Services & recommendations
Find information on the services offered in Bahia Residence as well as restaurant recommendations etc.
We have a number of services available to make your stay at Bahia Residence Cabarete even more comfortable.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
Need to wash clothes? Just put your clothes in the laundry basket provided / in a bag and send us a message. If given to the cleaning ladies in the morning, your clothes will be washed, dried, folded and returned to you by the end of the day. The cost is 7 USD per wash load. Colors are separated from whites (meaning two wash loads) unless specified not to do so. Cash payments only; for reservations longer than four weeks the cost is deducted from your deposit. Available Monday to Friday.
IN ROOM MASSAGE
We offer the luxury of having a professional in-room massage with our massage therapist who specializes in full body deep tissue massages as well as relaxation massages. The massage therapist brings her own professional massage table, sheets and towels.
50 minutes, relaxation massage: 45 USD
50 minutes, deep tissue massage: 60 USD
90 minutes, relaxation massage: 80 USD
90 minutes, deep tissue massage: 110 USD
Massages need to be reserved 24h in advance. Contact us for availability and reservations. 20USD surcharge for massages after dark. Cash payments only, directly to the massage therapist.
CAR RENTAL SERVICE
Having a rental car is a great way to explore the surroundings of Cabarete!
We work together with the only car rental company in town that provides full insurance at competitive prices. They have a large fleet of options ranging from small economic cars to large SUV’s. For your convenience, rental cars are dropped off at Bahia Residence and picked up again at the end of your rental period.
Please contact us via WhatsApp for rates and availability.
BABYSITTER
Want to go out for a night without the kids? We can arrange for our trusted babysitter who speaks both Spanish and English to come for a few hours or for the entire evening. Please reserve at least 24 hours in advance.
Please contact us for rates, availability and reservations. Cash payments only, directly to babysitter.
PET BOWLS / BEDDING
We provide old towels for your pet to sleep on, as well as pet bowls, for your pet to eat/drink out of. Please contact reception or housekeeping if you need anything. Also note that pets are not allowed on the bed or sofa, nor can they eat / drink out of the porcelain tableware. An extra cleaning fee of 50USD will be charged if we find that the apartment needs to be deep cleaned.
KITESURFING
Cabarete is one of the best kite spots in the Caribbean, with something on offer for every level of kiteboarder. The wide-open bay protected by the reef is an ideal playground with enough space to accommodate everyone. Those who like wave riding will not be disappointed by the waves on the reef, which range from pretty big in winter to small but fun in summer.
The beach just in front of Bahia Residence is perfect to launch your kite and start riding. For those who would like to learn how to kite, our bay offers loads of space, no rocks or shallow reef and cross onshore winds ensuring that you will always come back to shore. We work together with a number of official kite schools, please talk to us for more information and recommendations.
SURFING
For consistent, fun waves go to Playa Encuentro. Encuentro is only a 10-minute drive away from Cabarete and is a world-class surf spot, which caters just as well to pro riders (try Coco Pipe!) as to absolute beginners (best place to start are the little waves right by Encuentro Beach). There are a number of surf schools on Encuentro beach that also rent out boards. Best time to go is in the morning as the wind usually blows out the waves later in the day.
In Cabarete you can also surf when the conditions are right in winter. Look for the beach break just in front of AGK kite school.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
We work together with Maximo, known as the best mountain bike guide of Cabarete. He can take you out on half day or full day tours. He offers many different tours in Cabarete’s back yard national park called “El Choco”. If you’re interested in doing a tour let us know and Maximo will come by and speak to you and see which tour best fits you.
YOGA
There are many yoga options in town, ranging from beach yoga to yoga on stand-up paddles. Please talk to us for the latest information.
CANYONING & CANOEING
Are you up for rappelling down some awesome waterfalls in the Dominican back country? Or feel like paddling down the Yasica river? Talk to us for more information.
PAINTBALL
No wind? Let’s organize a paintball competition! Talk to us for more information.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
There is lots to do in this area. Talk to us for ideas and info.
27 WATERFALLS
This is one of the best tours offered on the North coast. The 27 waterfalls tour, also known as Los charcos de Damajagua, consists of 27 small and larger waterfalls that you jump of or slide down into crystal clear waterholes formed by the river.
