Surf: General: Not far to the east of Puerto Plata, past Sosua, lies Cabarete, the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean. It's open to the tradewinds and has several offshore reefs. On the west end of the Cabarete beach is Encuentro, a corner of reef that houses a long left and a short bowly right depending on swell and wind direction. Tides: Any Size: Waist high-few feet overhead Wind: S Swell: N, NW, NE Bottom: Reef Paddling: Strong paddlers only. Spot Rating: The treacherous peak at Coco Pipe is always less crowded since only experts can handle the heavy drop, barrel, get out quick sequence that the better rights demand. The remaining Encuentro stretch has surf for many ability levels. Popular kite boarding spot. Access: Drive west out of Cabarete to dirt road, park right off beach in palm grove. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowds typically pretty light. Local Vibe: If it's good, yes. Environment: Nice Caribbean water. Hazards: Beware of kiteboard lines that have the potential to decapitate. Season: Fall-Spring