Learn to Surf in the Dominican Republic
- Patricia Fuentes
- Jan 17, 2019
- 3 min read
Patricia from Worldwidetravelog (www.worldwidetravelog.com) is back writing about a tropical paradise: Dominican Republic. In this article she will suggest places to be active. In fact, she is giving us her 2 recommended spots to learn how to surf. Patricia lived in this amazing country for 4 years so lets immerse in her words and imagine being in that Caribbean water.
Since I have been living, traveling and surfing this beautiful Caribbean country for 4 years I bring you the two best places to learn surfing.
Why only two spots? Because these beaches are very friendly to learn how to surf, also you can enjoy a full day by yourself and they are also stunning.
Here we go:
Playa Encuentro
So, let's talk about the most famous surf spot in the Dominican Republic, also known for the country's hotspot for surfing. On the surroundings of Cabarete, it can be reached by taxi or if you have your own car. It is easy to get there and everyone knows it. It is a paradise of waves where it is working right and left handed waves, reefs in the bottom, breaks regularly in winter and spring, that means October-April. The best direction of the wind is south. For beginners, you will need boots, the bottom is all reef.
Cabarete is an evolving small town beach with a surf vibe, shops, restaurants and bars. Perfect to hang out after a long surf session.
When:​ Encuentro provides good surfing conditions all year round. However, the best "swells" are from November to April, that is the same time for high season too.
Surf Rentals: On the beach you will find surfboards from $15 per day to $100 per week.
Surf lessons: There are a few on the beach, I have been working with Pauhana Surf School (Pauhanasurfcamp.com), and I can recommend them, they have always been the best on that beach.
To stay: El Encuentro Surf Lodge (http://elencuentrosurflodge.com), definitely is a perfect place to stay in the area: walking distance, fresh salt water pool, delicious breakfast, renting boards, yoga, and all you need on your surf trip.
Moving around: Renting a car or moto-taxi, is easy but the safest way is just renting your own car, then you can visit other beaches.
Things to do: You can’t miss the stunning sunset in Playa Alicia, try delicious organic food in Fresh Fresh.
More sports: Cabarete is also very well known for the wind, so you can learn Kitesurfing and Windsurfing easily.
Playa Macao
Welcome to the place to surf in the Punta Cana area. Yes, Punta Cana is known for its resorts, but if you drive 20 minutes you will find this jewel.
Macao has 5 spots to surf, when you are a beginner you just need a small peak to practice. It is an exposed beach break that has pretty consistent waves. The beach break offers both left and right hand waves. The best point of Macao is: UNCROWDED, what? Yes, you are welcome.
When: For swells, the best time to surf is from October to April.
Surf Rentals & Surf lessons: I highly recommend Macao Surf Camp (www.macaosurfcamp.com), They are always happy to help and take care of each new surfer.
To stay: Any of the wonderful resorts around, Hard Rock Hotel is one of my faves or Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort. If you want a small easy hotel to do things on your own then check out Capri Beach house in Bávaro.
Moving around: Macao Surf Camp has transport every day, but you can rent a car to move around easily with Pilot Rent Car (www.facebook.com/pilotrentcar).
Things to do: You can spend the day on the beach but if you want to explore then go to Scape Park to have a day full of adventures.
More sports: There are all kind of sports: Cable wake park in Downtown Punta Cana and Flow wave too.
This is only for beginners, let me tell you if you already surf you will find a lot of uncrowded beaches in the Dominican Republic, check out my Instagram to see more: www.instagram.com/worldwidetravelog.
Patricia Fuentes, heart of Worldwidetravelog (www.worldwidetravelog.com), is an entrepreneur experienced in Digital Tourism Marketing, specialized in adventure and surf industry. She is a full time travel blogger and work for her own ethical surf bikini brand. She truly believes that all the projects in what you invest time and effort has to represent you well.
