WHAT TO DO ON A RAINY DAY

There is a reason the Dominican countryside is so lush. With an average 61 inches and 128 days of precipitation, it’s likely you will see some rain while in Cabarete. Good thing is that there is still plenty to do!

Showers often come in short bursts followed by rainbows, clear skies and lots of sun. Don’t knock the weather. If it was perfect all the time, most people wouldn’t start a random conversation. Best friends are often made on rainy days.

Photo by Amy S. Martin

Here's a list of things you can do on a rainy day in Cabarete:

SPEND A RELAXING DAY at Andari Spa, Naomi Spa, Natura Cabana or Villa Taina with a manicure/pedicure, massage, facial or other spa treatment.

GO FISHING with Dominican Fisherman.

RIDE SOME WAVES! Head to Encuentro to take a surf lesson. We recommend 321 Takeoff, Pauhana Surf School and Cabarete Buena Onda.

A tranquil morning at Encuentro Beach, where surfers gather before the sun completely rises.

Photo by Amy S. Martin

LOOKING FOR AN ADVENTURE? Go canyoning with Iguana Mama or Kayak River Adventures.

EXPLORE SOUVENIR SHOPS lining the main street in Cabarete and practice your bargaining skills.

SIP A COCKTAIL INDOORS at one of the restaurants on the beach and take in the view and the peaceful sound of raindrops. Most have free Wi-Fi if you need to catch up on some work.

HANG WITH THE LOCALS and play pool or get a game of dominoes going.

GET YOUR ZEN ON WITH A YOGA CLASS or meditation. There are several great teachers in town.

CABARETE IS A FRIENDLY TOWN Strike up a conversation with someone at the bar or restaurant. You’ll likely be fast friends!

UNPLUG AND GET LOST in a book or magazine.

SCHEDULE A VISIT to the Mariposa Center for Girls and learn about how educating and empowering girls will change the world!

ENCUENTRO BEACH

Surfer: Zion Balbuena

Photo by Sebastiano Massimino

Only four kilometers from downtown Cabarete lies Playa Encuentro, one of the best surfing beaches on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Surfers, boogie boarders, and stand up paddle enthusiasts of all levels flock to the spot in the early morning hours to ride the waves.

Dotted with surf schools in small huts, Playa Encuentro is home to one of the most famous reef breaks in the Dominican Republic.

The conditions at this spot are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. One of the greatest features of Encuentro is its consistency. It is one of the most consistent surfing spots in the Caribbean. Very rarely will it be flat. Wave sizes vary from shoulder high to double overhead.

Encuentro Beach is a must see in Cabarete, go check it out and take a surf lesson!

LA BOCA

Where the river meets the sea

La Boca (the mouth) is located just east of Cabarete and one of the best hidden secrets in the area. A popular spot with locals and tourists, people come to La Boca to swim in the brackish water, kitesurf, windsurf, paddleboard, fish, wakeboard, eat fresh seafood and have a great time!

Photo by Amy S. Martin

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

It’s a bit of a hike but if you have a car you’ll head east on the main road and hang a left at Camino Del Sol and just follow the road about 15 minutes till you reach the beach. It gets sandier as you get closer so you’ll know you’re on the right track. If you need directions just ask a friendly local. Taxis will also drop you off and arrange for pickup. One of the best ways to get there is to take the Jungle River boat tour from Islabon. You’ll travel down the river, through the thick mangroves and enjoy a spectacular view as you arrive at the beach. Kids are sure to love the ride.

When you get to the beach, enjoy some local fare at Wilson’s Restaurant, serving up fresh caught seafood, chicken and traditional Dominican fare. The restaurant is on the other side of the river, not accessible by foot, so just stand on the beach and wave and they will zip over and pick you up!