The kites
Filling the sky.
Reimar Hoven (user Reimarhoven) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia — CC BY 2.0 · Maris Teteris — CC BY 3.0
The Caribbean's capital of wind sports, a small town on the north coast east of Puerto Plata, fronted by a long sandy bay where trade winds blow steadily most of the year, making it one of the world's best-known spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The sea is calm in the morning, then the wind picks up after midday and dozens of colourful kites fill the sky over the bay, a fine sight to watch from the sand. At the west end, Kite Beach gathers the schools, while Encuentro beach to the east is known for surfing. Many schools teach beginners in short courses and rent equipment. The town has a main street of restaurants, cafés and shops right on the beach, and El Choco National Park with its caves and lagoons lies nearby. Strong winds sometimes make swimming hard, so swim in calm areas away from the kites. The sun is strong all year, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
Filling the sky.
The schools.
Caves and lagoons.
Cabarete, about 18 km east of Puerto Plata airport
Winds are strongest and steadiest from June to August and December to March, picking up every afternoon.