Photo by SJ Objio on Unsplash · Unsplash License

North CoastBeach

Kite Beach

The ultimate kitesurfing launch with perfect side-onshore winds

WaterGood

SandGolden

VibeAdventure

Water temp79°F

Sand color

Golden

Water color

Deep blue

Water temp

79°F / 26°C

Current

Moderate

Best time

Afternoon for kitesurfing, morning for calm swimming

Best months

June - September (best wind)

Entry fee

Free

Length

1500m

Lifeguards

Access

Easy

Parking

Free unpaved lot and roadside parking

Shade

Limited — bring your own or rent from vendors

Nearest town

Cabarete

Nearest airport

POP - Gregorio Luperón International

Heads upDedicated kitesurfing zone - swimming is dangerousStrong winds and currentsStay clear of kite lines

Marine lifeTropical fishPelicans

WaterGoodCurrentModerateSandGoldenVibeAdventure

The overview

Kite Beach is the epicenter of kiteboarding in the Dominican Republic and one of the top kite spots in the world. Located just west of Cabarete, this dedicated wind sports beach fills the sky with hundreds of colorful kites on any given afternoon.

The beach itself is a wide, sandy stretch backed by kite schools, gear shops, and chill-out bars. The consistent cross-shore wind and shallow reef-protected water create near-perfect learning conditions. Even spectators enjoy the colorful aerial displays.

Time it right

Seasonal guide

How Kite Beach shifts through the year. Each bar's height is the sea temperature, and the teal bars mark the best months for a beach day. Water temperature shows in °F by default; switch to °C with the toggle.

Best time to visit

Shoulder season

Bar height = sea temperature

79°

1-1.5mJan

79°

1-1.5mFeb

79°

1-1.5mMar

81°

0.5-1mApr

82°

0.5-1mMay

82°

1-1.5mJun

84°

1.5-2mJul

84°

NOWAug

84°

1-1.5mSep

82°

1-1.5mOct

81°

1-1.5mNov

81°

1-1.5mDec

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec. The sea stays warm year-round; these months pair calm water with the lightest crowds and lowest sargassum risk.

Month	Waves	Crowds	Sargassum	Rating
Jan	1-1.5m	High	None	Very Good
Feb	1-1.5m	High	None	Very Good
Mar	1-1.5m	Moderate	None	Very Good
Apr	0.5-1m	Moderate	None	Good
May	0.5-1m	Low	None	Good
Jun	1-1.5m	Moderate	None	Very Good
Jul	1.5-2m	High	None	Excellent
Aug	1.5-2m	High	None	Excellent
Sep	1-1.5m	Moderate	None	Good
Oct	1-1.5m	Low	None	Very Good
Nov	1-1.5m	Moderate	None	Very Good
Dec	1-1.5m	High	None	Very Good

In the water

The water at Kite Beach is shallow and reef-protected for a considerable distance from shore, creating ideal kiteboarding conditions. Waves are moderate and wind-driven. Swimming is secondary here -- this is a kite beach first. The morning calm is the only reliable swimming window.

Getting there

Kite Beach is about 2 km west of Cabarete center, a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk along the beach/road. Motoconchos from Cabarete cost RD$50-100. From Puerto Plata airport, about 30 minutes by taxi (RD$2,500-3,500).

Pack for it

Desire to learn kiteboarding: You will be inspired
Sunglasses with strap: Very windy
Windproof sunscreen
Camera: The kite displays are spectacular

Time it right

Wind is most consistent January to August, peaking in June-July. Even in the "off-season," afternoon thermals usually provide enough wind for kiting. Mornings are calm everywhere; wind builds after 11 AM.

Local knowledge

Compare kite school prices -- competition keeps them reasonable (USD $200-400 for 3-day courses)
The beach bars here are the most relaxed in the Cabarete area, with great smoothies and healthy food
Advanced kiters: the reef gap about 300 meters out creates excellent wave riding conditions
Watch from the beach bars with a cold Presidente -- it is free entertainment

In pictures

Photo gallery

Good to know

Kite Beach questions

Is Kite Beach separate from Cabarete Beach?

Kite Beach is a specific section of coastline located about 1.5 km west of Cabarete center. It is the primary launch spot for kitesurfers due to its ideal wind conditions and open space. While technically part of the same coastline, Kite Beach has its own distinct identity with kitesurfing schools, board shops, and a dedicated water sports community.

Can non-kitesurfers enjoy Kite Beach?

Yes, Kite Beach is a fantastic place to watch the colorful spectacle of dozens of kites in the air. Several restaurants and bars along the beach cater to spectators and offer great food with a view. However, swimming here requires extra caution due to the high volume of kite traffic. The eastern end of the beach is generally safer for swimming.

When is the best wind season at Kite Beach?

The prime kitesurfing season runs from December through March when consistent northeast trade winds blow at 15-25 knots. June through August also sees good thermal winds in the afternoon. September through November tends to be the lightest wind period. Mornings are typically calmer, with wind building through the afternoon.

Are there kitesurfing schools at Kite Beach?

Kite Beach has the highest concentration of kitesurfing schools in the Caribbean, with over a dozen certified operations. Schools offer equipment rental, storage, and lessons for all levels. Most cater to international visitors with multilingual instructors. Competition keeps prices reasonable, typically $200-300 USD for a multi-day beginner course.