Category: About Cabarete

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About Cabarete Dominican Republic Activities

Surfing in Cabarete

Whether you’re interested in learning to surf or brushing up on skills, surfing in Cabarete is a top choice for many local Dominicans and international tourists.

With warm waters year-round and local surf legends like Victor ‘Bobo’ Peralta offering private lessons it’s a no brainer to give surfing a try with this perfect combination. Beginners can learn to paddle, stand and catch a wave. Intermediate and advanced students can refine their skills by learning from the master himself.

What can I expect when surfing in Cabarete?

Instructors and guides like Bobo will normally start with a 2 hour instruction to evaluate your surfing skill level while providing the history of surfing in Cabarete, in depth wave knowledge and essential surf safety rules.

You will be provided the most suitable surfboard according to your skill level and body type. Having the right surfboard is as essential as professional coaching and supervision. Expect to learn the correct way to step up to a higher level if you’re an intermediate or advanced student.

Can I show up on the beach and rent a surfboard?

We feel it’s best to work with experts that can guide you to find the perfect water conditions to learn and hone your skills. Professional surfing schools like Bobo Surf’s Up are top choices for beginner and intermediate surfers. While advance surfers can always rent or bring their own boards.

“It is a perfect and strategical relaxing place for beginners to learn and practice with safety in the reforming white water, while at the same time the intermediate and advanced surfers can perform and enjoy the unbroken clean face of the waves” – Bobosurfsup.com

Where are the surf schools located?

The surf schools in Cabarete are located within few minutes walking distance from main breaks.

I’m traveling in the fall; will the surf schools be open?

The majority of surf schools are open year-round and provide daily surfing lessons for: beginners, intermediate, advanced surfers. Feel free to check with us or call the surf schools prior to leaving your home country to find out projected wave conditions. If you decide to take a lesson once you arrive in Dominican Republic but left your board at home, there are ample places to rent a board for a few hours or the full day.

How much does a surf lesson cost?

Surf schools like Bobo Surf’s Up offer competitive pricing for 2-hour lessons:

  • Private Lesson: 1 on 1 with water assistance instructor $45 USD per person
  • Semi-Private Lessons: 3 Persons Max with water assistance instructor $40 USD per person
  • Group Lessons: 4 to 20 Persons Max with water assistance instructor. $35 USD per person

If you’re interested in purchasing a surf lesson package, Bobo’s offers 3 and 7-day intensive private surf lessons:

  • 3 lessons intensive private surf course. Price starting at $125 USD per person
  • 7 lessons intensive private surf Course. Price starting at $270 USD per person

Interested in a surf camp?

We have you covered! There are ample surf camps in Cabarete that offer 1, 2- and 3-day courses. This is where you’ll be able to meet travelers from around the world to share one common love, the ocean.

Can children take surf lessons?

Yes, kids are able to take surf lessons. Keep in mind, the minimum age is 6 years old and a parent must remain with the child at all times.

Is there anyone that shouldn’t take lessons?

  • Surfing isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Persons with heart problems or other serious medical conditions

When you book Embocca Cabarete, our team of experts will take care of booking lessons for you prior to and/or during your stay.

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About Cabarete About Embocca Dominican Republic Activities

Kite Surfing in Cabarete

Cabarete is known around the world as a kitesurfing mecca. This piece of paradise offers ideal conditions for kiteboarding. With more enthusiasts discovering Cabarete as the place to experience the hottest watersport on the planet, it’s no wonder so many aficionados come here year after year.

 

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is a sport that combines aspects of wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, sailing, skateboarding and snowboarding (yes you read that right, skateboarders and snowboarders will love kiting!) into an action-packed extreme sport.

 

The best time of year for kitesurfing in Cabarete is between December and August. With prime wind conditions from January to March and June to July, the beaches tend to become crowded quickly. Cabarete has warm waters year-round and averages of 26°C/80°F in the winter and 30°C/86°F + in the summer. You can get away with wearing boardshorts and a rash guard to protect from the sun. A good hat and sunglasses are also strongly suggested.

 

Kiteboarders typically flock to Kite beach due to its sheer popularity, along with Cabarete Beach and Bozo Beach if they’re beginners. You will find the majority of Cabarete’s kite schools at these three beaches. By just sitting down at one of the beaches you will easily see a handful of pro-riders turning out tricks and drumming up applauds from on lookers.

