Your Unconventional Guide to Cabarete

Are you the kind of traveler that likes to get off the beaten path and find an authentic experience? Prefer hanging out with locals and quietly exploring beautiful, natural vistas? Well you have come to the right place and we are happy to share our ideas for some of the best unconventional activities in Cabarete, Dominican Republic for you and your family!

Relax by the Fresh Water Lagoon in the Callejón

The Callejón is a Dominican neighborhood in Cabarete, and about 5 minutes from the main road there is a gorgeous, cool, fresh water lagoon. It is a refreshing break from the wind swept beaches and is the perfect spot to wash all the sand out of your hair.

To get there, grab a motoconcho and tell them that you want to go to “la laguna en el Callejón.” Bring a picnic, or better yet, explore until you find mango and avocado trees. When you are finished at the lagoon, stop by one of the "colmados" (small corner store) in the Callejón, where you can pick up refreshments and mingle with the locals.

Colmados are Dominican hubs for socializing, listening to music, and relaxing in the shade while enjoying a cold bevvie. On Saturdays and Sundays, they are brimming with people playing dominoes, drinking beer, and having a laugh.

Once you've secured the snacks and some Presidentes (the best Dominican beer!), relax by the water, listen to some music, and go for a refreshing swim! It's the perfect afternoon activity. 

You can also rent kayaks or paddle boards in town and explore the lagoon by water! 

Float Down the Rio Yasica

The Rio Yasica flows down from the mountains outside of Cabarete to La Boca where it meets the ocean just outside Sabaneta. There are plenty of openings where you can get into the river and float down on an inner tube.

Unless you've rented a car, your best bet is to catch a guagua (small bus) or carrito (car/taxi) to Sabaneta, then hop on a motoconcho and ask them to take you to the bridge in Los Brazos (el puente en Los Brazos). There is a nice sandy beach and it is a popular spot to jump into the river!

On really hot days, this is the perfect activity for the whole family as the river is slow moving and safe. At La Boca, there is a beautiful sandy beach and lots of Dominicans hang out there in the evening with their families—far from the crowds of tourists.

Local tip: bring an extra float and place a cooler with cold beers (or your beverages of choice!) on it, so you have a floating mini-bar with you! 

Watch the Sunset at Playa Alicia

Playa Alicia is about 10 minutes from Cabarete and boasts of one of the best sunsets on the North Coast. There is a fantastic view of the mountain Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata, and tons of families and people come to watch the day come to an end in this gorgeous locale.

The water is clear and normally very calm for swimming. There is a little restaurant just above the beach that serves a mean fajita and a selection of cold drinks. After a day of exploring, sunset at Playa Alicia is a serene way to finish the day! 

Binge on Local Fruits

It’s everywhere. It’s inexpensive. It’s delicious. Fresh mangos, ripe bananas, and papayas the size of footballs – All the things healthy dreams are made of! Follow a big beach adventure with a plate of fresh fruit and you too will be scheming ways to sell everything you own and move to Cabarete.

The most convenient way to enjoy this healthy treat? Buy fresh fruit from the fruit lady on Cabarete beach that strolls up and down the playa with a big basket of fruit on top of her head. Otherwise, our town is bustling with street-side fruit stands, so you are never far from a freshly picked pineapple.

If you're in the mood for some adventure, try finding your own mango or avocado tree and picking some treats for you and your loved ones! 

Stand Up Paddle Boarding by Kite Beach

Just behind Kite Beach there is a gorgeous lagoon where you can rent paddle boards, and go on guided tours. It is quiet, peaceful, and filled with birds and wildlife. The tour is kids-friendly as long as your little ones can handle a couple of hours of paddle boarding.

This is a great way to see the flora and fauna of Cabarete and to unplug from city life!

Play Pool with the Locals

Looking for an unconventional Cabarete activity after dark? There are plenty of pool bars in Callejón and they're the locals' favorite places to hang on! These pool bars are full of good vibes and cold beverages. 

If you are a seasoned pool shark, this is the place to be. If you're a newbie — still the place to be. We love the inexpensive drinks, relaxed environment and super loud bachata music that is oh so Dominican. You can’t find places like this in North America or Europe, so go check it out!

Excited to explore the local way of life in Cabarete? Book your condo today!