Blog

If you have never had the opportunity to go scuba diving, this is the chance to correct that oversight. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, the crystal clear, warm ocean waters of the Atlantic offer an abundance of marine life. See life as you have never seen it before; enjoy a scuba diving or snorkeling trip while you are here.

For example, have you ever really seen a seahorse? There are quite a few of them along the coast between Sosua and Cabarete. The local dive operators all know how to locate them for you so you can get that perfect underwater photograph for your vacation album.

If you plan on diving and are a certified diver, remember to bring along your certification card. If you are not a certified diver, the dive operations in the area are happy to help you become one. Even if you are not ready for full certification you should go and “blow some bubbles” to see the magical underwater world in the Dominican Republic.

When sporting enthusiasts think of the Dominican Republic they more often than not think of windsurfing, kiteboarding or even baseball. But with some of the Caribbean’s most electrifying and gorgeous courses, the Dominican Republic offers expert or casual duffers the perfect golf vacation destination. Nearby Velero Beach Resort are some of the Dominican Republic’s most popular courses sure to exercise your skills.

Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was truly the godfather of modern golf course design, virtually creating the profession as we know it today. We are lucky enough to have two of his beautifully architected courses within a short drive of the resort. Jones’ courses are challenging, following his belief that golf is a no risk; no reward sport. Sited in the tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic, they are also absolutely stunning to see.

Playa Dorada (18 holes, Par 72 designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.)

Golf Digest noted the Playa Dorada Golf Course as one of the Top 100 courses outside of the United States. No small matter considering how many are spread across Europe and Asia. The course stands up to the challenge with some exceptional greens and sweeping vistas (just to distract you).

The most information online about the course can be located on theirwebsite. There, they offer course overview, hole descriptions, maps and more. This magnificent course is only a short 35 minute drive from Velero Beach Resort.

Playa Grande (18 holes, Par 72 designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.)

Undeniably one of the most beautiful course designs, this course is felt to be the crowning achievement of the master golf course designer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of the Caribbean,” the Playa Grande Golf Course is spread across over 370 acres of verdant, lush tropical countryside hugging soaring ocean cliffs.

Of the 18 challenging holes, 10 lie right on the waters edge (some count 12); this course is both a challenge and a delight to experts and beginners. Few courses match this one in the world and none exceed it! More information on the Playa Grande Golf Course is located on their website.

The Playa Grande Golf Course is about one hour drive from Velero Beach Resort.

One of the most exciting features of Cabarete is the wide variety of tours and excursions available from the area. There are so many different things to offer we cannot possibly cover them all here. However, we have picked a few representative excursions here you really do want to try.

Playa Grande

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler, is the famous beach at Playa Grande. Located only 90 minutes west of Cabarete, this magnificent beach snuggles up to the equally famous Playa Grande Golf Course. The golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, is often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of the Caribbean.” Both of these beautiful destinations are just down the road and will definitely be something you will talk about for years to come.

27 Charcos

Imagine twenty-seven waterfalls cascading through the rolling verdant green hills of the North Corridor mountain range. These are the famous 27 Charcos only an hour east of Cabarete. At these awe-inspiring waterfalls you get to leap, swim and climb with well-trained bi-lingual guides through the cascading waters of Rio Damajagua. A test of endurance and fitness, to be sure, but even if you only do a few of the falls it is too beautiful to pass up.

Cabarete is such an exciting town because there is always something going on and entertaining things to do. The list of activities is so extensive, there is no way we could reasonably do it justice. So we have provided the following overview of selected activities to help spur on your thoughts as you plan your vacation with us here in the Dominican Republic.

Casinos

Short drives from Velero Beach Resort bring you to several exciting island casinos providing exciting action on table games, roulette and slot machines. Your resort concierge will be happy to arrange transportation to the casino you want.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in Cabarete offers breathtaking sweeping vistas with picturesque views of the mountains, hills and beach. One of the original pioneers of adventure tours, Iguana Mama, is located right in Cabarete.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Discover the exhilarating experience of stand up paddle boarding in the idyllic town of Cabarete, Dominican Republic. This tropical paradise offers crystal-clear waters, balmy weather, and stunning views, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable SUP adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, Cabarete’s diverse coastline caters to all skill levels. Paddle through calm lagoons, explore hidden coves, or challenge yourself against the wind and waves.

