Cabarete Tips and Facts

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ARE YOU READY FOR A VACATION IN CABARETE?

BELOW ARE LOADS OF DETAILS THAT YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW IN ORDER TO HELP MAKE FOR A SMOOTH VACATION EXPERIENCE. MAIN TOPICS INCLUDE:

WHAT TO BRING
GENERAL INFO
AIRPORT TAXI/TRANSFER SERVICE
HOTEL CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
VELA CABARETE WINDSURF CENTER
VELA WINDSURF LESSONS
DARE2FLY KITESURF LESSONS
BEFORE RETURNING HOME
 

It's always nice to pack light, but there are a few things we don't want you to forget. To avoid the possibility of lost luggage, we recommend that you carry-on your luggage whenever possible, particularly important items. Here is our list of things to bring:

- Current Passport REQUIRED for all guests from the US and Canada (guests from other countries should check with their airline or consulate).
- A printout of your email invoice confirming full payment and this Tips & Facts webpage.
- Harness, lycra, vest or shorty wetsuit, booties, gloves.
- Sunglasses and chums, a visor or hat.
- High SPF (25+) waterproof sunscreen lotion (oil makes board slippery).
- PFD and/or helmet (if desired).
- Light jacket/windbreaker.
- $20 cash per person for Tourist Card: this be purchased upon arrival at the airport. Current prices are $20 when arriving and $10 when departing. Keep the copy with your passport as it must be presented to officials upon departure.
- Extra spending money (see "Currency/credit cards" below).
- Paperback books for flights and evenings (Our staff appreciates current newspapers + /men's (sports & news) and women's (gossip and entertainment) magazines)
- Ball-point pen, helpful for any airport forms, customs declarations, etc.).
- Ear Plugs, a good idea if you are a light sleeper and if you're practicing those forward loops!
- Mosquito repellent,  to be applied to your arms and legs especially when going out at night. Try to always have some with you just in case.

What We Have:
Limited selection of rental harnesses and floating vests. Available for sale are lycras, harnesses, gloves, booties, and lots of clothing (both with and without the Vela logo) at our surf shop. Vela Cabarete also has a variety of water toys for your non-sailing friends and family members, or to try out for yourself in the morning or on a light-wind day. For each pre-booked rental you and one guest are invited to use our boogie boards, kayaks, surf boards, and stand-up paddle boards FOR FREE during open hours.

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GENERAL INFO

Location:
The Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of the large Caribbean island of Hispaniola, located about 1500 miles due south of Cape Cod, between the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico. Make sure to fly into Puerto Plata (POP) or Santiago (STI) airport. (DO NOT fly into Santo Domingo (SDQ) or Punta Cana (PUJ) as each are on the other side of the country!)

Weather:
The Dominican Republic is a lush tropical destination. The rain that produces the lush vegetation is more frequent in the winter months. So expect it to be a little wetter and somewhat cooler in the winter. Generally it will be in the mid-80's during the day and a bit cooler at night. The water temp is between 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Language:
Most local people speak Spanish as well as some English tourist lingo. The hotels all have some staff that are fluent in English. The Vela Center staff speaks English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch.

Currency / Credit Cards:
It is not easy to convert US currency to Dominican pesos before you leave home. The best place to convert your dollars is at a "Casa de Cambio" in Cabarete (a designated money exchange place). The Vela Cabarete windsurf center does take credit cards (Amex, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover) for any additional services or goods you may want to purchase on-site. Major credit cards are accepted only by some establishments in the tourist areas, including our hotels and condos.

Taxes:
By law, businesses charge a 16% sales tax on every credit card payment. We therefore encourage you to pay in cash or traveler’s checks whenever possible in order to save money. There are banks and cash machines in Cabarete. However, it is recommended to bring extra cash or traveler's checks worth at least $40 per person per day of stay and a few personal checks (if you plan on purchasing any gear bring extra traveler's checks). You may go home with most of it, but if you want it, you'll have it. We suggest you arrive with about $70 in small bills including three$10 bills per person to purchase your tourist cards upon arrival and pay airport departure tax when leaving the country.

Electrical voltage:
110 volt, same outlets as U.S.

Email / Phone Service:
There are still some phone centers and internet cafés in Cabarete where you may pay in pesos for your call or call collect. Most bars now have wireless internet that can be used free of charge, provided that one consumes more than just the free internet. Most US cell phones work in the Dominican Republic. If not, the local Orange shop sells cell phones and SIM cards for 20 to 30 USD.

