HOW TO BECOME A LOCAL IN 7 DAYS

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN LOCATION CABARETE BEACH

Whether you’re just visiting Cabarete for a short time or considering making it your second home, it’s easy to fall in love with Cabarete. Dominican culture is fun, friendly and extremely welcoming, making this country an incredible place to work, live and play.

Some say it only takes 7 days to become a “local!” Here are some things you can do to feel right at home.

WALK THE BEACH

As soon as the sun comes up, hit the beach! Long walks at dawn, before the heat of the day sets in, are the norm for locals. After a few days, you’ll see the same friendly faces and likely make some furry friends from the people walking their dogs.

FREQUENT YOUR FAVORITES

Found a great spot for coffee, lunch or a drink? Go there often and strike up a conversation with the people there. Many of the business owners in town also work full time at their shops. Becoming a regular is a great way to meet new people!

GO TO HAPPY HOUR

Many of the restaurants and bars on the strip do a happy hour with great food and drink specials. Just before the sun sets, you’ll find lots of locals and tourists enjoying an appetizer or cocktail and engaging in friendly conversation. Pull up a bar stool or beach chair and make some new friends!

FRAN AFONSO PHOTO

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS LOCATION ENCUENTRO

EARLY MORNINGS AT ENCUENTRO Tucked away just west of downtown Cabarete is Encuentro beach. Head over early in the morning with the surf crowd to catch some waves. Water sports not your thing? Hang out on the beach and enjoy some coffee or a light breakfast while you watch the surfers. Encuentro is one of Cabarete’s fastest growing neighborhoods where you’ll find lots of hidden gems and friendly faces.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN LOCATION LA BOCA

SHOP LOCAL

Colmados are more than just corner stores, they are the social hubs of the neighborhood! Stop in for an ice cold beer or a “coco frio” and they will open it for you and offer you a plastic chair out front to hang out, engage in friendly chatter and enjoy your beverage. You may even be able to get in on a round of dominoes.

CHECK OUT THEME NIGHTS Cabarete is known for its nightlife. Karaoke, live music, trivia, Latin dance - there’s something going on every night of the week! Theme nights are an especially fun option when you’re flying solo for an evening out on the town.

GO TO LOCAL EVENTS

See a poster for a local event? Attend! Artisan markets, music festivals, watersports competitions, Cabarete is all about community events. If something is going on in town, chances are, all of the local people will be there!

AFTERNOONS AT LA BOCA

Where the river meets the sea is the place to be! Take the Jungle River Cruise leaving from the neighboring town of Sabaneta or head down the long, sandy road at the entrance to Camino Del Sol to get to La Boca. Enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch at Wilson’s Restaurant and swim in the cool, brackish water of the Yasica river. This spot is a favorite of local fisherman and advanced kiteboarders alike.

NIGHT FISHING

Venture out onto the beach after sunset and you’ll likely find quite a few locals fishing for their daily catch.

IMMERSE YOURSELF The best way to feel at home is to completely immerse yourself in the local culture. Develop and use your Spanish language skills as much as possible. Dominicans are fun, friendly and extremely patient and many people will enthusiastically help you learn new words and phrases. Dominican culture is outgoing and inclusive and it’s commonplace to acknowledge everyone when entering a business or just walking down the street. A simple “hola” or “buenas” and a friendly wave goes a long way in becoming a part of this wonderful community.