It takes about an hour to hike up to the highest waterfall (number 27) and from there you hike down through the water and jump of or slide down the waterfalls you come across. Contact reception for the latest information regarding prices; the 27 waterfalls tour is the most expensive, 13 and 7 waterfalls tours are less. Included in the price is a life jacket and a helmet as well as a guide to show you where to jump and where not. The guides will appreciate a tip at the end of the tour.
Make sure to bring water shoes (tennis shoes or other closed shoes that can get wet) as well as swim shorts and a change of clothes. If you do not have adequate shoes you can rent a pair at the falls.
It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Cabarete to the 27 waterfalls.
You can buy this tour with transportation at one of the many tour providers in Cabarete (usually around 100USD per person) but we recommend the following:
Option 1: going with our trusted English-speaking driver who will take you to the 27 waterfalls. This can be combined with an afternoon Puerto Plata tour. This way you have a full day out and see all the sights!
Option 2: going by rental car that we can organize for you (more economical and adventurous option).
PUERTO PLATA TOUR - half or full day tour
On this tour you will see all the Puerto Plata sights in one day. Ranging from the Teleferico (cable cart to Mount Isabela, closed at the moment) to the old Fort at the end of the Malecon, the local rum factory as well as the historical center of Puerto Plata. Our driver is flexible to show you the different sights that you specifically want to see.
BEACH & LAGOON TOUR - full day tour
You will start off with a visit to Laguna Dudu, a crystal clear lagoon that is connected to the sea through underground tunnels (divers with tunnel certificate can dive here), followed by a number of pristine beaches. For lunch you can have tasty fresh fish with your feet in the sand and sea mere meters away.
PARADISE ISLAND TOUR - full day tour
Visit paradise island, a small little patch of sand surrounded by the most incredible sea life. Fantastic for snorkeling! Includes transport to and back to Punta Rucia as well as the boat tour to Paradise Island, snorkel gear, lunch and nearby sights.
You can also do the above tours yourself by renting a rental car. Just be sure to always take the full insurance option.
Depending on what you want to eat, Cabarete has a wide range of restaurants. Below is a selection of some recommended restaurants. For the exact location just google the restaurant.
To get food delivered to your door the easiest way is to make use of the app: Komida, which can be downloaded from your preferred platform. Choose “restaurants in Cabarete” and you will see what restaurants deliver that day. As address please choose "Bahia Residence" and specify in which apartment you are.
ITALIAN
Pizza Raro – best for delivery
Best Italian style pizza – also very good fresh pasta. For the menu have a look at their Facebook page or in the Komida app.
Opening hours: 5pm-10:00pm, Tuesdays closed, cash only, located here
FRENCH
Le Bistro - located on the main beach entrance of Cabarete.
A cozy little restaurant with limited seating (reservations recommended) and excellent French food.
Opening hours: 12:30pm-10pm, Sundays closed, located here
HAUTE CUISINE
Bliss – located in the Cienega
Fine dining in a beautiful setting. Small portions. Ideal for a romantic dinner when you have something to celebrate.
Opening hours: 6pm-10:00pm, Sundays closed, located here
FUSION
Viento – located between Ocean One and Ocean Dream
Beautifully served dishes and great cocktails. Slightly more expensive than most restaurants but definitely worth it. Try the divine tuna tartare.
Opening hours: 4pm-11pm, Mondays closed, located here
MEXICAN
Gordito’s – located on the main road, Ocean Dream Plaza.
Fresh fast Mexican food including burritos, tacos and bowls.
Opening hours: noon-7pm, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, located here
MOROCCAN / MEDITERRANEAN
Kazba – located on the main street
Amazing mezze and good value dinner deals. Very nicely prepared and perfect on hot days.
Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm, 5-9pm, closed on Sundays and Monday afternoon, cash only, located here
JAPANESE
Yamazato – located on main road, Ocean Dream Plaza.
Very fresh and good sushi. One of the best sashimi we have tried! Great lunch specials.
Find their menu online by going to the photos on their Facebook page. For delivery give them a call.
Opening hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, closed on Mondays and Sunday afternoon, located here
FISH
Swai – located about 250 meters inside the Callejon (Dominican neighbourhood when you turn at the only traffic light)
Fresh, tasty and sustainable fish restaurant
Opening hours: 6:00pm - 11:00pm, closed on Mondays, cash only, located here
VEGETARIAN / VEGAN
Fresh Fresh – located in the center of town on the right side of the main road.
This is the place to go for the freshest and most extensive salads and other healthy dishes.
