Manual for living in Cabarete

Living in Cabarete, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic is a fun filled adventure every day.

It helps to have a sense of humor, because after all, it’s the Caribbean and things don’t always work as planned.  Some days the power does go out.  Some days the water shuts off.  Some days the gas station runs out of gas, and the banks run out of money.

We all learn to accept such trivial things and embrace a glass is half full attitude.  After the initial first shock that things may not operate as perfectly as they do in our home countries, we start to realize that although slightly less comfortable, we are able to exist just fine for the short period of wait.  Often the problems are only glitches that need a couple hours.  Sometimes it takes longer.  One thing is certain in the Dominican Republic, todos se resuelve , it all works out just fine.

The purpose of this guide it to prepare you for what to expect while living here in Cabarete with us, and more specifically to living here at eXtreme.

The rooms are set up as studios, and function is the priority.  Every room has a private en suite bathroom and a balcony.  Inside the room is a kitchenette to prepare simple non cooked meals.  The fridge is located underneath the counter, and can store food that is opened and drinks.

You can prepare simple meals in your kitchen, and enjoy the many fruits and vegetables that the Dominican Republic has to offer.  Most things are produced locally, and are largely tropical.  While on your trip, take advantage of the relatively cheap items, like an entire pineapple for $40 RD ($1.10 US).  The cucumbers are also very good, along with the passion fruits (chinola), avocados, and fresh bananas.

For produce and fruits, there is a small roadside stall about 250 m walking from the entrance to eXtreme

Eating out is a fun and social thing to do in Cabrete, but even more fun is saving a buck while doing it!  Here is a list of the happy hour restaurants and bars

Getting around Cabarete

One of the most typical modes of transportation in Cabarete (besides walking) is the ‘moto-concho’.  These are motorcycles who will who act as taxis.  They are one easiest ways to move around Cabarete and the surrounding areas, and they usually are good sources for directions.  They cost approximately 30 – 50 Pesos per ride, per person from Cabarete to eXtreme and Kite Beach, more at night.  An alternative form  of transportation are Guaguas.  These are small vans/buses that are not on any formal schedule, other than when they are full (busiest during rush hours).    They stop to pick up people who wave at them at the side of the road, and have a small sign on their roof with the route they follow. .  And then you just bang on the side of the vehicle, or yell at the driver when you would like to get off. They cost approximately 20 – 50 Pesos per ride, per person pending on the distance.

If you need any clothes washed, you can send out a load of laundry for $300 RD or $200 if you drop it off.  It’s a wash and fold service.   Drop off your stuff and you can pick it up clean the next day or 2.

The are a couple supermarkets in town, Janets being the main one.  It’s at the far Eastern side of Cabarete.  There are also smaller mini mart type places with  food, alcohol, and various other items you may want, is just a 5 minute walk from eXtreme Cabarete.

It’s recommended  drinking bottled water during your visit available in your room with 5 gallon dispensers.

Hopefully you won’t need to know this, but there is a Medical Service in Cabarete that is available 24 hours/day called the Servi Med.  There is also the CAbarete Medical Center in Sosoua, and there is also a hospital in Puerto Plata (45 minutes from Cabarete) that has good Doctors from Europe and America on staff.