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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Cabarete Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Dominican Republic – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Dominican Peso (DOP) £1 ≈ DOP 81.58 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in the Dominican Republic, especially in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic, with 10% being standard in restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in the Dominican Republic, except in licensed establishments like bars and restaurants. Public drunkenness may lead to fines. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, such as restaurants, shops, and public transport, but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| Independence Day (27 February) |
National holiday with military parades and celebrations |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and rich history. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, relaxation, and cultural experiences. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Kitesurfing and windsurfing season mid-June to September with the strongest winds, a second window January to March
Hurricane season June to November, highest risk August to October
Surf swell on the north coast is best December to March
Don't miss
- 🪁 Kite surf at world-renowned Cabarete Beach
- 🛖 Explore the underground caves of El Choco National Park
- 🏄♂️ Surf the consistent waves at Playa Encuentro
- ⛴️ Take a boat tour of Laguna Gri Gri mangroves
- 🌃 Experience vibrant nightlife and local Dominican cuisine
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Cabarete?
Traveling to Cabarete offers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping water sports and relaxed beach vibes that few destinations can match. The town's beaches each have their own personality - from the main Playa Cabarete where windsurfers show off their skills, to Kite Beach where colorful kites fill the sky, to Encuentro Beach where surfers catch perfect waves. Beyond the beaches, you'll find a tight-knit community where you'll hear multiple languages spoken as you walk the single main street lined with restaurants, shops and accommodations. What makes Cabarete truly special is its authenticity and energy. Unlike more polished tourist destinations, this town feels real and alive. Mornings might start with a beachfront yoga class or fresh fruit smoothie, afternoons are for riding the waves or exploring the nearby El Choco National Park's caves and evenings transform into lively beach dining and bar scenes. The international influence creates a unique cultural blend where you can enjoy Italian espresso, Mexican tacos and traditional Dominican mofongo all in one day, while the consistent trade winds ensure perfect conditions for water sports enthusiasts of all levels.
🎡Places for activities
🎈Events
-
Cabarete Carnaval
-
Dominican Republic Jazz Festival
-
Cabarete Kite Festival
-
Master of the Ocean Competition
-
Cabarete Surf Festival
-
Cultural Festivals
-
Beach Parties
-
Kiteboarding Competitions
-
Windsurfing Championships
-
Local Harvest Celebrations
Knowledge before you go
- Cabarete excels in kiteboarding; lessons available for beginners.
- Negotiate moto-concho fares upfront; stick to daytime rides with licensed drivers.
- Beware pickpockets on beaches; use hotel safes and avoid flashing valuables.
- Hurricane season peaks August-October; Cabarete bay offers natural storm protection unlike open coasts.
How to travel to Cabarete
Cabarete is located 24 miles (38 kilometers) east of Puerto Plata International Airport, which receives flights from major cities in North America and Europe. From the airport, you can reach Cabarete by taxi, rental car or public bus in about 30-45 minutes. Another option is flying into Santiago International Airport, which is about 1.5 hours away by car. If you're already in the Dominican Republic, intercity buses connect Cabarete with Santo Domingo, Santiago and other major cities.
Access summary
- From Puerto Plata Airport (POP): Taxi or transfer, around 20–30 minutes.
- From Puerto Plata city: Drive or bus along coastal highway, about 40 minutes.
- From Santo Domingo: Intercity bus to Sosúa then taxi/guagua, roughly 3–4 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Cabarete
Cabarete offers diverse accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury beachfront condos. Many places feature a laid-back, bohemian vibe that matches the town's character. Beachfront properties often command higher prices but provide easy access to water sports. The town's compact size means that even accommodations a few blocks inland are still within walking distance of beaches and amenities. During high season (December-April) and major kiteboarding events, booking in advance is recommended.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Presidential Suites Lifestyle Cabarete - Room Only
Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Kite Beach Inn
Ultravioleta Boutique Residences
Watermark Luxury Oceanfront Residences
Gipsy Ranch Rooms
Cabarete Palm Beach Condos
Ocean Palms Residences - Cabarete
Charming ocean front 3 bd villa
Amazing ocean front apartment !
How to get around Cabarete
Cabarete is a small town where most attractions are accessible on foot, particularly along the main street where hotels, restaurants and shops are concentrated. For exploring nearby beaches or attractions, taxis are readily available and affordable. Many visitors also rent motorbikes or scooters, though traffic can be unpredictable, so exercise caution. Some resorts and tour operators offer shuttle services to popular destinations like Sosúa Beach or El Choco National Park.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Cabarete are around 46% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to DOP) is 11% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Cabarete is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions. Petty theft can occur, so secure valuables, especially on beaches. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and be cautious when enjoying the nightlife by watching your drinks and staying with friends.
Health & Medical
Basic medical facilities are available in Cabarete, with more comprehensive care in nearby Puerto Plata. Travel insurance is recommended. The tropical climate increases risk of dehydration and sun exposure, so drink plenty of water and use sun protection.
Accessibility
Cabarete has limited infrastructure for those with mobility challenges. Beach access can be difficult and sidewalks are often uneven. Some newer resorts offer accessible rooms, but overall, the town presents challenges for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
Tap water
Tap water in Cabarete is not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available and affordable. Most hotels and restaurants use purified water for ice and food preparation. Carry bottled water when exploring, especially during hot days.
Packing recommendations for Cabarete
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
for day trips
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👟
Water shoes
🔋
Power bank
📱
Waterproof phone case
🏊
Rash vest
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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