Vacationing on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic is a fun and rewarding experience. There are many things to do here, like lounging in the sun and floating on the waves. However, if you like a little adventure, take an ecological tour of Gri Gri Lagoon or ride a cable car up into the mountains.You can reserve a day for whitewater rafting at the Yacque del Norte River or rent a 4-wheel-drive truck and explore the jungle.
When you’re in the mood to see local city sights, Puerto Plato offers an oceanfront boulevard lined with intriguing shops, cafes and galleries. On Duarte Street, the Amber Museum displays one-of-a-kind pieces from local mines, intriguing amber fossils and more. The Fuerte San Felipe (San Felipe Fort) offers a glimpse back in time to the days of Christopher Columbus.
Although there are many things to do and see in Puerto Plata, not far down the road is the little town of Cabarete, a small beach town with a great blend of tourist amenities and Dominican culture. Cabarete features the famous Kite Beach for kiteboarding, Encuentro beach for surfing, and also other beautiful sandy beaches for windsurfing as well as other water sports. Cabarete also offers many local and international restaurants, shops, banks and ATM cash machines. An incredible nightlife takes over after 11:30 pm. Many beach restaurants develop into night clubs with local and international flavors. The most up-to-date is Ojo where locals and tourists alike mingle.
Kite Beach in Cabarete is one of the top five kiteboarding locations on earth. The trade winds with thermals create strong and consistent winds. The wind blows easterly, giving Cabarete perfect side-onshore kiting conditions most of the time. Generally in the morning, there is little change to no wind (that makes it a good time to stop by Encuentro for some snorkeling or surfing). Early afternoon is generally good for beginners. After 2 pm, the thermals kick in making the wind a whole lot stronger, reaching its strongest around 4-5 pm. Kite beach also hosts a multitude of annual international championships. On virtually any day, visitors to the location will discover the sky stuffed with numerous colorful kites carrying amateurs and pro riders through the surf.
Additional activities in the area include surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, horse riding along the beach or in the encircling wooded areas, zip lining, offshore fishing, motor scooter rentals and much more
