system whose use dates back to the Tainos, the indigenous peoples of the Dominican Republic. The entrance fee to "El Choco National Park" (Las Cuevas de Cabarete) is $20 US dollars for tourists and $10 US dollars for Dominican residents with ID proof. You can also book a guided tour. On a tour, travelers can hike, swim, and explore the underground caves. The average time for visiting the caves is about 3 hours, and certified divers can explore the dark and deep, sweet waters of Cueva Cristal. Click here for more information and the latest prices of guided tours for Las Cuevas de Cabarete.
12:00 pm- Downtown Cabarete
Be sure to stroll through downtown Cabarete. The area is filled with numerous shops and local markets where you can spend your time exploring authentic Dominican artisanal artwork and trying some of the local candy and fruits. There are so many fun things to do in Cabarete! Cabarete feels more like a local place compared to other touristy towns. In Cabarete, you'll have the opportunity to experience and observe how Dominicans live their daily lives. The Downtown area is also where you'll find the Cabarete nightlife scene. There's also the Cabarete Night Market on Cabarete Beach, featuring vendors, open from 4:00 to 10:00 pm every Wednesday. The night market is a cool and hip hangout place, even if you're not there to shop. The downtown area is where you'll find some of the best Cabarete restaurants for foodies looking to enjoy traditional dishes. Visiting downtown Cabarete is one of the top things to do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
One of my favorite ice cream chains in the Dominican Republic is called "Helados Bon," located in downtown Cabarete. Helados Bon is a staple of Dominican ice cream culture. Visiting this shop, which I hadn't been to in over 20 years, filled me with a sense of nostalgia. I was born in Santo Domingo and grew up enjoying Helados Bon. There are many newer artisanal ice cream shops, but if you're looking for the real deal, give Helados Bon a try!
1:00 pm- Visit a Hidden Restaurant in Cabarete, "Wilson's La Boca"
We're heading on an adventure! We're traveling to the middle of nowhere and searching for a local restaurant with the best seafood in town. The road is rocky, narrow, and not the easiest to navigate. Still, we will travel for food! If you're foodies like us, we highly recommend adding this hidden gem restaurant to your list of things to do in Cabarete and setting aside about 3 to 4 hours to enjoy the experience fully. Wilson's La Boca Restaurant was one of the best restaurants we visited on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, located in Cabarete. The rustic shack restaurant La Boca is as local as it gets!
We're heading to a river called Yasica and from there taking a boat to the restaurant.
If you want to learn kitesurfing during your stay in Cabarete, I highly recommend learning at this river. The waves are calmer, and the environment is more controlled than the open sea. Plus, it's right across my favorite place to eat in Cabarete. This trip can quickly become a day trip if you add some kite surfing and lazy river tubing to your day.
Visiting Wilson's restaurant "La Boca" is a must-do! It was one of the best meals we had in the Dominican Republic; this rustic riverside restaurant offers the best local seafood dishes.
6:00 pm Sunset Horseback Ride
A relaxing activity to add to your stay in Cabarete is going horseback riding.
Allow me to introduce Blondie, my beautiful, willful, and stubborn horse for the day! I highly recommend taking a sunset horseback ride on the beach. The weather is more pleasant, and the sky views are absolutely stunning! We initially booked our ride for 8 am to avoid the harsh midday sun, but we encountered a lot of flies in the morning, which at times made riding uncomfortable for us and the horse. Avoid early rides if possible.
When booking your ride, you have the option to ride through the coastal forest or along the beach. We chose to do both, but if I had to decide again, I would definitely opt for riding on the beach. We arranged our rides directly through our hotel.
I also recommend wearing long pants; wearing shorts was a mistake because my legs kept scraping against the rigid leather saddle. In the Dominican Republic, the style of horseback riding is called "vaquero," which means you hold the horse with two reins while riding.
Day 4- Full Day Adventure Excursion | Day Trips and Guided Tours from Cabarete
Cabarete is full of adventurous things to do. For day 4, book a guided excursion. They'll pick you up directly from your hotel, provide a training/tour guide, and offer lunch in most cases. Here are some of my favorite tours to book in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
An exciting canyoning adventure suitable for all experience levels! This tour will take you deep into stunning waterfalls, where a professional instructor will teach you the basics before you take your turn in the action. The route features rappelling, cliff jumping, and hiking. Enjoy a full day immersed in nature and experience its beauty up close! Canyoneering is one of the most fun activities to do in Cabarete while visiting the northern part of the Dominican Republic. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
For all animal lovers, visit Monkey Land in Puerto Plata! Join an open-air safari truck to experience the wildlife and rural lifestyle of the area.
Experience a day of snorkeling at Sosua Beach with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to the best spots to see vibrant tropical sea life underwater!
Enjoy a half-day visit to Country World Adventure Park with this small-group excursion, featuring an exciting ATV tour. Explore the beautiful countryside as you navigate off-road trails in a rugged four-wheeler, available for solo riders or pairs. The park also offers additional highlights, including an on-site swimming pool, zip lines, and a tropical botanical garden. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Experience an exciting guided Jeep safari through the lush tropical rainforest near Puerto Plata, where you can explore the stunning Damajagua Waterfalls.
Click below to watch my YouTube vlog for Cabarete:
I hope you found this guide to Cabarete helpful! Thanks for reading. Don't forget to share this blog post with a friend. The Dominican Republic is such an incredible place to visit! If you have any questions about visiting the Dominican Republic, leave a comment below.
Till next time!
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