With miles of pristine beaches, the Dominican Republic is a favorite destination for kiters in search of good wind, waves, and a great social scene.

HIGHLIGHTS

ALL KINDS OF SPOTS AND CONDITIONS
The country has it all - flatwater for freestyle riders swells for wave riders and good conditions for hydrofoiling. 

CABARETE, THE KITESURFING MECCA
Kiters from all over the world shred in the waters of Cabarete on the North Coast, which is the mecca of kitesurfing. 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM EVERYWHERE
Get direct flights from Europe, Canada, and the United States to Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana. 

AFFORDABILITY 
You can find accommodations, local cuisine, and activities at affordable prices across the island. Traveling on the cheap is easy in the Dominican Republic.  

KITESURFING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic has been a renowned kitesurfing destination since the inception of the sport. The jewel of the Caribbean when it comes to wind activities, Cabarete is where all the action takes place. Some of the best riders in the world come here to train and the top kite brands in the industry test their equipment here.

It’s no wonder Cabarete has become the kitesurfing capital of the world, with strong wind nearly year-round and conditions suitable for a variety of riding levels and disciplines.

Buen Hombre, Las Terrenas and Punta Cana are also among the other kite spots in the Dominican Republic.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO KITESURF IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Kiteboarding in the Dominican Republic is fantastic year-round. The summer season is when there is the steadiest wind in most spots, while winter is the wave season.

On the north coast, summer brings calmer seas and better visibility while winter has better sea conditions on the south coast. The average temperature throughout the year is about 25°C / 77°F. Summers are hot and humid, while the winter months are cool and breezy. Keep in mind, June through October is the Caribbean’s hurricane season.

Furthermore, on the Caribbean side of the island, water temperature averages 28°C / 83°F in summer and 24°C / 76°F in winter. On the Atlantic side, it is just slightly cooler with averages of 27°C / 81°F in summer and 24°C / 75°F in winter.

WHAT ARE THE BEST KITESURF SPOTS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Cabarete

The premier kitesurfing destination in the Dominican Republic, Cabarete is known as the mecca of the sport. This small town on the north coast has a variety of conditions at the world-famous Kite Beach, flat water at La Boca, waves at Playa Encuentro, and wind nearly year-round, from December to September.  

Buen Hombre

This is one of the windiest spots in the Dominican Republic. Located in the province of Monte Cristi on the northwest coast, Buen Hombre is a flatwater spot popular with freestyle riders. A reef surrounds the shallow waters of this small fishing village, blocking the waves and creating flatwater conditions that are also perfect for beginners. 

Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas on the northeast coast is one of the most picturesque parts of the country, with consistent winds between 15 to 20 knots from December to September. The winds here are thermal and start to pick up in the afternoon, lasting into the early evening.

Punta Cana

With its resort-lined beaches, Punta Cana is known primarily as a popular destination for sun-soaked tourists on all-inclusive holidays. But this resort town also has kitesurfing, with wind from November through April.

Brief History:

The Dominican Republic (or “the D.R.” as it’s frequently called) is a mountainous country that comprises the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola. It’s been a popular Caribbean escape since Christopher Columbus first set foot on its shores in 1492.

After 1492, the island became the first headquarters of Spanish colonial rule in the New World and the capital of Santo Domingo was established soon afterward. The entire island is known as Hispaniola and was eventually divided into two countries.

Sharing a western border with Haiti, the 10.3 million inhabitants of the Dominican Republic enjoy the bragging rights to the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, and an average annual temperature of 78°F (25°C).

Things to Do When There’s No Wind

The island offers many attractions that are worth putting on your list.

There are 27 cascading waterfalls to climb in Damajagua in Puerto Plata, and all the necessary gear is provided by the tour operators at the venue.

For a bit of culture and history, nothing beats the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, where buildings built by the conquistadors still stand in the middle of the capital. Don’t miss the Columbus House built by Christopher Columbus’ son.

If you fancy a hike in the lush forests of the national parks, you’re in luck. These cover more than 25 percent of the landscape, and you can choose from Los Tres Ojos Acuario National Park, Manati Park or Pico Duarte for your adventure.

Getting there:

The Dominican Republic is serviced by several international airports, including Punta Cana International Airport, Las Américas-JFPG International Airport, La Isabela International Airport, Cibao International Airport, Gregorio Luperón International Airport, and Arroyo Barril International Airport. Nearby resorts provide the necessary shuttle services to and from the airport. Taxi services are readily available at the airports and on the street.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Tourism Board: http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/
• Health and Safety Info: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/dominican-republic
• Visa Info: http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/about-dr/entry-requirements/