Water & Health:
We recommend that you only drink bottled water in the Dominican Republic. Even though the hotels typically wash foods in purified water, be as cautious as you would be in any third world country. To allow yourself to adjust to the different food and water and to avoid getting sick, don't further tax your system by exhausting yourself the first day or by drinking too much alcohol! Make sure that you drink plenty of water every day. If concerned, consult your physician before leaving home.

Meals:
There are a number of interesting restaurants along the beach in Cabarete. Be adventurous with common sense; ask our staff for recommendations and locations. Here's a list of restaurants we've personally tried and found to be very good...

Voyvoy: Vela's very own bar. Tacos, wraps, quesadillas, sandwiches, panini, burgers and salads as well as Dominican food. Famous for our mojitos and caipirinhas (can't ever drink just one!), ladies' night and yes indeed, we are the Cabarete Karaoke bar. Come see, come do! In high season don't miss our buffets and our world famous all you can eat Barbecue. Wanna celebrate your birthday? Come talk to us!
La Casa del Pescador: A favorite for seafood and local dishes. One of Cabarete's oldest establishments.
La Casita: The best place to eat fresh shrimp with garlic sauce (your partner better share!) It all comes in one big pan and smells and looks wonderful!
Ali's: Churrasco, ribs, schnitzel, filet, grill plates etc. Large portions for the hungry sailor.
Pomodoro: pizza, pasta, lasagna and other Italian specialties. The best known Italian restaurant in Cabarete. Don't miss out on the live jazz on Thursday.
Onno's: burgers, chicken wings, meat, tapas etc. After dinner – party until the wee hours of the night. Lax and Casanova: Trendy restaurants/ bars where people meet for dinner. From pizza to pasta, calamares and nachos you basically get everything you like.
Otra Cosa: Staff's favorite French Restaurant. Most romantic and finest restaurant in Cabarete.

Tipping:
Gratuities given to the local hotel staff are appreciated and represent a significant portion of their livelihood. At restaurants a 10% service charge that is given to the staff and a 12% tax (16% when paying by credit card) are added to your bill. An additional 10%+ tip is appreciated for good service.

Emergencies:
Should an emergency necessitate an early return home, we will do all we can to get refunds for you. Standard hotel cancellation fees usually exceed any unused balance, but hotels are quite often understanding of emergencies. To assist us in this you must get written verification of check-out date from your hotel front desk and also from the windsurf staff.

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TAXI / TRANSFERS FROM THE AIRPORT

Airport Arrival:
You should be flying into the Puerto Plata (POP) airport When you arrive you will go through immigration and pick up any checked luggage in baggage claim. Once outside the airport you will find many young Dominican men eager to help you with your baggage. They expect a tip: $2 or equivalent in pesos is a good tip. If you don't want to feel pressured to tip, you should insist that they not pick up your bags. Do not pay any money at customs. All accommodations are about a 20 minute drive from the Puerto Plata (POP) airport.

Pre-Book Transfers:
We suggest that you use the our transfer service, likely already including in your package. If you have pre-booked transfers with Vela, please make sure that we have your flight information (airline name, flight numbers, and arrival time) so that we can meet you at the airport. Once we have received your flight details, we will schedule your transfers accordingly. The driver and (most times) a member of the Vela staff will be awaiting your arrival. Simply look for a driver with a VELA sign with your LAST NAME on it when you walk through the doors of the main airport exit.

Taxis:
If you have NOT pre-booked transfers, the local taxi drivers at the airport can assist you as well. Substitute the correct hotel name in the following Spanish phrase to provide directions to the taxi driver: "Favor de llevarme al hotel _______ en Cabarete."(This translates to "Please take me to the _________ hotel in Cabarete.") Read it to the taxi driver or show it to him on a piece of paper. He probably speaks some English anyway.

Transportation During Your Vacation:
If you're staying at El Magnifico, La Punta Cabarete, Velero Beach Resort Palm Beach Condos, or Ocean Dream the Vela center is just a short walk away. Windsurfing guests at the Agualina are about 30 minutes walk from Vela, or (recommended) a 5-10 minute motorcycle, "moto-concho" taxi ride, which is the eastiest way to get around the nearby area. If you'd like to explore the island further, the hotel  staff can assist you in renting cars and motor scooters or setting up guided tours of the local area. Americans who have lived and worked for the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic recommend that you stay along the coastline and not drive into the interior where decent roads, communication facilities and medical rescue services are virtually non-existent.