Opening hours: 07:30am - 9:00pm, except Mondays and Tuesdays until 7pm, located here
ENCUENTRO FOOD PARK
On the main street by the entrance to Encuentro. Several food options including very good seviche and pizza.
Opening hours: 5pm-10:00pm, cash only, located here
There are three supermarkets in Cabarete.
La Rosa is the one that is closest (5 minute walk, 1 minute drive, when you go out of the gated community go to the left and the shop is on the right hand side of the road, a little further than the Texaco petrol station). “La Rosa” is small but has a surprisingly wide selection of goods.
It is open daily from 8AM to 9PM, located here.
Janet’s Plus is located in the centre of Cabarete, about 10 minutes’ walk or 2 minutes by car.
It is open daily from 8AM to 8PM, located here.
Janet’s is a bigger supermarket and is located in the east of Cabarete, about 5 minutes away by car.
It is open daily from 8AM to 8PM, on Sundays it’s open in the morning, located here.
CASH MACHINES AND BANKS
The maximum you can take out every time is 20.000 pesos.
If you would like to take out more cash, go inside the bank with your credit card with ID card or passport and you can take out up to 100.000 pesos.
MONEY EXCHANGE
The best places in town to exchange money are:
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Caribe Express, open every day from 8AM to 6PM, except Sunday from 8AM to 2PM, located here.
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Wally Exchange, open every day from 8AM to 7PM, located here.
It’s best to take a valid ID with you to exchange money as this is often required. Both places can exchange USD and Euros at better rates than the local banks. Wally Exchange also changes other currencies.
Cabarete
If you just want to relax and stay within Cabarete then there are a number of ways to get around:
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Walk via the beach (which is much nicer than via the road),
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Take a motoconcho (basically motorbike taxi – you will see them lounging by the side of the road or driving by asking you “motoconcho”). The going rate for a motoconcho into town is anywhere between 50 pesos (during the day) and 100 pesos (during the night) per person. Always discuss the price before you get on. The driver never has change so be prepared for that. It is very normal to have two passengers on a motorbike.
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Take a guagua (a shared taxi / mini bus). It will cost you about 50 pesos to go into town with one of these, and to catch one you just need to stand by the side of the road and wave at incoming vehicles. If they have space they will stop. It is normal to have two passengers in the front and four in the back in the shared taxi. Small mini buses also can get very cramped.
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Take a taxi. No need to wait and you will get exactly to where you want to go in comfort. Price is 7 USD to go to / from Cabarete.
Going to Sosua
If you want to go to Sosua, a taxi or the guagua (shared taxi / minibus) are the best options. Note that late at night few guaguas drive from Sosua to Cabarete and you might be left with the only option of taking a taxi back. Because of the distance it is not recommended to take moto taxis to / from Sosua. Average cost with a guagua is 50 pesos per person during the day, 100 pesos at night. If you prefer to go by taxi the rate is 15 USD.
Puerto Plata, Santiago, Santo Domingo or other destinations
If you want to venture out further then you have the following options:
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Rent a car. Depending on the car and the number of days you want to rent the vehicle for this will cost you around 40USD per day.
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Reserve a taxi / Uber. Uber is being used more and more in the Dominican Republic although at the time of writing it works relatively well in the big cities, not so much in and around Cabarete. A taxi is always the easiest and surest way to get somewhere. Contact reception if you wish to reserve a taxi with our trusted English-speaking driver.
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Take a bus from Sosua. There are two bus companies that go to a number of cities around the country from Sosua: Metro Bus and Caribe Tours. Check their websites for the timetable and prices. Please note that Metro Bus, although slightly more expensive, is more comfortable and tends to be more on time. Each bus company has their own bus terminal so be sure to go to the correct one.
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Other destinations. If you plan on travelling onwards to Samana or Las Terrenas, there is a daily bus that drives through Cabarete towards these destinations. Contact us via WhatsApp for more information.
Taxi to the airport
We recommend you take a taxi to the airport, to ensure that you arrive on time. Please contact us if you wish to reserve a taxi with our trusted English-speaking driver.
General Taxi Fares:
To / from Cabarete center = 7 USD (5 minutes)
To / from Sosua center = 15 USD (15 minutes)
To / from Puerto Plata airport = 35 USD (25 minutes)
To / from Puerto Plata center = 45USD (45 minutes)
To / from Santiago airport = 100 USD (1.5 hours)
To / from Santo Domingo airport = 200 USD (3.5 hours)
