"Days just aren't long enough to do all the fun things there are to do here. Whether it's kiting, surfing or partying... the conditions are always good! It's an island of endless summer wher the people always smile."
Susi Mai, pro rider and Cabarete resident
THE LURE
One of kitesurfing’s original meccas should still be
on your bucket list of kite-travel destinations. For sun and wind the four kilometre beach of Cabarete on the north coast of the Dominican Republic is a kitesurfing haven. You’ll also find a wide range of activities and experiences to choose from and the unique atmosphere is fuelled by the Caribbean nightlife.
THE SET-UP
Cabarete offers several classic spots. Cabarete beach can get busy near to shore with advanced riders and beginners, but up- or downwind you’ll have waves and open water to yourself. There are also many other options. Take a trip directly east or upwind of Kite Beach and you’ll find Cabarete Bay. La Policía is just upwind of the windsurfing zone on the main beach and is the perfect playground for advanced riders. Beginners can easily learn to fly kites here, too. Bozo Beach, downwind in Cabarete’s main bay, has cross-onshore winds and flat to choppy water conditions. Bozo is suitable for all levels and the more advanced can venture 800 metres out to the reef to find a lovely breaking wave. Although not as windy as Cabarete, Punta Cana on the south side of the island, offers flat, shallow waters, beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts.
PHOTOS / Star Kites
WIND, WEATHER AND WATER
Cross-onshore 20 knot winds from the right, stronger in summer, but Cabarete is a year-round destination. Most reliable April - September when the temps reach just over 30°C / 86°F and the waters are nice and flat. Better waves in winter. There are well over 200 days kiting a year, October is rainy though. Kite Beach’s wind is solar driven, so often best after 4pm, leaving time to catch a morning surf at Encuentro or sleep off a night’s partying. These same trade winds push water on to a well-defined outer reef that kicks up chest- to head-high waves and protects the bay, making for flat water on the inside and rolling blue water starboard tack swells on the outside. Water temps sits in the mid-20s all year / roughly 75°F.
SCHOOLS
Uncharted Kite Sessions run coaching from beginners to pros. Their key mantra is riding with the client, not coaching from shore - this is what makes the difference and will take a beginner to an intermediate/advanced level in a matter of days, aided by communication via bluetooth headsets.
Lessons can be taught in English, French, Italian and Spanish and coaching runs all year long.
www.unchartedkitesessions.com
info@unchartedkitesessions.com
ION CLUB operate a mobile school, so you can be sure of being at the right spot for the conditions, although you’ll find the centre nestled beneath shady palm trees with a cosy chill out overlooking the ocean. Providing lessons, rescue and kiteboarding rentals, they also offer windsurfing, surfing, SUP, Laser sailing, beach volleyball and excursions.
Languages spoken by staff: English, French, Spanish and German
www.ion-club.net
travel@ion-club.net
TRAVEL AGENTS
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
info@planettravelholidays.com
ION CLUB with 21 Wind - and Kitesurfing centres at 12 destinations, ION CLUB are one of the leading companies in this industry. Also offering Surfing, Stand Up Paddling and Biking. Sustainability is one of ION CLUB's core values as they believe that we have a real responsibility for the natural environment - the place where we practice our amazing sports - and for the local societies in which we are allowed to operate and play.
www.ion-club.net
travel@ion-club.net
ACCOMMODATION
Go budget or go large; you've got all the options around here. Some beautiful hotels in lovely spots, or apartments.
TRAVEL AGENTS
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
info@planettravelholidays.com
ION CLUB with 21 Wind - and Kitesurfing centres at 12 destinations, ION CLUB are one of the leading companies in this industry. Also offering Surfing, Stand Up Paddling and Biking. Sustainability is one of ION CLUB's core values as they believe that we have a real responsibility for the natural environment - the place where we practice our amazing sports - and for the local societies in which we are allowed to operate and play.
www.ion-club.net
travel@ion-club.net
NO WIND
With so many activities on offer Cabarete is the perfect destination for non-kiting partners and family. Choose from other watersports such as surfing, windsurfing and wakeboarding.
GET AROUND
Cabarete isn't as big as most people seem to imagine and car hire is optional, but really isn't necessary as everything is in walking distance or within a short motoconcho ride. Watch Susi Mai's guide to Cabarete on the Kite Show episode 3 at: www.thekiteshow.tv
CURRENCY
Dominican Peso (DOP) - £1 = DOP68 / €1 = DOP50 / $1 = DOP45
FOOD AND DRINK
Directly east or upwind of Kite Beach is Cabarete Bay with a great quality and quantity of food options to replenish your energy after a long day on the water. This beach is packed with great restaurants offering every type of food and drink. There’s always a party going on in Cabarete, including three very lively bars on the beach where you can party until six in the morning.
AIRPORT
Puerto Plata airport (POP) is a 25 minute drive from Cabarete and the transfer costs around US$30 in a cab. Santo Domingo (SDQ) is a four hour drive and can cost US$100 by cab.
TRAVEL AGENTS
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
info@planettravelholidays.com
ION CLUB with 21 Wind - and Kitesurfing centres at 12 destinations, ION CLUB are one of the leading companies in this industry. Also offering Surfing, Stand Up Paddling and Biking. Sustainability is one of ION CLUB's core values as they believe that we have a real responsibility for the natural environment - the place where we practice our amazing sports - and for the local societies in which we are allowed to operate and play.
www.ion-club.net
travel@ion-club.net