Encuentro Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Encuentro Surf Guide
Not far to the east of Puerto Plata, past Sosua, lies Cabarete, the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean. It's open to the tradewinds and has several offshore reefs. On the west end of the Cabarete beach is Encuentro, a corner of reef that houses a long left and a short bowly right depending on swell and wind direction.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
If it's good, yes.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Crowds typically pretty light.
Spot Rating
Fun
The treacherous peak at Coco Pipe is always less crowded since only experts can handle the heavy drop, barrel, get out quick sequence that the better rights demand. The remaining Encuentro stretch has surf for many ability levels. Popular kite boarding spot.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Strong paddlers only.
Water Quality
Clean
Nice Caribbean water.
Hazards
Beware of kiteboard lines that have the potential to decapitate.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Kiteboard
Access
Drive west out of Cabarete to dirt road, park right off beach in palm grove.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Fall-Spring
Do you have local knowledge about Encuentro?
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