Cabarete: Kitesurfing Capital of the Caribbean

Cabarete didn't become the kitesurfing capital by accident.

The geography is perfect: a wide horseshoe bay opening to the Atlantic, a reef offshore that knocks down the heaviest swell, and trade winds funneled by the surrounding mountains that pick up reliably most afternoons starting around 11 AM. The result is conditions that draw professional kiteboarders from around the world — Cabarete has hosted the Master of the Ocean competition for over two decades and shows up regularly on the PWA World Tour.

For visitors, that translates to two things: world-class lessons at every level, and one of the best beach-watching spectator experiences anywhere. Even if you've never been on a board, an hour with a coffee at a Kite Beach café watching 80 colored kites moving in formation across the bay is genuinely incredible.

Two beaches, two vibes

Cabarete Beach (the main town beach) is calmer, family-friendly, with restaurants and bars lining the sand. This is where most of the windsurfing and beginner kitesurfing happens. Kite Beach, just east, is where the experienced riders and pros gather — bigger water, more wind, and the heart of the kitesurfing scene. The two beaches are connected by a 10-minute walk.

Lessons for absolute beginners

Multiple internationally-certified schools — Dare2fly, Laurel Eastman, GoKite, Kiteclub Cabarete, others — teach IKO-certified curriculum starting from zero. A standard intro package is 3 days at 3 hours per day for around $400–$500 USD, and most schools claim you'll be up and riding by day three. Even a single 2-hour intro lesson gives you the basics of kite control on land. Bring sunscreen, a swim shirt, and patience — like surfing, the first session is mostly about learning how to fall without losing your kite.

Don't kite? Go anyway.

Cabarete has the best food and bar scene in the Puerto Plata region. The Plaza Lago is the central beach strip — restaurants with toes-in-the-sand seating, fresh seafood, cold beer, and live music several nights a week. Visit on a Friday or Saturday for the full effect.