Last updated on December 20th, 2023 at 11:27 am
If you are going to surf in the Dominican Republic, this surf guide will provide you with all the information you need for your surf trip, including travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf spots in Dominican Republic.
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About Surfing in Dominican Republic
If you like sunny beaches with a Caribbean atmosphere and great waves, you will definitely love to surf in Dominican Republic. Actually, this is kind of an “underground” surf destination. For instance, it is not as popular as its neighbor Puerto Rico, and not as perfect as those “surf Mecca’s” like Maldives or Hawaii, and yet, anyone who surfs in Dominican Republic seems to fall in love with it instantly.
The Dominican Republic shares the Island of Hispaniola with its neighbor to the west, Haiti. It is a trendy holiday destination, famous mainly for its incredible beaches, high-end resorts, and golf scene. On top of that, it slowly reveals itself to the world as an excellent choice for a surf trip. Due to the 300 miles of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, the North Shore, also called “The Amber Coast,” is exposed to the north swells and produces excellent surf.
When surfing in Dominican Republic, you will face different wave types, depending on your skill level. “Lo Tiene Todo”, as the locals always say, which means it has it all. From beach breaks to reef breaks, rights, and lefts, there is a great variety of surf spots in Dominican Republic. The best way to describe these waves is simply pure fun. Not too heavy, not too aggressive, and yet consistent and well-shaped. Add to that the welcoming local people and the great nightlife scene, and you got yourself one hell of a surf trip.
The Best Surf Spots in Dominican Republic
There are many great surf spots in Dominican Republic, mainly on the North Shore, which gets the best swells. Luckily, there are breaks for all skill levels and any surfer type. So, in detail, these are the best spots in Dominican Republic:
Playa Encuentro:
Break type- Reef break and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is, without a doubt, the best surf spot in Dominican Republic. Actually, many surfers come to surf in Dominican Republic just for this beach. Due to its great consistency and selection of breaks, you can get everything you need on a surf trip. For instance, Destroyer, on the very Western part of the beach, offers a hollow break over a shallow reef. Keep walking east, and you will get to The Left, which provides some pretty long rides. Then, you have the Main Peak, which breaks equally to the right and left over a flat reef. Furthermore, Bobos is a beginner-wave, and finally, you can ride some great barrels at Coco Pipe.
Sosua Bay:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This spot is flat most of the year and requires a very big swell to perform. Therefore, wait for the huge days when the other spots are closing out, and you can get some epic rides here.
Mananero:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This is a typical beach break with multiple peaks to choose from. Since the waves here are spread over the whole beach, you don’t have to deal with crowds.
La Puntilla:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Located in Puerto Plata, this is a right-hand wave breaking over a reef. Due to its proximity to the city, the water is quite dirty. However, you can get some long rides, especially when the swell is big.
Rio San Juan:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- You will find this spot in a beautiful area with great beaches and blue lagoons. The main break here is perfect for beginners. However, if you want some more powerful waves, Playa Grande, just down the road, will give you exactly that.
La Preciosa:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This is one of the best surf spots in Dominican Republic. It is situated in a sheltered bay, protected from the wind, and therefore, produces clean and high-quality waves. To get to this break, you must paddle far out, but don’t worry; the ride is long on the way back, too.
El Barco:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This A-frame break offers a good wall to practice your maneuvers. Look for the takeoff spot next to where the shipwreck pops out of the water.
La Pasa:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- A right-hand wave breaking over a coral reef. When conditions are right, this is one of the best waves you will surf in Dominican Republic.
El Burro:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- If you like long rides (who doesn’t), this spot is perfect for you. This right-hander is protected from the wind, and offers fun rides with multiple sections.
La Bahia:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- In the middle of the bay, far in the deep water, this A-frame wave breaks with a beautiful shape. Moreover, you can easily paddle out through the channels on the sides of the reef.
La Boca:
Break type- River mouth.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Just next to La Bahia, this is a river mouth break. It offers a right-hand wave over a sandy bottom with a beautiful, clean shape.
Kite Beach:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- The significant advantage of this spot is that it picks up any swell, even when the other spots are flat. However, it also picks up some powerful winds. Therefore, you better surf it early in the morning and only on small days.
