Cabarete is the watersports capital of the Caribbean. Located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, it benefits from consistent Easterly Trade Winds that are accelerated by a thermal effect from the hot landmass. The wind typically starts light in the morning (perfect for surfing) and builds to 15-25 knots by early afternoon.
The main bay is protected by an outer reef about 600m offshore, creating a safe, flat-water playground inside with waves breaking on the reef.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Days | Avg Wind Speed | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Conditions | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20-22 days | 15-22 kts | 28°C | 26°C | Rashguard | Swell/Chop | High |
| February | 20-23 days | 16-24 kts | 28°C | 26°C | Rashguard | Swell/Chop | High |
| March | 22-25 days | 16-25 kts | 29°C | 26°C | Rashguard | Mixed | High |
| April | 20-23 days | 15-22 kts | 29°C | 27°C | Rashguard | Mixed | Medium |
| May | 22-25 days | 15-25 kts | 30°C | 27°C | Rashguard | Chop | Medium |
| June | 25-28 days | 18-28 kts | 31°C | 28°C | Rashguard | Strong | High |
| July | 26-29 days | 20-30 kts | 31°C | 28°C | Rashguard | Strong | High |
| August | 25-28 days | 18-28 kts | 32°C | 29°C | Rashguard | Strong | High |
| September | 15-18 days | 12-20 kts | 31°C | 29°C | Rashguard | Light | Low |
| October | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 30°C | 28°C | Rashguard | Rain/Light | Low |
| November | 15-18 days | 14-22 kts | 29°C | 27°C | Rashguard | Rain/Swell | Low |
| December | 18-20 days | 15-24 kts | 28°C | 26°C | Rashguard | Swell | High |
Data compiled from Windguru and Windfinder historical statistics.
Primary Spots
Cabarete Bay (Main Beach)
The heart of the action. Side-onshore wind. Inside the reef is choppy but safe. Outside the reef offers rolling swell. Best for intermediate to advanced riders due to shorebreak and crowds.
Kite Beach
2km downwind (west) of the main bay. The reef is closer to shore here, creating flatter water inside. Very popular with kiters. Wingers should stay upwind or further outside to avoid tangles.
La Boca (River Mouth)
7km east of town. A flat-water river mouth spot. Requires a car or moto-taxi. The wind is often stronger here. Be careful of shallow sandbars.
Alternative Spots
Encuentro
The main surf spot, 5km west. Surfing only in the morning. Wingfoiling is possible in the afternoon when the wind picks up, but respect the surfers. It's a wave spot with a sharp reef.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: June-August for wind reliability (90%+). Winter: January-March for a mix of wind and waves. This is peak tourist season, so prices are higher. Avoid: October-November is the rainy season with the least consistent wind.
Gear Strategy
Rent. Most visitors rent to avoid the hassle of traveling with board bags. The rental gear is top-notch (Starboard, Severne, Duotone, Cabrinha).
Recommended Quiver: 5m wing is the workhorse. 4m for strong summer afternoons. Board: 85-105L.
Accommodation & Dining
Hotels
- Villa Taina: Right on the launch spot in the center of town. Very wind-sport friendly. €120-180/night. Visit Villa Taina
- Millennium Resort: Luxury condos right on the beach. Pool, spa. €200-350/night.
- Kite Beach Hotel: Located directly on Kite Beach. Good value. €80-120/night.
Dining
- La Casita de Papi: Famous for its shrimp in cream sauce ("Langostinos a la Papi"). Right on the beach.
- Mojito Bar: Great sandwiches and, obviously, mojitos.
- Vela Vela: Upscale dining with ocean views.
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- Liquid Blue: Premium concept store and school. F-One gear. Lessons $70/hour. Visit Liquid Blue
- ION Club Cabarete: Located at Villa Taina. Duotone/Fanatic gear. Very professional. Weekly rental $380. Visit ION Club
- Vela Cabarete: One of the oldest centers. Huge windsurf and wing inventory. Visit Vela
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- Puerto Plata Airport (POP): 20 minutes drive. Taxi $35.
- Santiago Airport (STI): 1.5 hours drive. Taxi $100.
- Santo Domingo (SDQ): 4 hours drive.
Transport:
- Moto-Conchos: Motorcycle taxis are the main way to get around town ($1-2 per ride).
- Walking: If you stay in Cabarete Bay, you can walk everywhere (beach, restaurants, clubs).
Local Rules & Etiquette
- Right of Way: Starboard tack priority. Leaving the beach has priority over incoming riders.
- Reef: The reef is sharp fire coral. Don't stand on it. At low tide, it can be very shallow.
- Localism: Locals are friendly but respect the lineup at wave spots like Encuentro.
Resources
- Active Cabarete - Guide to activities
- Cabarete Webcams - Live beach view
- Kite Club Cabarete Webcam - Live view of Kite Beach
- Hotel Kaoba Webcam - Another angle of the beach
- Windguru Cabarete - Forecast