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HOTEL CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT

Hotel Check-In:
The normal check-in time is at 3:00PM for all properties, although we can request early check-in if available. Vouchers are not required for check-in. Simply arrive at the front desk and give the agent the last name of the person who made the reservation. If there are any questions, please show them the email invoice that you should print and take with you. NOTE: If you are arriving after 9:00 PM, you must call us with your arrival information immediately and no later than one week prior to arrival at 800-223-5443 (unless you have already given us this information). The hotel's front desk may be closed after 9:00 pm unless Vela is able to notify them of your late arrival.

Hotel Check-Out:
Check out time is 12 noon for all properties. Make certain to go over your final bill carefully. Personal charges such as bar tabs, laundry, telephone calls, and such are your responsibility. DO NOT let the hotel charge you any tax or service fees on accommodations prepaid by Vela. We always prepay tax and service charges for you. Should an emergency necessitate an early return home, we will do all we can to get refunds for you. Standard hotel cancellation fees usually exceed any unused balance, but hotels are quite often understanding of emergencies. To assist us in this you must get written verification of check-out date from your hotel front desk and also from the windsurf staff.

Important note: If you have an early flight, make arrangements for a taxi to the airport the day before your departure and leave plenty of time to get to the airport. If you are leaving on a late flight, sometimes there is a courtesy room available for storing luggage and taking a shower.

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VELA WINDSURF CENTER

Getting To Vela Cabarete:
The Vela Cabarete windsurf center is on the Dominican Republic's North Shore in the beach community of Cabarete, two doors down from Onno's bar. The center is about 200 yards east (to your right as you face the water) of the Palm Beach Condos. From El Magnifico, La Punta Cabarete, and the Velero Beach Resort, walk about 5-10 minutes west along the beach to get to Vela on your left. From condos at Ocean Dream walk to the beach, turn right, and walk down the beach about 10-12 minutes until you get to Vela on your right. Look for the Vela flags on the beach.

Checking In To Get Started:
Our staff knows you will be arriving and will wait for you at the beachfront Cabarete center. Introduce yourself to any staff member and they will set you up with an orientation to the sailing program. Other activities available: snorkeling, diving, surfing, wakeboarding, horseback riding, mountain biking, canyoning, kayakingand other activities in town. Ask our staff for specifics.

Windsurf Equipment:
Vela Cabarete is equipped with the latest high performance gear featuring NeilPryde, JP Australia and Starboard as well as some Tabu boards. Sails include the very latest Alpha, Fly, Combat, Firefly, Excess, Hell Cat and the RS-Slalom II, all on X6 Monocoque booms with carbon tails. Our beginner sails are Xperience NeilPryde rigs and for kids we carry 2 to 3.5m NeilPryde One Sails. All NeilPryde Freeride and Slalom sails are rigged on X6 masts, wave sails are rigged on NeilPryde skinny masts. All the new JP-Australia boards are full wood sandwich construction including the Real World Wave, Twinset Wave, Freestyle Wave, Freestyle and the X-Cite Ride. The Technora production Starboard range features the complete line of the new 2009 model, Kode, Evo and the popular Futura. For beginners we feature the popular JP Funster and the Starboard Go (the Starboard Start is also available). Please help us maintain the high quality of our fleet by handling with care.

Getting On The Water:
You will be given an orientation session before checking out your equipment. All guests must use the equipment sign-out / sign-in sheet located at the equipment area to check out equipment. If you want to change your board or rig during the day, simply return the first board or sail to the rack and use the sign in on the sheet, then sign out again, indicating your new board and/or rig choice on the sign-out sheet. All this will be covered in your "Center Orientation" on your first day sailing with us.

Pre-booked Beginner Rental:
If you are pre-booked on the Vela discounted Beginner Program, you will have use of our novice equipment and receive a 2-hour introductory lesson that covers first day basic sailing skills. Additional beginner lessons covering Beach Starts and Harness Use are available and encouraged. (If you are not pre-booked on the discounted Beginner Program, you may purchase Beginner lessons on-site and rent equipment as desired). NOTE: Conditions in the winter months can be challenging for beginners due to deep water plus rolling swell and chop inside the bay.

Sailing Conditions / Safety:
Cabarete is situated in a windy bay with a protective reef about 3/4 of a mile offshore. It is an exciting place to sail with sideshore winds averaging 15-25 knots during the afternoon hours. In the morning beginners will find lighter winds. On the reef you'll find small waves in summer and larger waves in winter. You will be briefed on the local sailing conditions and safety measureswhen you arrive at the center. We have a boat for emergency rescues only.

