Puerto Plata International Airport (POP) is the right airport for Cabarete. It is 20 minutes away and has direct connections from the US, Canada, and Europe. Flying into Santiago, Santo Domingo, or Punta Cana adds hours and significant transfer cost. Use those only if you have no other option.

Puerto Plata (POP) – Recommended

Distance: 19.7 km
Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes
Taxi cost: $30 to $35

Taxi: Licensed taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree on the fare before you get in. $30 to $35 is the standard to Cabarete.

Private transfer: Many hotels and kite schools offer pre-arranged transfers. Worth booking in advance if you arrive late or with a lot of gear.

Bus (gua-gua): Cheap but involves two steps: take a taxi to the Puerto Plata bus stop, then catch a gua-gua east toward Cabarete. Costs under $5 total but takes longer. Fine if you are travelling light with no time pressure.

Car rental: Several companies operate at POP. Useful if you plan day trips to Punta Rucia or other spots outside Cabarete.

Santiago (STI)

Distance: 68.7 km
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Taxi cost: $100

Cibao International Airport receives some international flights and is the main domestic hub. A private taxi is the most practical option from here. Caribe Tours and Metro Bus run routes to the north coast from Santiago city centre, but getting from the airport to the bus station adds time.

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

Distance: approx. 215 km
Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Taxi/Uber cost: $200 to $220

Las Americas International Airport is the country’s main hub. Getting to Cabarete means either a private taxi, Uber (around $200 to $220), or a Caribe Tours bus from the city centre terminal. The bus is comfortable and affordable but adds time getting from the airport into the city first.

Punta Cana (PUJ)

Distance: 385 km
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours
Taxi cost: $400+

Punta Cana is at the opposite end of the country. A private transfer runs around $400. Uber runs at $220 to $240 but the journey is long regardless. If PUJ is your only option, check whether Arajet or other domestic carriers fly Punta Cana to Puerto Plata on your dates – a short domestic connection is worth it over a 6-hour drive.

Getting Around Cabarete

Once you are in Cabarete, everything is walkable or a short motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) ride. Kite Beach is less than 2 km from the main town strip. Taxis for day trips to Sosua or further spots cost $15 to $30 depending on destination. Renting a scooter is a practical option for longer stays.

Common questions about getting to Cabarete

Which airport should I fly into for Cabarete?
Puerto Plata (POP). It is 20 minutes from Cabarete and has direct connections from the US, Canada, and the UK. Every other airport adds hours and cost for no benefit.

How far is Cabarete from Puerto Plata airport?
19.7 km. By taxi or private transfer, 20 to 30 minutes. Traffic between POP and Cabarete is light except on peak-season weekends.

How much does a taxi from Puerto Plata airport to Cabarete cost?
$30 to $35. Agree on the fare before you get in. Drivers at arrivals know the standard rate, but they will charge more if you do not ask first.

Is there a bus from Puerto Plata airport to Cabarete?
Not directly. Take a taxi from the airport to Puerto Plata bus terminal, then a gua-gua (shared minibus) east toward Cabarete. Under $5 total but involves a change and takes longer. Fine if you are travelling light with no time pressure.

What if I fly into Punta Cana instead?
Budget 5 to 6 hours and $400 or more for a private transfer. A better option is a domestic connection: Arajet and other carriers fly Punta Cana to Puerto Plata. Check on your dates. A $60 domestic flight is a much better deal than a 6-hour drive across the island.

Once you know how you are getting here, see the Cabarete wind and weather guide to pick the right week. Or go straight to kiteboarding lessons in Cabarete to book your course.

Questions about getting here? Contact KiteDR or ask on WhatsApp.