Top Beaches near Puerto Plata: Playa Encuentro & Its Environs

Playa Encuentro

Playa Encuentro

Encuentro means “meeting” or “find,” and this isolated beach is certainly a gem of a find, bringing together man, his board, and the surf. Playa Encuentro is one of the highest rated beaches in the DR for surfing.

There are five distinct breaks that vary by season and time of day, and wave heights generally run from 1.5 to 3.5 feet (but can reach up to 9 under certain conditions). Surfing season is during the winter, from November through April, but summer can also produce very ride-able breaks.

Several surf rental and lesson shacks are set up on the beach. It is best to arrive early in the morning, as the breaks are best before noon. Less than 5 kilometers west of Cabarete, accessible by catching a moto or public transport. The entrance to the beach is by the Coconut Palms resort.

Surfing 321

Surfing 321 is one of the larger and better-known surf outfits in the area. The multilingual staff speaks English, Spanish, German, French, and Russian. Surfing 321 offer many deals and options for all levels of surfers, including rentals, lessons, trips, and the newfangled stand-up paddleboarding. Located at the entrance to the Coconut Palm Resort, continue to the beach and find the TakeOff School; 963-7873; www.321takeoff.com; 321takeoff@gmail.com

Pauhana Surfing

Pauhana is another reputable option for surf lessons located on Playa Encuentro. Rates for lessons run from US$45 for a day to US$225 for a week. 902-1212; www.pauhanasurfing.com; surfpauhana@gmail.com

Blue Moon Cabanas Nestled in the Hills

 A Detour for a Night

Blue Moon

Guests Enjoying Blue Moon's Indian-Caribbean Fare

Just a short drive from the coast, this retreat center is a peaceful oasis in the northern hills, affording occasional views of the mountains and sea. The property is green and well-tended, with a generous dining space, pool, patio, kitchen, bar, and lounge areas. The evening meal, diverse and decadent, is the highlight – an Indian-Caribbean affair served on banana leaves, eaten lounging on plush cushions. A large breakfast is included with the price. 
US$40-60 per cabana; in a private vehicle from Cabarete, turn right at the intersection of Sabaneta de Yásica, heading south for 6 kilometers over the bridge in Los Brazos. The entrance to Blue Moon is on the left. If coming by public transport, take a guagua to the Sabaneta intersection. Here, catch another guagua headed towards Jamao al Norte, and disembark at the entrance to Blue Moon, a five-minute walk off the highway up a short hill. Must book prior to arrival. 757-0614, ask for Eneyda; www.bluemoonretreat.net; info@bluemoonretreat.net

Top Beaches near Puerto Plata: Introduction

"Cristo Redentor" Overlooking Puerto Plata

Plenty of travelers fly into Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperon airport (POP) to bypass Santo Domingo – a great idea for a short stay aimed just at the beaches that might not include the big city. But where to go once you arrive? The sandy spots in Puerto Plata itself are nothing to write home about. Below are three of our favorite beaches in the area, which we’ll profile over the next month. They’re all within an hour’s drive of Puerto Plata: Sosua, Cabarete, and Playa Encuentro.

Sosua

Sosua is the first big town east of Puerto Plata. Founded in the 40s as a sanctuary for Jewish refugees from Europe, it’s now turned into a beach town with a very distinct European influence. There are two beaches in the city, but the larger, called Playa Sosua, is a wonderful place to spend a day or two. As it’s located inside a bay, the water is calm - perfect for a leisurely swim. Snorkeling is therefore especially popular, as the reef reaches almost to the shore. Behind the beach is a long stretch of stone boardwalk lined with vendors hawking souvenirs and dishes from across the pond, like wurst and schnitzel.

Playa Alicia (a.k.a. Playa Santa) of Sosua

Cabarete

The rowdiest beach town in the country, Cabarete is a party day and night. Not to be forgotten, however, is the quality of its beach. The sand curves languorously, though the waves here are a bit stronger than in Sosua. The town’s bars, restaurants, and nightlife back up directly onto the sand, so that you can take in the view while you enjoy fresh fish, a Santo Libre, and the people-watching.

Seashell Salesman in Cabarete

Playa Encuentro

Unlike the other two, Encuentro is not part of any town. In fact, it’s a bit isolated, which is why we love it. The strong waves are some of the best on the island for surfing, and the sand is often deserted save a few vendors serving just-caught-and-fried fish with refreshing Presidentes. It’s just you, sand, and sea. The beach is accessible by public transport (like the others), but getting there with your own car is much more convenient.