Encuentro Beach Is The Best Surf Spot In The Dominican Republic

Last Updated 1 year ago

This week, trusted travel site The Lonely Planet stated that Encuentro Beach was the best place for travellers to surf in the Dominican Republic. With varying wave heights and both shallow and deep pools, a visit to Encuentro is set to provide an unforgettable experience that both novice and expert surfers alike can enjoy.

Set on the northern coast of the sun-soaked country, the 800 meter-long beach is situated in the Cabarete municipality, accessible through Highway 5. Travellers with boards can also get private transport to the beach from Puerto Plata International Airport.

Known as a well-kept secret by the locals, the beach encompasses both a shallow reef shelf as well as a deeper pool of water, to cater for every level of surfer.

Additionally, the golden sand, idyllic palm trees and azure waves provide travellers with a traditional Caribbean landscape to relax on after a long day of catching waves.

The easternmost part of the beach is perfect for beginner surfers, with a stomach-deep reef that gradually connects the beach to deeper waters. For those who have already mastered the basics, Bobo’s Point offers more of a challenge, with taller waves following the reef break. Main Peak is also recommended for more seasoned surfers who want to swim and socialise with other travellers.

For expert surfers who just can’t get enough of the sea, some of the tallest waves can be found in the Coco Pipe and Destroyer areas of the beach. These sections offer huge waves over an open expanse for ease of access – not to mention an incredible view of the beachfront and neighbouring jungle.

As tourism in the country has increased after the lifting of several Covid-19 restrictions, there has been an upsurge of surf schools built along Encuentro in the last few years.

The most popular surf school in the region is Bobo’s, complete with an international crowd and multiple palm trees strung with hammocks for an authentic Dominican experience.

Travelling to the beach with surfing equipment has never been easier: As of May 27^th, Minister of Tourism David Collado annulled a previous measure that prevented the transport of surfboards on top of vehicles, in order to promote Cabarete as the Dominican “Capital of Wave and Wind Sports”.

There are now no restrictions for beach-goers who want to bring surf and sporting equipment onto the beach, allowing tourists to fly over with their equipment as opposed to renting it once they arrive in the Dominican Republic.

Alongside being a major surf spot, travellers can also opt to take part in kitesurfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. At this moment in time, there are no motorised sports allowed on the beach (such as jet-skiing) in case of a collision with beach-goers.

If surfing just isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other beaches in the Dominican Republic to keep you satisfied. For travellers looking to sunbathe and sip cocktails with a fantastic view, Bavaro Beach in the Punta Cana region has just what you’re looking for.

Stretching over 30 miles, the most popular beach in the region is home to several traditional eateries and bars.

For travellers hoping to spot some of the Dominican Republic’s best wildlife, Bavaro Beach also offers visitors catamaran tours to neighbouring Saona Island. Alongside four stunning beaches (that are a lot quieter than the tourist-heavy Bavaro Beach), visitors travelling to the island from March to November will be able to experience the nesting season of Green and Leatherback turtles. Head to Mano Juan Turtle Sanctuary to learn even more about these wonderful creatures, and get a glimpse of Dominican wildlife preservation.