Macao:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This spot offers a nice beach break in the Northeast, very close to Punta Cana, and primarily suitable for beginners and intermediates.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Dominican Republic.
Surf Seasons in Dominican Republic
To clarify, you can surf in Dominican Republic 365 days a year. Well… it is actually more around 350 days a year, but still not bad at all. This is a typical year-round surf destination with a diverse coastline, so some beaches always pick up some swell. Although it faces the Caribbean Sea from the south, only the North Shore picks swells from the Atlantic Ocean and produces good surf.
During winter, between October and April, the waves are much bigger, around 4-6 feet on average. Therefore, this is the best time for advanced surfers to surf in Dominican Republic.
During summer, between May and September, the waves are still here, but in a smaller size, about 1-3 feet on average. Therefore, this is the best time for beginners and intermediates to surf in Dominican Republic. In addition, every once in a while, a tropical storm brings some bigger swells from the distance, but those storms are hard to predict.
As for the weather, it is always warm here, and the water as well. Therefore, when surfing in the Dominican Republic, all you need to bring is a pair of shorts, a few T-shirts, and flip-flops.
Another thing to note is that the wind in Dominican Republic tends to blow offshore in the morning and onshore in the afternoons. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wake up early for morning sessions. If you do so, you will get clean glassy conditions almost every single day.
Surf Camps in Dominican Republic
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Dominican Republic is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in Dominican Republic:
1. Cabarete Surf Camp– The camp offers surf coaching to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Surfing lessons are available as single lessons or packages of up to seven days.
For more details about surf camps in Cabarete, please click here.
2. Swell Surf Camp– The camp offers active watersport holidays with high-quality boutique accommodation, healthy food, and a unique, friendly social vibe between staff and guests, all in the cool tropical surf town of Cabarete.
For more information about surf camps in the Cabarete area, please click here.
3. Bobo Surf&Sup– The camp offers surf lessons and camps for surfers of all skill levels
For more details about Dominican Republic surf camps, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Dominican Republic
When coming to surf in Dominican Republic, you want to stay as close as possible to the best waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the Dominican Republic:
1. Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & SPA– With natural stone walls and high thatched roofs, these private bungalows are on the coast of the Caribbean Ocean. The property features a yoga studio and a full-service spa. Each private bungalow at Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & SPA by Mint is furnished with a patio and living area. They are decorated with island-inspired artwork. A refrigerator is also provided.
2. Cabarete Boutique Eco Lodge Beachfront– Set in Cabarete, 200 m from Encuentro, Cabarete Boutique Eco Lodge Beachfront offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. A shared lounge, a garden, and a private beach area are among the various facilities. The accommodation provides guests with a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and currency exchange.
3. Beach and Pool Cabins @Cabarete_Ecolodge– Providing pool views, Beach and Pool Cabins @Cabarete_Ecolodge in Cabarete provides accommodation, a bar, a garden, and a terrace.
For more surf hotels check out our post about the best surf resorts in Dominican Republic, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Dominican Republic
There is a wonderful selection of surf spots in Dominican Republic, so surfers of all levels can find waves that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Bobos. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like La Puntilla or La Boca. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride Challenging barrels in Coco Pipe or La Pasa.
Which Location in Dominican Republic is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in the Dominican Republic, and sometimes, it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere of the place, our number one recommendation is to stay in the Playa Encuentro area. Besides various surf spots for all skill levels, the place is surf-oriented, so you can find shops, restaurants, and everything you need on a surf vacation.
Dominican Republic– Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 11 Million.
Currency– Dominican peso.
Calling code– +1.
Time zone– GMT -4.
Pros– fun waves, warm water, low crowds.
Cons– waves are good but not perfect.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Dominican Republic can be a super fun trip. With warm weather, blue lagoons, and beautiful waves, anyone who surfs in Dominican Republic comes back with a smile on his face.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to the best surf spots in Dominican Republic. Have a great surf trip!
Finally, if you are looking for more surf destinations in the Atlantic Ocean, check out Brazil or the Canary Islands.