Caving

Near the edge of El Choco National Park are the 5 million year old Cabarete Caves. Walk with the expert guides to learn about the Taino natives, the original inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola.

Horseback Riding

An exceptionally popular sport in the Dominican Republic, there are a number of equestrian centers in the area. Have you ever ridden a horse bare-back on an unspoiled golden sand beach?

Dirt & Motocross

Learn how to motocross with expert lessons or if you already know how, enjoy a mud-filled ride in the hills.

Ocean World

Enjoy a magical swim with the dolphins and sea lions in the worlds largest dolphin lagoon. This is a MUST SEE destination for guests of all ages. Only an hour away from Velero Beach Resort.

27 Charcos

Imagine 27 waterfalls spanning dozens of miles. Now imagine that you can tour them to leap over the falls into the deep river below. This is a hidden treasure.

Go-Kart Riding

Grab the kids and head for the Fun City Action Park.

ATV Rentals

Several operators in the local area offer guided tours into the ‘campo’ (countryside). Make sure you wear something…hmmm…washable.

El Choco National Park

Covering over 77km of protected land, including two large lagoons just behind Cabarete, is a picturesque national park you have to see to believe.

Dance Lessons

While you are here in the Dominican Republic you should learn the popular dances of the region; merengue, bacchata and salsa!

Ultralight Flights

Feel what it is like to soar like a bird and get some of the most amazing aerials photos of the region.

Helicopter Tours

The Dominican Republic is not some dinky little island, it’s huge. Rent a helicopter for a few hours and go from Cofresi to Playa Grande in minutes to see the grandeur of this beautiful country.

One of the hottest and most exciting new water sports in the world is the sport of kiteboarding, sometimes called kite surfing. Cabarete is one of the most popular places on Earth to learn and perfect your skills in this exhilarating new sport. In fact, some of the best individuals in the world of kiteboarding have chosen Cabarete as the location for their regular training camp!

The area called ‘Bozo Beach’ between Cabarete Beach and Kite Beach is the location of the 2001 Kiteboarding World Championship as well as the 2002 and 2003 World Cups. Further, the 3rd week in June Cabarete hosts the largest kiteboarding event in the world…you have to see this to believe it!

The official name of the best kiteboarding beach is Kite Beach. Located at the opposite end of the Cabarete Beach from our resort, Kite Beach offers everything a kiting enthusiast might want. Kite surfers enjoy Kite Beach and Bozo Beach while the windsurfers tend to stay over on the main Cabarete Beach.

Kite Beach and Bozo Beach offer a scattering of excellent kite surfing schools. For those who are experienced, you can rent equipment or hob-nob with some of the best in the sport. For the beginners, lessons are a must, and the Kite Beach area has many kite schools to select from.

While you are learning or perfecting your art in this exciting sport, stay at Velero Beach Resort on the opposite end of the Cabarete Bay. Velero Beach is the perfect location stay while you see and enjoy the sights of Cabarete.

Undeniably the sport that made Cabarete famous! The popular Cabarete Bay provides one of the top windsurfing locations in the world—ranked in the top 10! Cabarete hosts numerous world-class events including the World Championships five times in the past several years.

The reason Cabarete is so popular for windsurfing comes from the Easterly Trade Winds coming across the Atlantic. The winds tend to blow side-shore (right to left – beach oriented) across the Cabarete Bay. Typically morning winds are lighter, which is perfect for beginners, with the heavier winds picking up in the afternoon for the more experienced surfer.

The outer reef of the bay offers excellent protection for those within the bay. Heavy seas are kept out while superior wave action continues into the bay. With steady winds virtually year around, it is easy to see why the Cabarete Bay is considered one of the “must surf” destinations for windsurfing aficionados.

From beginners to experienced, the windsurfing in Cabarete is sure to entertain and invigorate you. Scattered along the 3 km long Cabarete Beach are many windsurfing establishments offering training (beginner and advanced), equipment rentals and more. Come and see what Jean Laporte, a Canadian windsurfer, discovered in 1984; a paradise for windsurfing!