The Club

Set in a tropical Caribbean paradise, Cabarete is known for its consistent wind, good wave sailing and aprÀs surf lifestyle. Cabarete is described in many windsurfing Magazines as "one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world". The leeward side of the bay has become one of the premier spots in the world for kiteboarding. This has contributed to the growth of the area. The town has a well-developed centralized market with many shops within
close walking distance of our club. Cabarete is also known for its exciting nightlife with a variety of bars and restaurants.

Club benefits.

The boards and sails are all rigged and ready to go.
Our staff will set the boards and rigs for you on the beach. After all, you are on vacation. Our pre booked guests enjoy at no extra charge, use of Ocean kayaks, Surf boards, Body boards, Snorkeling gear, sail boat, lockers, and beach chair lounges. Our instructors monitor the whereabouts of windsurfers at all times.

Complete Windsurfing vacations.

We offer complete holiday packages that include hotel Accommodation, Windsurfing Gear, Club facilities, and even, transportation to and from the airport. Booking and paying before you arrive in Cabarete will always be rewarded by discounted rental rate.

Board rental options.

Those who are already here, or have their own accommodations can rent by the hour, the afternoon, for a couple of days or a couple of weeks.

Carib Sail & Surf, Pro Shop.

Here you will never feel as if you've been dropped off on a deserted island. Forgetting something at home is no longer a problem. We carry the best brand names in beach wear and have all of the latest in windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Wakeboarding, Skateboarding and we even have a Snowboard. A complete Board Store.

Eze Bar & Restaurant.

Serving fresh fruit juices, and famous for its wraps and other healthy meals. Eze, has become a good excuse to take breaks from the beach.

Our History

A family affair....
It was the night of February 4th 1988. My wife MJ, and I sat on the beach enjoying clear Caribbean skies with what seemed like endless stars twinkling above. We were both very happy with the sailing conditions that day but were very frustrated with the gear we had rented. Each time we wanted to switch rig, we had to find a mast foot to accommodate both board and mast. We were required to change mast extensions, transfer harness lines and when MJ was swept down wind to "Bozo Beach", she had to walk upwind with board and rig which is not an easy task for anyone. Sitting on a huge log, we both imagined how great it would be to sail in a windsurfing club where everything fits. We knew at this moment that we wanted to be together, that we both loved windsurfing, and we decided to open a windsurfing club with one goal in mind: A club where we, ourselves, would like to be guests.

Our Club, the Carib Bic Center, was opened during the World Cup Races in Cabarete in June 1988. Sixteen years later, our goals did not change. We are constantly working to update the fleet to keep with the evolution and the innovation the sport has going through. In 1997, we decided to switch all our sails to Naish sails. After talking with Robby and trying the sails, we found out that these sails really fit Cabarete conditions. With the Naish sail, it is easier to pick up speed after a jibe, a slow waterstart and of course, between two waves.

2003 was a big year for us. We moved into our own new facility. We built a club house, store and "Cafeteria" all to make a comfortable and easy windsurfing vacation.

2004 is also showing some huge breakthroughs. We opened the Carib Board Test Center and the Laser Training Center. The Board test center is the first Windsurfing club in the world (at least that we know of) that offers to its guests the newest boards from 10 different board builders. Trying, comparing and enjoying different shapes all in one place, is a treat that was kept only for Pro testers in the past. The Laser Training Center is a sailing facility dedicated to improving racing skills for Olympic sailboat sailors.

At the same time that we are getting more professional we did not forget the need for  family fun vacations for all levels.

You can phone, E-mail or fax us with as many questions as you have. We are here to serve you.

See you soon,

Ari, MJ and all the team at the Carib Bic Center

Travel Tips

How to get here
Flying to Puerto Plata Airport (POP) is your best option. It is only a 25 minute drive from Cabarete. American Airlines and Continental Airlines, have daily flights and connections from all over the USA. From Europe and Canada there are Charter flights from most major cities. For more Information on Airlines Landing in Cabarete please CLICK HERE. Santiago (STI) airport is an 1:30H away, with a beautiful drive over the mountains. Better to do this drive at day time.

Currency
The official currency is the Dominican Peso (RD$). Some people find it safe and convenient to bring traveler checks. There are a number of banks and exchange stands in Cabarete to change your checks into Pesos. US dollars usually have the best exchange rate and are convenient to have on hand for tipping or unconsidered expenses. Visa, MasterCard, Euro Card and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, but NOT in restaurants and gift shops.

