Amber Coast
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Positives
- Great surf/wind/kite combo
- Indented coastline with good reefs
- All-inclusive resorts
- Cheap for the Caribbean
Negatives
- Short swell season
- Unfavourable trade winds
- Afternoon sea breezes
- Urchin infested reefs
Amber Coast surf travel guide
Considering it’s position next to wave-drenched Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic should have a much longer history and established surf culture. It has managed to duck the spotlight and remain relatively low-key until recently, as north coast hotspots are now getting swamped by surfers from the US, Puerto Rico, Europe and a growing local contingent. The Amber Coast extends along the central, north-facing part of the island, picking up the constant N-E swells, either wind generated or from North Atlantic frontal and pressure systems. Either way, its hard to avoid the wind, which blows hard from the NE or E most days from 10am or sometimes even earlier, resulting in towns like Cabarete becoming world-class kite and windsurfing centres.
Surf spots in Amber Coast
Research the 18 surf breaks in Amber Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 18 breaks in Amber Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Amber Coast
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Amber Coast.
![Surfing in big day, Dominican Republic [Surfholidays, серфинг]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wzC62MALJBw/maxresdefault.jpg)
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 6,569,000
- Population
- 10,847,910
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- DOP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 33.5 DOP DOP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 809 and 1 829 1 849
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
Puerto Plata’s International Airport (POP) is only 10km (6mi) away from Cabarete by minibus. Santo Domingo airport (SDQ) is 4.5h away by bus (Caribe Tours and Metro $8).
Getting Around
The main roads are in good condition and a well-maintained, two-lane highway follows the north coast. Rent a car for $50/d or a motorbike for $15/day. Be aware that reckless driving is the norm and that traffic police may be open to corruption.
Accommodation
Lots of resorts between Sosua and Cabarete. Hooked Cabarete have apartments from $25/n behind the beach at Encuentro. DR Surf Tours (book via Waterways) offer surf packages and explore the whole coast. Dominican dishes come with brown beans (habichuelas) and rice. Presidente is the local beer and the local Brugal rum is cheap and cheerful.
Activities
Cabarete is busy with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Check Lake Dudu's tarzan swing and 10m zipline jump. Visit the beautiful island of Cayo Lavandado, in the Bay of Samana or travel through the highest mountain chain in the Caribbean. World-class kitesurfing in Cabarete.
Hazards & hassles
SUP is not allowed at the Encuentro breaks west of Coco Pipe. Urchins cover many reefs, so bring booties (surf schools supply them). Most areas are quite safe, although Sosua's nightlife can lean towards the seedy.
Handy Hints
You can pick up surf essentials in Cabarete, but there's only a small selection of surfboards. At Encuentro you can find several surf schools with board rentals and lessons. Various hotels/camps organise daily transfers from Cabarete to Encuentro (Hotel Villa Taina). The peso is the national currency, but many businesses prefer US$.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.