Spring Break in Cabarete: The Ultimate Girls' Getaway

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Let’s be real: spring break doesn’t have to be a blur of intense nights and chaotic mornings. It can be slower. More intentional. Full of sunlight, fresh air, and the kind of moments that actually stay with you. If what you're really craving is a mix of beach calm, real connection, and time well spent with your people—Cabarete is where you’ll find it.

Tucked on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, this little town isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. There are no mega-resorts, no over-the-top party scenes—and that’s kind of the point. What you get instead is space. To move. To rest. To swim in warm saltwater, eat with your hands, dance barefoot in the sand, and fall asleep to the sound of waves instead of bass.

Cabarete doesn’t chase luxury. It just is—in that effortless, grounded way. It’s in the light, the rhythm, the way strangers greet you like friends.

I spent my senior year spring break here with my roommates and best friends, and for the first time in a while, everything slowed down. We followed the sun, leaned into the quiet, and let Cabarete do what it does best—make you feel like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

First, the Basics

How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Plata International Airport (POP). From there it’s about a 30-minute drive to Cabarete. Easy, scenic, and you’ll be at the beach before your sunscreen even unpacked.

Why Cabarete? What Makes It Different?

Cabarete doesn’t feel curated. It feels lived in. It’s a mix of locals, expats, backpackers, artists, athletes, and free spirits. There are no massive high-rises blocking your ocean view. No “tourist zone” separated from the real town. You’re in it. And that’s the beauty.

This is a place built by and for community. Whether you’re here for a week or a season, you’re part of the rhythm.

Here’s what really makes Cabarete shine:

  • Adventure meets chill: Mornings can be for kitesurfing or yoga, afternoons for long beach lunches and naps in a hammock, nights for mojitos and bachata under string lights.

  • Culture is alive: From the sounds of merengue on every corner to the warmth of local hospitality, the DR’s heritage is everywhere, everyday.

  • Affordable luxury: You can have oceanfront sunsets, incredible meals, and wellness experiences without breaking the bank.

  • It’s safe, walkable, and empowering, especially for women traveling together. The sense of safety and freedom is priceless.

Where to Stay (for Every Kind of Group)

Whether your group is here to surf, rest, or reset, Cabarete has a stay that fits the vibe:

Budget + Energy: eXtreme Hotel is a beachfront eco-hotel that offers aerial yoga, an organic farm, a surf school, and even a circus arts center. It’s the kind of place where strangers become breakfast buddies and you’re always barefoot and glowing.

  • Cool + Comfortable: El Encuentro Surf Lodge near Playa Encuentro is for surfer-chic girls who want a little style with their salt spray. A peaceful retreat with great design, a gorgeous pool, and a super friendly vibe.

  • Wellness + Nature: Natura Cabana is snuggled in the trees, just steps from a private beach. It’s all yoga, spa treatments, lush garden bungalows, and candle-lit dinners. A little dreamy, a little spiritual.

  • Central + Chic: Hotel Villa Taina is right in the heart of town with ocean views, breezy rooms, and walkable everything. It’s polished without being pretentious.

  • Luxury Pick: Ultravioleta Boutique Residences has modern condos with full kitchens, beach access, and a pool that’s basically designed for golden-hour cocktails. A splurge, but one you’ll remember forever.

The Itinerary: 7 Days in Paradise

Day 1: Ease In

Arrive, exhale, and walk the beach at sunset. Grab your first local dinner at Gordito’s Fresh Mex → delicious, casual, with lots of veggie and gluten-free options. If it's the weekend, follow the music to Ground Zero or Santa Fe Beach Club for live beats and dancing on the sand.

Day 2: Classic Beach Day + Sunset Ride

Rent chairs on the main beach. Order a Presidente beer, fried fish, and tostones. Lounge. Swim. Repeat. Later, book a sunset horseback ride on the beach; it’s dreamy in the way you want your whole vacation to feel. For dinner, head to Cabarete Beach House. It’s a casual gem right on the water. Order whatever fish is freshest.

Day 3: Jungle + Waterfall Magic

Get your sneakers wet and take a trip to 27 Charcos (Damajagua Waterfalls). It’s part jungle trek, part waterslide, and all fun. On the way back, stop at a roadside comedor for the Dominican national dish, la bandera (rice, beans, and stewed meat). Cool off with sunset drinks at Playa Alicia, and have dinner at La Casita de Papi which is known for buttery garlic shrimp and beachy vibes.

Day 4: Culture + Connection

Wake up early and browse the local market. Stock up on handmade jewelry, woven bags, and local spices. Around midday, take a Dominican cooking class and learn how to make mangu (mashed plantains) or mofongo. You’ll love how hands-on and flavorful it is. In the evening, head to a beach bar offering salsa or bachata lessons. Many are donation-based and super welcoming. For Dinner, try Pizza & Spaghetti House. It’s easy, filling, and good after a night of dancing.

Day 5: Kites & Calm

If you are feeling brave, book a kiteboarding lesson because this town is famous for it! If you prefer something slower, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak on the lagoon side. Afterward, fuel up at Fresh Fresh Café. They have smoothie bowls, cold brew, vegan eats, and everyone in your group will be content. End the day with a picnic dinner on the beach. There’s something powerful about watching the sun go down with your feet in the sand and your friends beside you.

Day 6: Ocean Healing

Morning yoga at Natura Cabana or eXtreme Hotel sets the tone. Then off to Encuentro Beach which is perfect for watching (or taking) a surf lesson. In the afternoon, book a snorkeling trip from Sosúa Bay. The water is crystal-clear, and the coral reefs are teeming with life. For your final dinner, treat yourself at Natura Restaurant. Everything here is organic, beautifully presented, and so romantic under the stars.

Day 7: Farewell Feels

Grab Dominican coffee and coconut bread at a local panadería. Pick up last-minute souvenirs like larimar jewelry (the DR’s signature blue stone), Dominican chocolate, or a bottle of mamajuana (an herby local rum-based liqueur). Pack with sand still on your feet and your heart fuller than when you arrived.

What to Pack

You won’t need much. Swimsuits, sundresses, sandals, a dry bag, a light jacket for cool evenings, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for waterfall hikes. A reusable water bottle is a must, and a sarong will be your best friend.

A Few Cultural Tips (So You’re a Thoughtful Traveler)

  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals in Cabarete speak English. Still, learning a few phrases like “gracias,” “por favor,” “cuánto cuesta?” goes a long way.

  • Currency: Dominican peso (DOP). Many places accept USD and credit cards, but keep some cash for taxis, tips, and food stands.

  • Dancing is joy: Music is life here. If someone invites you to dance, say yes! It’s an invitation, not a performance.

  • Respect and rhythm: Island time is real. Be patient, be kind, and embrace the pace. Cabarete isn’t in a rush and you shouldn’t be either.

Final Thoughts

Cabarete isn’t a backdrop for your vacation. It becomes part of your story. It’s the kind of place that softens you, that reminds you how good it feels to be in your body, in nature, with your people. You’ll try new things, taste flavors you can’t pronounce, and maybe even surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

This can be more than a girls trip. It is THE place for friendship, freedom, and the magic that happens when you slow down just enough to feel everything. So, come for the sun. Stay for the soul. Cabarete is waiting.