Kitesurfing from Punta Cana
The short answer
Punta Cana is a beach and all-inclusive destination, not a kitesurf destination. The wind is light for most of the year and only picks up from December to February. For real kitesurfing, go to the north coast: Cabarete is about 5.5 hours by road from Punta Cana airport and Buen Hombre about 6.5 hours. Many guests enjoy a beach week in Punta Cana first and then come north for lessons. We arrange the private transfer.
Punta Cana or the north coast?
Punta Cana: all-inclusive resorts and beaches, a very different vibe. Good for a relaxed beach week, with little wind outside December to February.
Buen Hombre: a protected, shallow, flat-water lagoon and steady trade winds, the best place in the Dominican Republic to learn.
Cabarete: waves, freestyle and freeride on the ocean, a lively kite town for riders who already ride.
The north coast is authentic and windy: real villages, real food and real experiences, away from the resort strip.
Getting from Punta Cana (PUJ)
Punta Cana to Buen Hombre is about 6.5 hours by road and to Cabarete about 5.5 hours, depending on traffic. Driving through or near Santiago, Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata at 7 to 9 am or 5 to 7 pm can add 30 to 60 minutes. A private transfer from Punta Cana to Buen Hombre or Cabarete is $450 one way, booked with your stay and available 24/7.
If kitesurfing is the main reason for your trip, fly into Puerto Plata (POP) or Santiago (STI) instead: Cabarete is about 30 minutes from POP and Buen Hombre about 3 hours from POP or 2.5 hours from STI.
A simple way to combine both
Try Punta Cana first, then go exploring for the real thing. Fly into Punta Cana for your beach week, transfer north, and spend the second part of the trip learning or riding in Buen Hombre or Cabarete.
Questions people ask
Is there kitesurfing in Punta Cana itself?
A little, yes, but it is not a kitesurf destination. The wind is only reliable for a few winter months, December to February, and light for the rest of the year. The north coast has far more wind.
How far is Buen Hombre or Cabarete from Punta Cana, and what does the transfer cost?
About 6.5 hours to Buen Hombre and about 5.5 hours to Cabarete. A private transfer is $450 one way.
Should I stay in Punta Cana first or go straight north?
Either works. Punta Cana is an all-inclusive beach holiday with a very different vibe, so many guests do the beach week first and then head north for the authentic, windy coast. If kitesurfing is the main goal, fly into Puerto Plata or Santiago and skip the long drive.
How many days do I need up north?
A weekend is the minimum ($555 Weekend Special). To learn to kitesurf, 7 days is best ($1,333 7-Day package, with accommodation, 3 meals a day, equipment and lessons).
Ready to book?
Start with beginner kitesurfing lessons, see the kite stay packages, or book your trip. Questions first? Read the FAQ or the Learn to Kitesurf guide.