Rig Adjustments:
Each of the different types of sails available for check out have been rigged in a manner best suited for that particularsail. If you would like to make adjustments to the rig, we ask that you first get a short orientation to that particular sail from one of our staff. You will be responsible for any incorrect handling of the rig that damages the sail.

Damage To Equipment:
You are responsible for any damage or loss of equipment. Once you sign out a board and sail, it is your responsibility to return it in the same condition! To minimize the possibility of damage, please choose equipment that suits your ability level and conditions, and handle equipment carefully when launching and coming in to shore. Items that need replacing such as fins, sails or mast will be charged at cost plus 10% for parts and labor. For items that can be repaired, standard charges will apply (an itemized list of standard repair charges is posted at the center). This must be paid directly to Vela Cabarete upon returning the damaged equipment. If you have purchased travel insurance through Vela, you can claim any charges ($1,000 coverage limit, less a $100 deductible) for equipment damage or loss upon your return. An optional / additional insurance plan is available through the center directly ($600 total coverage with no deductible) and many guests chose both plans to have maximum coverage.

On-Site / Walk-Up Equipment Rental:
If you have not paid for equipment useas part of your vacation, the on-site rental rate for a complete rig is currently US $55 per day. This rate is subject to change. Daily rentals will only be available after the staff is satisfied that all pre-paid guests have had their first choice.

Gear Storage:
We have a very limited space to store your personal gear on a special-request basis. The rate is $35 per week and subject to available space.

Vela Wind Warranty:
In the event that there are 4 or more days of non-sailable wind using any of our equipment, you may request a NO-WIND CLAIM FORM that will allow you credit towards a future trip to any Vela destination. Note that you may receive higher credits if you return to the same center. You must get this form before you leave the center.

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WINDSURF LESSON PROGRAMS

Beginner Lessons:
If you are pre-booked on our discounted beginner package, you will have use of our novice equipment and receive one free beginner lesson that covers basic sailing skills. Additional beginner lessons can be purchased on-site. A two-hour lesson costs $50. A 3-day package costs $140.

Advanced Lessons:
Private lessons are available to cover any topics desired from beach starting to back-looping. The purpose of the private lesson option is to give you more individualized instruction. Below is a list of common private lesson topics. Private lessons cost $45 per hour. Typically scheduled in the afternoon. Dialing in your gear, Pivot Jibe, Hook and foot / how to get on a plane, Carving Jibe; Sailing fast when underpowered, Freestyle, Wave Riding ... ANYTHING we can do we can try to teach!

Free Windsurf Clinics:
These clinics are included in your vacation and are given 6 days per week, Monday through Friday, at 12:30 pm. The topics covered vary according to guest needs and requests can range from rigging to jibing to looping. At least one day per week instructors will also set up a video camera in a designated area and tape students sailing, followed by a critique that afternoon. Footage will be shown at the Saturday night BBQ.

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DARE2FLY KITESURF SCHOOL

Kitesurfing Lessons:
The Dare2Fly school (located at the Agualina Kite Resort on Kitebeach) offers lessons for all ability levels. Although we have a large team of instructors we always recommend booking lessons in advance to ensure your spot on the schedule. Contact us if you need to reserve some time at Dare2Fly. If you have already booked lessons please make sure to check-in at Vela Cabarete the day before or at Dare2Fly Cabarete no later than 10:45 the morning of the lesson. Lesson start-times are dependent on the wind and may be delayed while waiting for optimal conditions.

Kitesurfing Equipment:
Dare2Fly, our integrated Vela kiteboarding school is powered by the latest Cabrinha equipment. Experienced kiters and students ready to take gear out on their own are welcome to get on the water with our fleet. Rentals will not be proivided until proof of level-3 IKO certification (or similar) or completion of a 1-Hour Evaluation Course to demonstrate your skill level.

Bringing Your Own Gear?
We offer storage at the center as well as plenty of beach assistance with help from our team. Make certain to talk with our staff about the many possibilities to explore the coastline through downwinders and kitesurfaris arranged on-site.

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BEFORE RETURNING HOME

Make sure to say goodbye to our staff before you go. Check to see if you have left anything at the center or if you have taken care of your final tab for additional services you may have purchased. If you have had some bad luck in the wind department, make sure to get you No Wind Claim Form before you go, and we hope that you have still had a great vacation overall in spite of Mother Nature!

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READY TO GO? ARE YOU SURE? PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DEPART. HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND DON'T FORGET TO WRITE!