Personal Documentation and Airport Routine
A Tourist Card, is required for entry into the DR. Depending on your Airline, you may or may not have paid for yours. You can purchase these cards on arrival for $10 US before proceeding through Customs & Immigration. Passports are required of all travelers. At the airport once you've finished with immigration and have picked up your luggage, you may encounter at Customs porters offering their help carrying your luggage. This service is optional. The current rate for this service is $2 US per suitcase. One dollar bills are handy.

Caution the... Sun
There's nothing like 'fun in the sun'. Make sure you bring your sunglasses, high SPF sun block, a hat and a long sleeve shirt or cover-up. These are advisable for the warmest parts of the day. Don't worry; if you forget anything, our Shop carries all of these items. If you plan on participating in activities like mountain biking or horseback riding, it is advisable to bring along a pair of running shoes.

Drink!
Purified bottled water is available everywhere. It is recommended that you drink only bottled water during your stay, and plenty of it, to keep you hydrated for all of your activities.

Electricity
The electrical current is 110V, with US plug (jack) design.

Weather
May and November are considered the rainy months. Periodic rain showers are common, mostly in the evening, so a rain jacket would come in handy. Windsurfing and all of the various other activities available are very rarely hindered by these periods.

Medical assistance
There is a professional 24 hour clinic located in Cabarete open for emergencies and general medical care. It is run by foreign and local doctors who speak English, French, German and Spanish. There are also a few Pharmacies in Cabarete for typical non-emergency first aid and pharmaceutical needs.

Communication
Carib Wind Center is in US dialing area code (809). There are telephone booths where AT&T and other long distance calling cards are accepted. There are telecommunication centers where phoning, faxing and internet services are available. Most hotels offer internet, phone and fax services. Major international newspapers can be acquired at newsstands.

Children Welcome
Cabarete is a very popular destination for families. It is very easy to hire a Nanny to watch young children while you are windsurfing or out for the evening. All of our hotels can arrange someone for you for this very important job.

Car Rental
A car is not required in Cabarete. For those who want to tour the country, rental cars can be reserved in advance with Avis & Budget and picked up at the Puerto Plata Airport. You can also rent from various independent companies locally. A passport, credit card and a valid driver's license are required.

Public Transportation
Taxi's, Guagua's (mini-van public transport) and Motorconcho's (rides on the back of motorcycles) are available around the clock.

Supermarket
For those who like cooking in. There are at least 4 small grocery stores and 1 large supermarket where typical food requirements or toiletries can be purchased.

Whale watching
In February you can take part in whale watching. North Atlantic Humpback whales come to mate at the Bay of Samana and Silver Banks.

Sand Castle Competition
February also holds the Sand Castle Classic, be prepared to create your own dream in the sand.

International Events
Laser Caribbean Midwinter Regatta January. Master of the Ocean, kite/surf/windsurf competition February, Sand Castle competition March. World Cup Kiteboarding June, Pablito Guzman Slalom Classic July. Jazz Festival, bringing in some world renown artists, September.

Other Activities

There are many activities to enjoy in Cabarete, here are a few suggestions.

River Rafting
Magnificent rapids provide an exhilarating ride through the canyon to give you a real adrenaline experience.

Catamaran
Imagine: The ocean breeze in your face, the sun on your back, and a tropical cocktail in your hand. This is paradise!

Jungle River Tour
Enjoy a scenic nature tour on riverboats through a lagoon, river and ocean inlet. Experience Dominican life as you go.

Mountain Biking
The diverse terrain here offers cyclists breathtaking views on the downhills, challenging single track and easy coast cruises.

Golf
Practice your drives and putts on a 9-hole course here in Cabarete, or play on a Robert Trent Jones 18-hole course only 30 min. away.

Horseback Riding
Explore the beautiful lush nature of the inland on the back of a horse! Follow trails through almost untouched Caribbean scenery.

Wakeboarding
Discover and practice water-skiing, wakeboarding or knee boarding on the wonderful tropical river of Yasica, Cabarete.

Snorkeling & Diving
The DR offers a wealth of diving experiences around the island. The water is warm and there is excellent reef diving to view the beautiful marine life.

4-Wheels
A fantastic adventure to discover the beauties of the DR, otherwise inaccessible: mountains, rivers, sugarcane plantations & beaches.

Phone: 809-571-0640 Fax: 809-571-0649
e-Mail: info@caribwind.com