Caribbean Travelweb - Vacation Guides, Travel, Accommodations, Services

 


Dominican Republic Guide

Getting There
Where To Stay
Activities
Visitor Tips
Getting Married
Scuba Diving
Region Guide
Weather
Maps
Information Request
Dominican Republic
CTW Main

Click for Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Forecast

 

Cabarete - North Coast





Cabarete



Discovered in the 1980’s by some windsurfers from Quebec, Cabarete rapidly gained fame as one of the world’s best windsurfing sites, blessed with regular wind, breaking waves, a smooth sand beach, and an exciting ambiance. Today Cabarete offers everything for windsurfing, and has become the kiteboarder’s choice. Many of the world’s best kiteboarders come to Cabarete to train in ideal conditions. Everything revolves around the six kilometers of Cabarete Beach. On a two kilometer stretch (Cabarete Bay) businesses of all types have sprung up, many run by foreigners who first came as tourists and then came back to stay.

The restaurants, bars, surf shops and occasional hotel are located just far enough from the beach to add to the destination, not detract from the enjoyment of the beach. Many feel the attractiveness of Cabarete is in the people, the mingling of tourists who enjoy the intimacy of the smaller non inclusive hotels that encourage their guests to venture out and discover Cabarete.

The action doesn't stop when the sun sets. Restaurants and bars lining the beach invite you to enjoy candlelit tables, culinary treats, and views of the ocean Bay and star filled sky. The nightlife heats up when friendly people from all over the world, gather to share refreshing cocktails and dance to world beats, with Merengue music, being the country's specialty.

While Cabarete caters to a young sports-minded crowd, it is also perfect for those who just want the leisure of sitting in the shade or taking sun on the beach, and for parents with little children.

How to get there
You will likely fly into the Gregorio Luperon International Airport of Puerto Plata (POP). Taxi is the quickest and most comfortable form of transport and the rates are quite reasonable. Before getting into your taxi, make sure you confirm the rate with your driver. Carrying the correct amount of RD Pesos or US dollars will be helpful, as some drivers do not carry change. Rates for all destinations are posted on a board on the right hand side of the Arrivals Terminal as you exit the building. A taxi will cost about $20. USD and the trip is approximately 25 minutes.

Getting around
You can get around Cabarete by foot. Everything is close by if you are staying in the town. Some resorts are located about a five minute drive from the center of the town and in that case, your hotel will likely provide a shuttle service into town.

Golf
Your choice of a 9 hole golf course only minutes away, a nearby 18 hole Golf course at Playa Dorada, or, an hour’s drive away, Playa Grande, where the spectacular coast is home to a beautiful golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones.

Horseback riding
Several ranches offer equestrian excursions along the coast and in the nearby mountains.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Dive shops in Cabarete take tourists on diving trips (open water and resort course dives) to Sosúa Bay. There are many opportunities for experienced divers to discover walls, a sunken cargo ship wreck, coral reefs and even underwater caves in the area.

Surfing
Try the wave at Playa Encuentro, only five minutes from Cabarete. Rental surfboards available in town.

Other sports
Canyoning, caving, sea kayaking, motorcycle tours, hiking and sailing, most with modern equipment available in town. Nearby activities include rock climbing, paragliding, whitewater kayaking and river rafting.

Excursions
See the Activities Page for a list of attractions in the Cabarete area as well as all around the Dominican Republic.


Travel to Cabarete from other DR airports

From Santo Domingo

Taxi will cost about $100. USD and it is a 4 hour trip.

By Air
There are 2 Charter Airlines which offer service between the three international airports, as well as scenic flights of the countryside. They are both reasonably priced and provide excellent service.

Servicios Aereos Profesionales (SAP)

Phone: (809) 565-2448
Fax: (809) 540-4667
Web: www.SAPAIR.com

Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$305
Up to 10 Person Plane: US$1075

Punta Cana to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$370
Up to 10 Person Plane: US$1345

Luggage restrictions are quite strict on these flights, at 60 pounds, or about 25 kg/person. Luggage exceeding this limit, such as windsurfing or other sporting equipment, can only be transported on their bigger planes if there is space available. Check with a company representative in advance to receive permission to transport extra weight.


Caribe S.A.

Phone: (809) 542-6688
Fax: (809) 567-7033
Web: www.caribe.com.do

Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$280 – Only carry-on luggage allowed.
4 - 5 Person Plane: US$400

Punta Cana to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$380 – Only carry-on luggage allowed.
4 - 5 Person Plane: US$500

Luggage restrictions are quite strict on these flights. Please check with a company representative in advance to receive permission for the weight of luggage you’ll be carrying.


Also Air Santo Domingo
272 Avenida 27 De Febrero
Santo Domingo
Telephone (809) 683-8428
Reservations (809) 683-8020


From Punta Cana

Taxi will cost about $250 USD and is a 8 -10 hour trip

Air Transport

Servicios Aereos Profesionales (SAP)

Phone: (809) 565-2448
Fax: (809) 540-4667
Web: www.SAPAIR.com

Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$305
Up to 10 Person Plane: US$1075

Punta Cana to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$370
Up to 10 Person Plane: US$1345

Luggage restrictions are quite strict on these flights, at 60 pounds, or about 25 kg/person. Luggage exceeding this limit, such as windsurfing or other sporting equipment, can only be transported on their bigger planes if there is space available. Check with a company representative in advance to receive permission to transport extra weight.

Caribe S.A.

Phone: (809) 542-6688
Fax: (809) 567-7033
Web: www.caribe.com.do

Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$280 - Only carry-on luggage allowed.
4 - 5 Person Plane: US$400

Punta Cana to Puerto Plata International Airport:
1 - 3 Person Plane: US$380 - Only carry-on luggage allowed.
4 - 5 Person Plane: US$500

Luggage restrictions are quite strict on these flights. Please check with a company representative in advance to receive permission for the weight of luggage you’ll be carrying.

Also Air Santo Domingo
272 Avenida 27 De Febrero
Santo Domingo
Telephone (809) 683-8428
Reservations (809) 683-8020


DR At A Glance

-


Language:
Spanish is the official language of the island. English is widely spoken in tourist's areas as well as German, Italian, and French.

Government: Representative democracy

Capital: Santo Domingo

Size: 48,730 sq km, 1,288 km coastline

Location: Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti

Climate: Tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall. Average daily temperature of 82°F (25°C)

Electricity: 110 volts, the same as in North America

Currency: Dominican peso (DOP)

Driving: Driving is on the right hand side and the speed limit is 60 kph in the cities and 80 kph or 100 kph on the highways, unless otherwise indicated.

Rentals: Major car rental companies have airport and city locations, such as Honda, National, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Nelly Rent-a-Car, Dollar and many others. A valid driver's license and major credit cards are required to rent a car for up to 90 days.

 

Rates & Services Listed are Subject to Change
© 2006 Caribbean Travelweb