 

La Boca River mouth and Playa Encuentro aren’t in Cabarete but happen to be less than 2.5 and 4 miles respectively from the town center. Each offer a unique benefit depending on the skill you’re looking to hone. Playa Encuentro is a great place for kitesurfers that enjoy riding waves. However, it is not a destination for beginners. La Boca River is perfect for kitesurfers looking for flat water to practice their freestyle skills.

 

With over a dozen kite schools in Cabarete, it can be hard to know which ones offer the newest equipment and best instructors. If you’re interested in taking a lesson, we will provide a list of recommended schools before or during your trip. Keep in mind, during busy season the best schools book up weeks and sometimes months in advance. Some of these schools even offer equipment storage and areas to hang out between sessions.

 

If you’re experienced and want to take a 1-3 day tour of Dominican Republic’s coastline, just let us know and we’ll place you in touch with the schools that offer these outings.

 

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About Cabarete Dominican Republic Activities

Top Hikes in the Dominican Republic

Dominican republic hikes

While Cabarete, Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) is known as a kitesurfing and beach destination, there are several truly incredible hikes within driving distance that are A MUST before you leave our slice of paradise.

Best way to see the parks:

With tour operators like Iguana Mama offering guided hikes ranging from 3 hours to 3 days (with 2 nights of camping included), it’s easy to find a hike and expert guide that will meet the needs of solo, family and group travelers.

Pricing:

3-hour hikes start at $35 USD/adult: $28 USD/12yrs-17yrs: $18 USD/child under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult)

1-day hikes normally run around $70 USD/person

3 day/2-night hikes are around $450 USD/person + tax

Before setting out on a hike there are a few essentials you should never leave home without:

  • Hiking Boots
  • Hat or visor
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen (even with the lush forests of Dominican Republic, this is essential. Trust us!)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera or smartphone (just don’t expect cell service once you enter the forest)
  • Bathing suit
  • Insect repellent

What to leave at home:

  • Jewlery
  • Money
  • Laptops/PCs
  • Nice clothes

Most tour operators will include the following in their pricing. Depending on the length of your hike, some services may not be available. Always call or email the operator before leaving your home country to ensure you aren’t over or under packing:

  • Expert tour guides
  • Park permits (you’ll need this when staying overnight)
  • Entry Fees to the parks (this is needed for short hikes and overnight camping)
  • Snacks, refreshments, meals and purified drinking water
  • Tent and sleeping bags (feel free to bring your own, but make sure to tell your guide)
  • Mule support (this may seem funny until you aren’t looking to carry your partners backpack come day 3… then Mr. mule will be your best friend)
  • Cable car tickets
  • Transportation from and to Embocca Cabarete

Here are a few of our favorite hikes:

El Choco National Park – 3-hour hike

Difficulty level: All levels

Why we love this hike:

  • Dominican Republic’s newest national park
  • 77 sq kms of jungle, lagoons, forest and natural caves for swimming
  • Open backcountry for exploration

Mount Isabel de Torres – Approx. 8-hour hike (lunch included)

Difficulty level: Intermediate/advance hikers

Why we love this hike:

  • The hike starts at sea level and ends at 823 m
  • Breathtaking views of Puerto Plata Bay
  • The highest manicured gardens in the Caribbean
  • Cable car descent from the top of Mount Isabel

Pico Duarte (3 days/2 nights) – 4.5 hour drive from Cabarete

Difficulty level: Athletic beginners, intermediate and advanced hikers

Why we love this hike:

  • Pico Duarte is the highest mountain in the Caribbean (3,087 m)
  • Hiking to the summit of Pico Duarte for sunrise
  • The ascent to La Cienaga de Manabao
  • Mule support (just in case you need a little help)

There are loads of hikes you can take without a guide. When you go for a hike on your own or with a group of friends, we highly suggest checking the weather forecast before departing Embocca. Additionally, having someone in your group that speaks Spanish is a major advantage – Dominican Republic is an international travel destination with many visitors coming from other Spanish speaking countries. A 2-way satellite communicator is extremely important if you’re hiking on your own. Most importantly, always make sure to bring more purified water than you think you’ll need – Once you enter the forest there will be no access to clean water. Lastly, don’t forget to ask our chef the night before your hike to pack snacks and sandwiches to keep you fueled and energized.

