Get ready for paradise, Cabarete is awaiting you and these are the best things to do in the Bay.
The North Coast of the Dominican Republic is a mix of relaxing and adventurous spots, from luxury oceanfront resorts to extreme water sports and tours in the wilderness of this marvelous Caribbean island. Cabarete Bay is a dream location, known for its stunning landscapes, beaches, fun activities, sports, and active nightlife.
There is so much you can explore here! Cabarete is a dynamic town that offers many day trips and excursions, tours, and sightseeing.
In this article, we will make a list of what we and people believe are Cabarete’s best tours and attractions in 2022, all must-haves on your to-do list when visiting this vibrant town. Make sure you don’t miss one!
Day Trips, Tours & Excursions
Find and book the perfect day trip or excursions by chatting with our local experts here:
Best things to do in Cabarete
1. Take a surf lesson at Playa Encuentro
What is it? As you probably know, Cabarete is known as the water sports Capital of the world thanks to its perfect wind and kite surfing conditions and for the good waves that all surf lovers get to enjoy at Playa Encuentro, located on the west end of town.
Are you planning on surfing any time soon? Playa Encuentro is the spot for you!
When to surf? If you are an advanced surfer, you will enjoy wintertime surfing, from September to April or May. The summer months get calmer waves, which is best for beginners and first-time surfers that usually start learning with a longboard. No matter what season you decide to come down and start practicing, the best time to surf is in the early morning, from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
Why should you do it? Surfing in Encuentro is a sport that doesn’t depend on the wind like kitesurfing surfing in Cabarete is a discipline that can be practiced 360 days out of the whole year. Waves here are a good option for both long-boarders and short-boarders, as well as for beginners and first-time surfers.
What do you need or don’t need? Generally, you do not need a wetsuit, local surfers get in the water with a swimsuit or a short/long sleeve shirt if they plan to stay longer times. So it is totally up to you to wear a 1-millimeter top or vest (normally in winter with morning temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit/20 degrees Celsius).
In downtown Cabarete, you can find all the gear you might need for surfing or kitesurfing. There are a couple of well-equipped surf shops where you can stock up on tropical wax, fins, and boards.
Liquid blue Cabarete is a concept store that sells all these items and also helps you get a repair when needed.
At Playa Encuentro, there are many surf schools to get lessons and rent a board from, all generally good and friendly.
2. Eat at Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant
What is it? Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant is a special place where you can enjoy some delicious local Caribbean dishes, mainly seafood and other locally made treats. The best part is that you can reach the spot from the water, paddle boarding, on a boat, or walking after a good kiteboarding session. People also enjoy spending time at this location as a rest moment after a fishing tour.
The name comes from La Boca, the actual location where the restaurant was built, meaning “the mouth” – where the Yasica river starts its path.
Why should you go? Wilson’s restaurant has a nice terrace overlooking the river and surrounded by a wild natural landscape. The building is a rustic shack located where the river meets the ocean and can be found off Cabarete’s beaten path. The owner is Wilson, he and his family have been running the restaurant since they opened it, more than 30 years ago.
We had the chance to spend some time with Mr. Wilson, who explained that his customers are from all over the place and the world!
Fun fact: ex-president Leonel Fernandez and Silvester Stallone had the pleasure to eat at this stunning spot.
If you are a foodie and are looking forward to trying more local dishes and tasty cuisine during your stay in Cabarete, here are more restaurants and cafes that are worth giving it a try:
~ Papi’s restaurant
Menu: seafood
People’s rating: ★★★★★
Website: La Casita de Papi
Contact: +1 809-986-3750
~ Parrilla Luis
Menu: BBQ, Caribbean food
People’s rating: ★★★★★
Website: Parrilla Luis
Contact: +1 809-857-5527
~ Gordito’s fish tacos are a must!
Menu: Fresh-Mex and fish tacos
People’s rating: ★★★★★
Website: Gordito’s Fresh-Mex
Contact: +1 829-844-3434
~ Helados Bon
Menu: ice cream
People’s rating: ★★★★★
Website: Helados Bon Cabarete-Sosua
Contact: +1 809-571-0690
3. Visit Monkey Jungle and enjoy the view on the Zip Line Tour
What is it? Monkey Jungle is an adventure park that offers a guided tour in the jungle to observe a population of capuchin monkeys, experience a seven-season zipline, the botanical garden, and an ancient Taino cave (descends up to 18 meters under the ground). There is also a recovery center for rescued capuchins.
Why should you do it? The monkeys love visitors, they enjoy climbing on your shoulder so that you can take a picture with them, and sometimes they try to steal your stuff, so make sure you keep valuable objects in a safe place where they cannot reach them.
The zipline has 240 meters long cables and allows you to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
The park is farmland of about 280 hectares located between Sosua and Cabarete, nine kilometers from the road that leads to El Choco National Park (Casa Linda entrance). The money from the tours is raised to fund a medical and dental clinic that is located on the farm.
Find out about distances, pricing, and more tour details on Monkey Jungles’s website by clicking the button below.
4. Canyoning Tours
Have you already experienced everything that this Caribbean town can offer?
Here’s an activity you can do next time you come down to Cabarete for the summer holidays: canyoning. This adventurous sport is perfect if you want to experience something that boosts your adrenaline level, especially on hot summer days!
What is it? Canyoning is about getting in the water and challenging yourself by walking a path, usually a river or a gorge, exploring the surrounding environment and wild nature. It’s a unique experience for those who don’t mind getting wet and appreciate the jungle side of the Dominican Republic. It mainly consists of retracing a fast-flowing stream of water, usually in a gorge, using brave techniques. The canyons in the Dominican Republic are beautiful for the many waterfalls and cliffs.
Why should you do it? Canyoning is a good activity for adults and teenagers, and all outdoor lovers! You’ll be able to practice your hiking, climbing, sliding, and swimming skills. The perfect sport for outdoorsy families and friends.
5. Kayaking in the Cabarete’s Lagoon
Cabarete is surrounded by a lagoon where locals spend the day kayaking or canoeing.
The lagoon can be a fun option and an alternative to common tours. Instead of spending the day at the beach you can plan a chill afternoon paddling and having a blast with your friends.
From the mountains to the outskirts of the town flows the Yásica River. There are many spots that offer fun water activities like tubing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Excursions are organized all year round! If you’re interested, we suggest you send a message to one of our local experts, they’ll help you get all the information you might need to plan your next adventure in the lagoon and/or the river!
6. Stand-up paddle boarding in Cabarete Bay
Experiencing Cabarete Bay and its treasures by Stand-up-paddleboarding. You can SUP through the river, in the lagoons, across the flat ocean – possibly in the morning -, or challenge yourself by surfing long waves, doing SUP yoga, or long-distance paddling. The nature, coastline, and waves are THE BEST panorama.
This sport is good for activating your micro muscles and practicing your balance, especially if you are new to water sports and want to try something lighter before stepping up to the extreme water sports our town can offer.
Stand-up paddleboarding is most families’ favorite sport. It is also considered romantic by couples. Get started with water sports no matter what your level is!
Recommended: If you want to experience stand-up paddle boarding at its best, you should probably consider doing a sunrise session with Liquid Blue Cabarete, a 20-minute excursion before sunrise to watch one of the most beautiful and unforgettable moments you’ll have in Cabarete, Dominican Republic!
7. Horseback Riding
If you’re looking for something easier and closer to where you’re staying, we highly recommend you go on a horseback riding tour right on Cabarete Beach. This is an eco-friendly way to explore the surrounding area, right on the beach or, if you prefer, in the mountains.
For price lists and bookings send a message to +1(849)2719573 (WhatsApp).
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