Cabarete Guide
Cabarete Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & How to Get Around
Cabarete Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & How to Get Around
If you’re looking for that perfect mix of beach town energy, barefoot mornings, wind in your hair, and espresso by the water, Cabarete is that girl.
It’s giving laid-back surfer town with just enough nightlife and good food. Not overly polished or overly chaotic.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go — how we got there, where to stay, how to get around, and the spots worth your pesos.
Getting to Cabarete
🚌 How We Got There
We took Caribe Tours from Santiago de los Caballeros and paid $500 pesos total for two of us.
Yes. For two. It was smooth, affordable, air-conditioned, and honestly stress-free. Definitely would recommend.
🚌 How We Got Back
We returned via Metro Bus.
And I’m going to be honest — I wouldn’t do that again.
We had to transfer in Puerto Plata from a smaller bus to a larger bus instead of it being a straight shot. It wasn’t horrible, but after beach days and sun, the last thing I want is extra logistics.
Recommendation: Stick with Caribe Tours both ways if possible.
Where to Stay in Cabarete
🌴 Playa Cabarete vs Kite Beach
We stayed near Kite Beach — which is beautiful, breezy, and iconic for kitesurfing.
But. If I went again? I would stay directly in Playa Cabarete.
Here’s why:
Playa Cabarete is the more central, walkable area
Restaurants + beach bars are right there
You can roll out of dinner and be home in 3 minutes
The energy at sunset is unmatched
Since we stayed at Kite Beach, we had to take moto taxis into town every time we wanted dinner or coffee.
Not the end of the world — but it adds up.
Getting Around
Cabarete is small, but not small enough to always walk depending on where you stay.
🛵 Moto Taxis
200 pesos per person, one-way
They’re quick, easy, and always around.
🚕 Regular Taxis
Roughly 400 pesos per person, one-way
If you’re with luggage or just not in the mood for wind-blown hair, taxis are more comfortable.
If you stay in Playa Cabarete, you honestly won’t need either most of the time.
Where to Eat & Get Coffee in Cabarete ☕🍽️
Cabarete surprised me with the food scene. It’s giving international beach town — Italian, vegan, smoothie bowls, fresh seafood, espresso culture.
Here are some popular spots worth adding to your list:
🍳 Breakfast & Coffee
Fresh Fresh Café
Smoothie bowls, juices, light breakfast options. Very wellness-coded.
Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles
Cute, cozy, strong coffee. Their waffles are elite.
Panadería Dick
A local staple for fresh bread and pastries. Great for grabbing something quick before a beach day.
🌮 Lunch & Casual Bites
Gordito’s Fresh Mex
Casual Mexican spot — tacos, burritos, solid portions.
Friends Cabarete
Chill beachfront vibes. Great for grabbing a drink and staying longer than planned.
🍷 Dinner with Vibes
La Casita de Papi
Seafood + romantic beach dinner energy. Think toes in the sand, candlelight.
Pomodoro
Italian. Handmade pasta. Very date-night coded.
Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool
A little more elevated. Good for dinner turning into drinks.
The Overall Cabarete Energy
Cabarete feels:
Active (kitesurfers everywhere)
International but still local
Social but not overwhelming
Relaxed without being boring
It’s not Punta Cana resort vibes.
It’s more barefoot espresso, sunset swims, and spontaneous plans.
Exactly my speed.
Watch My Cabarete Vlog 🎥
If you want to see the full experience, including where we stayed, beach days, outfits, moto taxi moments—you can watch my Cabarete video here:
(And if you’re planning a trip, comment on the video so I know 👀)
If you’re debating between staying in Kite Beach or Playa Cabarete — stay central. Trust me.
And take Caribe Tours or private transportation both ways.
See you in the sand. 🌊✨