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Best Restaurants in Cabarete

embocca chef

The Dominican Republic was formerly a Spanish colony. Similar to Spain, the most important meal of the day is lunch. Dominican Republic’s local cuisine is influenced by indigenous Taino, Spanish, French and African gastronomy. Some of the most popular dishes can be found in cities across the world as many Dominicans brought family recipes for Arepitas, Chimichurris, Soups, Chicharróns (and much much more) out of their home country and into the stomachs of hungry consumers. With that in mind, when you dine at a local restaurant COME HUNGRY. You can spend as much or as little time as you want at various restaurants – which make sense since Cabarete is one of the most laid back beachside towns on the island of Domincan Republic.

 

You will find different dishes feature at local restaurants depending on where your villa or hotel is located. Seaside towns tend to offer a great variety of seafood, with the most common being shrimp, mahi-mahi and lobster (available from July 1st until February 28th). The interior mountains tend to have dishes involving pork, stews and rice. The nice part about Dominican cuisine is that it uses milder spices than other countries in the West Indies without compromising taste.

 

When dining at Embocca, expect to be fed like a king. Embocca’s chef’s cater to a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet, have seafood allergies or maybe you have a picky eater in the group, we have you covered. With that said, our chefs are obsessed with using fresh local produce and proteins.

 

If you decide to depart Embocca for lunch or dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants are:

  • La Casita De Papi – Just steps from the water with tables set on the beach, the food and ambiance are top notch. Start with the bruschetta or ceviche and don’t forget to order one (or two) of their delicious mojitos
  • Bliss – Mediterranean menu with a strong Italian influence. From homemade pasta to fresh local fish and US angus steaks, there are is something for everyone at this restaurant and lounge
  • Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant – Known as a “hidden paradise” since you have to cross a river by boat to get there. La Boca’s menus featuring authentic Dominican dishes and fresh seafood cooked over an open fire.
  • Kahuna’s – From poutine to burgers and pizza, the menu at Kahuna’s is designed to make the entire family happy.
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Top things to do in Cabarete

stand up paddle board

Located on the northern coast, Embocca is one of the best places to stay in Cabarete Dominican Republic for tourists from around the globe. While one might think they are limited to ocean sports – seeing as Cabarete is known as a kite surfers paradise, there is a vast array of activities and destinations inland that you simply shouldn’t pass up. From El Choco National Park to small shops offering artisan crafts, food and souvenirs, Cabarete attracts people from across the world looking to connect their love for the outdoors with local culture and cuisine.


Here are our top choices for things to do in and around Cabarete:

–       Kite surfing (a.k.a. kiteboarding)

–       El Choco National Park (just a 15-minute walk from the center of town)

–       Horseback riding tours and lessons

–       Tubing on the Yasica river in Jamao

–       Surfing in Playa Encuentro

–       Stand up paddle boarding (SUP Boarding)

–       Canyoning tour of Magic Mushroom

–       Big game fishing charters


For those days you want to enjoy everything a private villa has to offer, Embocca can arrange in-villa massages, spa treatments and photography sessions from Dominican Republic’s most hospitable and welcoming people. Who wouldn’t want a massage overlooking the beach while surrounded by lush flora and fauna? Embocca combines the amenities you would find at a resort with the privacy of a high-end beach home.


For families, Cabarete is a dream destination as there are limitless options for kids of all ages. Absolutely try the Glide n’ ride adventure which combines 8 zip lines, horseback riding and breathtaking views of the Dominican countryside (minimum age to participate is 3 years old). Tubing on the Yasica river in Jamao is another option for a low impact relaxing activity. Catamaran Charters offer snorkeling at different reefs, amazing views as you cruise along the coastline and delicious BBQ and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) onboard. Villa pickup and drop off is available with advance notice.


When traveling to Cabarete it would be a shame to miss out on the nightlife. Head to Onno’s Bar for cocktails and yummy food. Onno’s is located directly on the beach and happens to be Cabaretes most popular nightlife destination. Their moto is “Eat Drink Party” which perfectly sums up what you will encounter as soon as you enter. If you aren’t looking to leave Embocca, let us hire a DJ and bartenders so the party can come to you.