Family friendly vacation

[markelbat]

I have a 13 year old grandson that might stay with me in the north coast for a couple of weeks. I'd like to find a reasonably safe location that has wholesome activities and the possibility of making friends. From what I can gather so far, Cabarete might be a good choice. He plays soccer and I'm sure he'd enjoy snorkeling and just hanging out at the beach. He doesn't speak Spanish but kids seem to find a way to communicate with each other.

I've spent a couple weeks in Santiago and it's very quiet. I spent the last couple of days in Sosua and it's lively but probably not the best place for a naive teenager.

 

[Big]

I have a 13 year old grandson that might stay with me in the north coast for a couple of weeks. I'd like to find a reasonably safe location that has wholesome activities and the possibility of making friends. From what I can gather so far, Cabarete might be a good choice. He plays soccer and I'm sure he'd enjoy snorkeling and just hanging out at the beach. He doesn't speak Spanish but kids seem to find a way to communicate with each other.

I've spent a couple weeks in Santiago and it's very quiet. I spent the last couple of days in Sosua and it's lively but probably not the best place for a naive teenager.

Cab is an excellent place for a teenager. Many English speaking people and all of the above activities except maybe soccer.. Agree on keeping him out of Sosua, its more of an adult playground even the beach is a tad x rated now.

 

[CDNBear]

Visit Encuentro beach too, just outside Cab. Not to swim or snorkel though, could be dangerous.

Lot of young ones there, specially weekends, mainly surf crowd.
Nice place. Surf schools/lessons

 

[Auryn]

Book him in to take Kite surfing lessons. You could also try posting on Facebook- Everything Cabarete? Someone might respond.

 

[Northern Coast Diver]

For snorkeling or an intro to scuba diving, the reefs of Sosua are perfect. Send a PM for more info!

 

[CDNBear]

The zip line Monkey Jungle could be a nice day trip, but I would call first to check if they are open.

Monkey Jungle

monkeyjungledr.com

And lazy river tubing or paddle boarding Rio Yasica

Río Yasica

Flowing down from the mountains just outside of Cabarete, the Yásica river provides a world of water fun. Go tubing, kayaking to explore its lush shores, or paddle boarding.

www.godominicanrepublic.com

 

[CDNBear]

And if in Cabarete, you can go visit the caves in the national park. If you walk from Cab center you will get an impression on local life outside tourist zone in Cabarete, walking the Callejón de Loma.

Unfortunately the lagoon is supposed to be closed for a bath, but you will see the locals enjoying. If the PN is not there

El Choco National Park

Located less than 15 minutes from the beach and the heart of Cabarete, El Choco National Park offers a world of nature for hikes, mountain biking, swimming in fresh water lagoons, and cave exploration. Stretching 78 square kilometers (30 square miles), a handful of hiking trails take you through...

www.godominicanrepublic.com

 

[CDNBear]

I lived there in a rental a couple of years

 

[markelbat]

Visit Encuentro beach too, just outside Cab. Not to swim or snorkel though, could be dangerous.

Lot of young ones there, specially weekends, mainly surf crowd.
Nice place. Surf schools/lessons

I think he'd love to take up surfing. Any thoughts on Perla Marina as a community for a month or two stay? It seems very conveniently located as long as it's safe and secure.

 

[drstock]

I think he'd love to take up surfing. Any thoughts on Perla Marina as a community for a month or two stay? It seems very conveniently located as long as it's safe and secure.

Perla Marina is a nice, safe, gated community. The only problem is that you would need a car as it is too far from Cabarete or Sosua to walk.

 

[CDNBear]

Perla Marina is a nice, safe, gated community. The only problem is that you would need a car as it is too far from Cabarete or Sosua to walk.

Agreed. I would like to add that driving in the Cabarete surroundings is not that scary as other places in RD. Avoid nighttime and keep an eye on public transport and big trucks who always have the right of way.
And the crazy motoconchos.

After two days shopping and driving in Santiago, going back to the traffic in Cabarete will be relaxing

I have had family coming over, and Hotel Villa Taina in Cab center were an success for them. Very central location and good restaurant.

 

[Gadfly]

PM is nice community sort of but not 100% safe at night

 

[drstock]

PM is nice community sort of but not 100% safe at night

Where in the world is?

 

[DancesWithSharks]

I think he'd love to take up surfing. Any thoughts on Perla Marina as a community for a month or two stay? It seems very conveniently located as long as it's safe and secure.

Check out Ali's Surf Camp (https://www.alissurfcamp.com/)
If they're open.

 

[CDNBear]

Their sign is always lit, it says OPEN

Don’t know what that means in practice though. You can walk there and buy beers during curfew
Their churrasco is good, if you are into that kind of meat

They leave early in the morning heading for Encuentro beach

 

[CDNBear]

Nah, they were closed now...

 

[CDNBear]

Passed there this morning, now they are open

They should really be paying more attention to keep their opening hours coordinated with their sign

 

[CDNBear]

Visit Encuentro beach too, just outside Cab. Not to swim or snorkel though, could be dangerous.

Lot of young ones there, specially weekends, mainly surf crowd.
Nice place. Surf schools/lessons

I had a long walk at the beach from Cabarete to Encuentro today.
Sitting down for some food and drinks.

MUCH better vibes here now at Encuentro than empty Cab beach. Worth the visit

 

[CristoRey]

I guess taking him out for a few drinks on PC with the JetBlue crowd is out of the question?

 

[CDNBear]

Pura Vida, Encuentro today. Very few surfers/people. Talked with the security guy, lots of people yesterday, Sunday.

Few Dominicans, mostly gringos/gringas

Take a note of the Covid sign if it is possible to read in the photo uploaded.

No, the sign is not readable

Still not readable. No, go an watch yourself

It says that pura vida is covid-19 free