The things guests ask us most.

None at all. Most guests arrive as complete beginners, and our coaching is built around first-timers — the bays here are about as forgiving as water gets. Already surf or wingfoil?  We’ll happily help you improve.

A friendly mix, mostly aged 25 to 60, and around 70% travel solo. You’ll be in good company — shared breakfasts, dinners and the communal hub mean nobody stays a stranger past the first few hours.

Rest assured, our drivers are trusted and reliable people who have worked with us for years.  We include POP round trip transfers in all our packages and as long as you fill in the arrivals form Clare sends you (the link to which will be in the long email you receive after booking – entitled ‘Confirmation and arrival details, Swell surf camp’) we will set up your collection.  Don’t send us this form less than a week before you arrive as it may be too late to arrange a driver.  Provided you have sent us the form, we will confirm receipt and write back to you to let you know exactly where to locate the driver.  All airport staff speak English and you will have Haudy’s (manager at Swell) own number to call in case you need any further help at all.

If you prefer to make your own way, or you specifically ask us to take out transfers, an official taxi desk sits in the centre of the arrivals area with a taxi co-ordinator, regardless of the airport you arrive at. If you are using airport taxis, fares are on display. Uber now operates in the Dominican Republic, so the expensive, government-set fares now have some competition.

Most guests come for 7 nights.  Our shortest stays are five nights; longer is always possible, just ask.

Absolutely. Plenty of guests come as pairs or small groups — you simply get the social side as a bonus. Tell us when you inquire and we’ll suggest the best room options for you.

Yes — lots of our guests end up doing both sports.  Surf in the mornings, wingfoil when the afternoon trade winds arrive.

It rarely goes quiet on both fronts — that’s the beauty of our location.  We have at least 350 surfable days per year and wind in the afternoons most days.  Calm mornings are for surf; the afternoon trade winds are for winging.

Yes. Our guests arrive with every kind of fitness. Sessions are easy going and the right equipment makes surfing easier. You’ll be tired in the good way, but not broken.  People who are not as fit as they would like to be often skip the practise session after breakfast.  It’s best to listen to your body and rest before you get so tired that you have to skip a day.

Our surf groups are generally 6:1 or smaller.

Every room has an ensuite shower/WC and safe-deposit box.  Private rooms have air-conditioning.

Daily breakfast and communal dinners on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays around one long table, all fresh and home made.  When we are not cooking, Cabarete’s many beach-side restaurants take over and you can dine beneath the palm trees, less than 5 minutes level walk away.  Lots of our guests love the Mexican restaurant Gorditos, less than 2 minutes walk from Swell; their fish tacos are usually the favorite takeaway choice.

We do — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most allergies are no problem with a little notice. Tell us once when you book and we’ll remember your preferences all week.

Yes — a freshwater pool in a palm-shaded garden with no shortage of sunbeds

Wifi is available and free in the communal area.

Ideally, fly into Puerto Plata (POP) then it’s just a 25-minute transfer included in your stay.  Santiago de Los Caballeros (STI) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) are good alternatives but extra charges do apply for those transfers.

No. The breaks, the restaurants and Cabarete Bay are all walkable or a short ride away, and your POP transfers are included — so a car is one less thing to think about.

Less than you think.  You’ll receive a really informative email after booking which will let you know what to bring.  The water’s warm enough that you won’t need a wetsuit!

Because we’re a small place and we promise never to overbook, deposits and balances are non-refundable — but, as long as you let us know 30 days prior to arrival, you are allowed a date change.  Be sure to click on our Terms and Conditions (which are super-short, clear and easy to understand) before booking.

Well, in short, unlike Costa Rica where it can rain solidly for 3 months, we don’t have a rainy season: It can rain at any stage (often during the night) and is normally a sharp downpour before the sun comes out again, strongly. Rain is less likely between June and August than at any other time of the year.

Cabarete is a very cool vibrant town, with a good variety of bars all within a short walk from Swell. From lounge-type beach bars with gentle music to thumping beach clubs playing loud Reggaeton, you can find what you are looking for to party into the early hours.