What a weekend it was at Playa Encuentro Cabarete for the first CSC surf contest of the 2023 circuit! As a main sponsor, we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. The kids killed it and their skills just keep getting better and better. The local community came out in full force to show their support and the waves were small and glassy - perfect for a day of surfing. Congrats to all the winners and competitors, and a big shoutout to Caribbean Surf Connection (CSC) for putting on such a fantastic event. We can't wait for the rest of the contests in the circuit this year! #surfcontest #cabarete #caribbeansurfconnection #realtoRDR"
The Ministry of Tourism has named Cabarete the Surf and Wind capital of the Dominican Republic; the surf beach is Playa Encuentro.
Located between Perla Marina and Costa Azul, this neighborhood is equidistant from both Cabarete’s city center, and Sosua’s center. In less than 8 minutes you can reach the restaurants, shops, supermarkets, offices, clubs, and attractions in Cabarete and Sosua.
A Much Sought After Neighborhood to Live In
The reason this neighborhood has become so popular is because it is centered around the sport of surfing. Every morning people are making their way to the beach, every sunset people are outdoors exercising or just strolling enjoying the breeze. Whether you surf or not, it’s nice to have a routine that brings you to nature and familiar faces. Surfers in general are grounded and happy people, it’s an attitude that comes with the sport and neighborhood.
While roaming the streets of Playa Encuentro you’ll see large fruit trees, tropical flowers, families on a stroll, cows, horses, and donkeys grazing, bicycles with surfboards attached heading to the beach, skateboarders practicing tricks, and dogs being walked. Here is a community where people know each other from seeing each other enjoying the neighborhood everyday.
It’s not just surfers and families that flock here. The community is also made up travelers, a retired population, and fun 30 and 40-something year old of business owners with no kids. Playa Encuentro truly is an amazing place to raise a family, be a digital nomad, relax in, or invest in for business or rental income.
What Else is in Playa Encuentro?
What was once just a few villas and condominiums has now grown into a lively place with lots of options to enjoy. There is a food park with 9 different restaurants, a stage where they host weekly performances, and a park for kids to play or paint in. Most nights the food park is a place to meet friends, have drinks, and socialize.
Encuentro’s Plaza has a bakery, smoothie bar, and poke bowl restaurant. If you like workout classes with ocean views and coconut palms swaying in the breeze, there’s both a yoga studio and an open air martial arts and fitness gym called “Vibez Cabarete.” At the zero-waste grocery store you can refill your spices, grains, shampoo, and soap containers.
Additionally, the nicest and newest gym on the North Coast of Dominican Republic is located in Playa Encuentro. Called “Surf-n-Roll,” this gym has air conditioning, machines and weights, and offers jiujitsu as well, hence the name.
The Surf Beach Lifestyle
The main Playa Encuentro is a nice beach where people can park close to the sand and enjoy all that the beach has to offer. There are a few surf schools and even a surf academy called “Dominican Surf School” where Coaches train young athletes to compete in the sport of Surfing. There are restaurants that serve breakfast and lunch, a small park with swings and a slide for small kids, a slackline, a volleyball net, and a skateboard ramp. Even people who don’t surf come to enjoy the beach.
There have been 6 new condominiums built in Playa Encuentro and plans for more to be completed in the next 5 years. Because of its world class waves, friendly community, and other attractions, this community has seen incredible growth. AirBNB’s are highly profitable in this area.
People wanted to spend time in Playa Encuentro even when there was nothing to do but surf. Now with its many attractions, it’s a place people don’t want to leave.
