CABARETE
Area: Dominican Republic
Country: Dominican Republic


Location:
On the Atlantic N coast, 21 miles E of Puerto Plata, 11º miles E of its airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 809

Website:
http://www.activecabarete.com

Position:
Long flat coastal strip of land between a meandering lagoon and the ocean.

Description:
An extensive ribbon development of not very much stretches for over 4 miles on either side of the very busy coast highway. Little of interest locally, with the small hub of unsophisticated shops and services around Plaza Commercial the only thing of any note. It has only really developed by virtue of the particularly good conditions for windsurfing.

Suitability:
Popular with sporty, younger types, particularly windsurfers.

Accommodation:
Predominantly small, economical hotels and budget pensions with a sprinkling of middlemarket all-inclusive operations, many of which are situated beside the beach. Handful of condominium complexes scattered far and wide.

Shopping:
Small souvenir stalls, basic shops and windsurfing chandlers line both sides of the main road, concentrating around Plaza Commercial.

Beach:
A wide bay of very fine, light brown sand that stretches for over 3 miles. Fairly narrow in places, and often fringed with wind-blown palms. Windsurfing dominates thanks to favourable windy conditions.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach and windsurfing. Little to see locally except for some caves. Nightlife: unsophisticated fun revolving around a number of simple bars and the hotels _ the larger ones hold impromptu discos or shows, but nothing grand.

Eating:
Adequate choice of ordinary snack bars and restaurants around Plaza Commercial and at intervals along the main road; many backing onto the beach. Don't drink the tap water (brush your teeth with bottled water). It's advisable to avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices, especially at local stalls.

Public-transport:
Taxi, motoconcho (back seat of moped) or unreliable guagua (minibus).

Local-excursions:
See Puerto Plata.