The Caribbean's kitesurfing capital. Real-time wind forecasts for Cabarete — the Caribbean's kitesurfing capital with year-round trade winds.
1 spots · 2-week forecast · Updated hourly
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Cabarete's wind is a daily thermal layered on top of the easterly trade winds. The northeast trades blow steadily across the Atlantic and accelerate as the island heats up through the day. Mornings are usually light, the wind fills in around 11am or noon, and peaks from early afternoon to sunset. The classic Cabarete day is 18 to 22 knots side-onshore at Kite Beach, building through the week as the trades strengthen. December through February sees more variability and the occasional north swell that brings bigger waves and lighter wind.
The main launch, about 1.5 km west of Cabarete town. Long sandy beach, plenty of schools, bath-warm water, and side-onshore wind. Crowded in season but the wind window is huge. Beginners stick close to shore where the reef knocks down the chop.
Just east of Kite Beach, separated by a small reef. Less crowded, slightly more chop, and the same side-onshore wind. A good escape when Kite Beach fills up.
The main town bay. Has a reef break on the outside that produces a real wave on swell days. Used more by surfers and experienced wave kiters than by school students.
Where the Río Yásica meets the sea, a 10-minute drive east of Cabarete. Flat brackish water inside the river mouth, ocean swell outside. Strong current and shifting sandbars, so go with someone who knows it.
Famous as the north coast's main surf break. Some kiters ride here on lighter wind days when Cabarete is overpowered, but it is primarily a surf spot and crowded with surfers.
Most riders rig 9 to 12 m² kites in the high season (June to August), and 12 to 14 m² in the lighter shoulder months. The water is warm year-round (high 70s to low 80s °F) so a rashguard or 1 mm shorty is plenty. Boardshorts and sunshirt are the norm. Bring strong sun protection: the tropical sun and constant wind burn skin fast.
Reef sits close to shore at both Kite Beach and the main bay, so know where the channels are before you ride downwind. Afternoon squalls roll through quickly and can spike or drop the wind in minutes. Strong current at La Boca can pull riders offshore. Theft on the beach is a real concern, so do not leave valuables on the sand.
Wind almost never blows in the morning, so use that time for breakfast, surfing, or sleeping in. Schools rent gear by the hour or day if you do not want to travel with kites. Cabarete town has a lively kitesurfing scene with good restaurants and bars right on the beach. The high season is June through August, and accommodation books out months ahead.