Cabarete vs Sosua: The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations because you can find everything from coral reefs to white sand beaches beaches, jungles, waterfalls and sugar plantations all within a few miles. The island is situated in the Caribbean with the Atlantic Ocean on one end, which allows for the year-round trade winds to gently pass through, making for sought-after beach conditions. If you are planning a vacation in the Dominican Republic, there are two must-see regions to visit, Cabarete and Sosua. However, choosing between Cabarete vs Sosua is no easy task!
Sosua is a resort town with pristine beaches but without any traditional “tourist” attractions like major resorts or cruise ship docks. Meanwhile, Cabarete feels more like a regular mid-to-large sized city, where tourists can find many beautiful beaches and a thriving social scene with restaurants and bars to enjoy. It provides a more authentic Dominican experience because of the vibrant community of locals who live and work there.
To help you decide between Cabarete vs Sosua for your next vacation, we’ll compare the top attractions, weather and places to stay in each town.
List of Activities To Do In Cabarete
Cabarete is a small town located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its quiet, laid back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The town is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. There are many things to do in Cabarete, including relaxing on the beach, shopping in the town center, and exploring the nearby jungle. Here are some activities to add to your itinerary during your stay.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing – Cabarete is known as the capital of wind and water sports, so make sure to give these a try! There are plenty of schools offering lessons and rentals.
- Hiking – There are several trails in and around Cabarete with different levels of difficulty, so you can find one that’s right for you. Explore the jungle and get a workout at the same time!
- Ziplining – For those who are looking for an adrenaline rush, there are several ziplining courses in the area. Fly through the air and take in the amazing views!
- Snorkeling and diving – With its clear waters and abundance of marine life, Cabarete is a great place to go snorkeling or diving. There are many operators offering tours and lessons.
- Relax on the beach – Of course, one of the best things to do in Cabarete is simply relax on the beautiful beaches. Soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy the
What To Do in Sosua
Looking for a little bit of everything on your Dominican Republic vacation? Then Sosua is the place for you! This vibrant town has something for everyone, from stunning beaches and lush vegetation, to great restaurants and lively nightlife. Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Sosua:
- Spend a day lounging on one of Sosua’s beaches. Crystalline water and plenty of sunbathing space make this the perfect spot to relax and soak up some rays.
- Get your heart pumping with some water sports. Sosua Bay is popular for activities like windsurfing, kiteboarding and wakeboarding.
- Explore the town’s lively nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, so you can dance the night away or enjoy some live music at one of the many bars.
- Sample the delicious local cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional Dominican dishes, there are plenty of culinary delights to be discovered in Sosua.
Now that we’ve got a good idea of the different activities offered in Cabarete vs Sosua, the next consideration is the climate.
Weather in Cabarete vs Sosua
If you’re trying to decide whether to visit the Dominican Republic’s northern coast cities of Cabarete or Sosua, you may be wondering about the weather. Both towns enjoy year-round warm weather, but there are some differences to consider.
Cabarete tends to be windier than Sosua and is known as the kitesurfing capital of the world. The average wind speed is around 15-20 knots, which is ideal for kitesurfing. The trade winds also help keep Cabarete cooler than other parts of the country.
Sosua, on the other hand, is a bit more sheltered from the wind. It’s also located closer to the mountains, so it can be a few degrees warmer than Cabarete. However, since both towns are on the coast, the temperature difference isn’t significant.
The last consideration when deciding between Cabarete vs Sosua, is where to stay. Luckily, both locations offer a great selection of hotels and resorts to choose from.
Best Hotels in Cabarete
Cabarete is one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches and lush vegetation. There are many hotels in Cabarete that cater to different needs and preferences. Here is a list of the best hotels in Cabarete:
The Gallery Boutique Hotel – This hotel is located in the heart of Cabarete. It offers luxurious accommodations and amenities. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar, and spa. It is less than a one minute walk away from Encuentro Beach, and a ten minute drive from some of Cabarete’s most popular kitesurfing beaches. The Gallery is also in close proximity to some of the best golf courses in the area.
Viva Wyndham Tangerine – Beautiful all-inclusive resort located on the beachfront. It offers rooms with balconies and views of the ocean. The hotel has an outdoor pool, bar, and restaurant.
Casa Blanca Hotel – This hotel is located in the center of Cabarete. It offers comfortable accommodations and a variety of services and amenities. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. It is also in close proximity to some of Cabarete’s best beaches.
Best Hotels in Sosua
Piergiorgio Palace Hotel – inspired by the Victorian era, this hotel perches on a cliff-face overlooking the ocean, with each suite boasting a balcony while the main resort has a beautiful wrap-around veranda.
Sea Horse Ranch – Not keen on a hotel? Rent a luxury villa in the exclusive Sea Horse Ranch gated community with access to all the resort amenities. The villas feature pools, a private beach, a bar, bicycle rentals, and convenient access to some of the best shopping and entertainment in Sosua.
Sosua By The Sea Boutique Beach Resort – This intimate resort is conveniently located close to restaurants and attractions, while offering great amenities and service. The resort is in close proximity to Sosua’s beautiful beach, and also features a pool, spa, and gym.
Cabarete vs Sosua: Which to choose?
So which destination between Cabarete vs Sosua comes out tops? Sorry, but we’re neutral here, it depends on your ideal vacation. Sosua is a great choice for families or those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from, as well as a wide range of activities for all ages. For example, you can go on a catamaran cruise, take a cooking class or visit the nearby waterfalls.
Cabarete is perfect for adrenaline junkies and those who want to party into the early hours. There’s always something going on here, whether it’s windsurfing, kitesurfing, or dancing the night away at one of the many nightclubs and bars.
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