Surf Camp Cabarete
The #1 Surf Camp in Cabarete
High season is about to start in Cabarete, and for us at Swell this means we get more and more facebook & email messages every day. Clare, who answers the emails, is very good and quick with replying to everyone, but since there are some recurring questions that come back on a daily basis, I thought I’d answer some of them here.
How do I get to Cabarete, Dominican Republic?
We have made a page about the location of Swell and how to easily get to the Dominican republic
When is the best time to visit the DR for surfing?
For beginners: any time of the year is a good time to come and learn with Swell Surf School in Cabarete
For intermediates if you just started catching unbroken waves, spring / summer and autumn are best, for more advanced intermediates the winter is a good time to start challenging yourself with some bigger waves.
Experts Surfers: best time to come is between October and April when the winter swells roll in for overhead + conditions most of the time.
Can you convince me why I need to choose Swell?
In short? No
We do not try to convince people to stay at Swell over the email. Have a good look at our website, read the reviews, check our facebook page to see what our current clients are up to, check the photo galleries on our site and you should be able to get a very good idea what Swell Surf camp is all about. We are honest in our marketing, we do not try to make our place look better than it really is, we are NOT going to promise that you are going to have amazing waves in the time you are with us, since we cannot control nature. What we CAN control is things like how clean our place is, the freshness of the food, the quality of the lessons etc.
What about this other…. hotel / apartement / ‘surf camp’?
Kind of the same answer as above. Have a look at their website, prices, photos etc and compare it with what we offer. Swell is not the cheapest place in Cabarete. If price is your only criteria for choosing your surf holiday, then Swell is probably not for you. There are other places in town where you can book a surf camp in the $15 to $35 per night price range, BUT
Are they at the best location in town?
No
Do they provide quality surf lessons from qualified surf instructors?
No
Do they offer daily maid service for your room?
No
Is there going to be 10-20 other guests to socialise and surf with?
No
Owners / managers with years of experience in the surf travel industry?
Nope
Are they purpose built to be a surf camp like Swell?
No
Have the owner(s) ever done much surfing, kitesurfing, SUP or windsurfing?
No
We are not saying we are top pro’s in these sports, but they are our lifelong passions, which we think is important to provide the top service that we like to give at Swell. Would you trust a chef that doesn’t eat his own food?
Ok, here’s the only pics of us (the owners) on this website doing what we love doing (besides making sure all is well at Swell)
We could go on, just be careful that the term ‘surf camp cabarete’ has become very popular in Cabarete the last few years. Apartments or budget hotels have quickly rebranded themselves as surf camps to attract clients. If you want to stay in an apartment, old house or old hotel as the only surfer, then the above places might suit you well. If you want quality and are willing to pay a bit more for a top surf holiday, send us an email.
Last question
What are the waves going to be like..next week / month etc.
We use MagicSeaweed and Windguru for wind and waves forecasts, they are pretty accurate.
I hope this answers some questions, also every page on the main part of our website has some FAQ’s as well, so maybe your question is answerd there.
Who is team Swell?
Swell is owned and founded by Jeroen Mutsaars & Clare Mutsaars
Jeroen Mutsaars has worked in the surf travel industry for 20+ years.
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WHERE IS SWELL LOCATED?
Swell Surf camp is located on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, right in the center of the cool surfer town of Cabarete. With 3 international airports to choose from it's also one of the easiest places to get to for a quick surf getaway. Puerto Plata Airport is only 25 minutes away from Swell. On the' getting here' page you'll find the different options of getting to us.
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ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Founded in the winter of 2009, Swell Surf Camp emerged from Jeroen and Clare Mutsaars vision. They lived in the Dominican Republic for eight years and spotted a gap in the surf camp market for higher quality accommodations combined with an engaging social atmosphere. Their extensive travel and stay experiences across different countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, Hawaii, Indonesia and various European nations fueled their passion to elevate the surfing retreat experience.
Swell Surf Camp is renowned as the world’s first luxury surf camp tailored specifically for beginners. The founders collaborated with a notable Swiss architect to design facilities that blend comfort with style. This innovative approach ensures every guest enjoys superior lodging and amenities. Since its inception, Swell has taught over 9,000 people how to surf with an emphasis on safety, fun, and structure.
Our achievements speak volumes. Swell has collected numerous accolades and maintains hundreds of stellar reviews from guests globally. Recognized repeatedly as the leading destination for luxury surf vacations, our commitment to excellence keeps us at the forefront of the industry.
Beyond surfing, Swell offers a diverse range of activities including kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy horse riding both on scenic beaches and mountain trails—plus exciting adventure-filled excursions like canyoning.
A crucial element of any vacation is food, and here at Swell we excel. We provide delicious home-cooked meals daily. For evenings out, guests find themselves just minutes away from an array of dining options that promise satisfying culinary adventures.
For those who prioritize upscale amenities and wellness in a unique setting built around learning surf skills amid profound natural beauty, Swell should be on the top of your surf destination list
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A 1 WEEK LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY
Dreaming of catching your first wave but wondering if surf lessons are really for you? At Swell Surf Camp, our lessons are designed specifically for beginners, and we mean absolute beginners, particularly those between 40 and 55 from cities like New York, Boston, or Toronto. You’ll never feel rushed, lost, or out of place. Our expert instructors genuinely love teaching, and their approach is as much about encouragement as it is about skill-building. Every instructor carefully tunes each lesson to fit one person, you, so you always get personalized support, whether you’re working on basic paddling, learning to pop up, or building confidence in the water.
The journey at Swell Surf Camp is about progression, not perfection. You’ll start with the very basics, practicing on the sand before moving into gentle ocean waves with your instructor right beside you. Throughout every lesson, our focus is on clear communication, safety, and keeping things fun. As you progress, our instructors give you feedback in real-time, helping you celebrate small wins and guiding your next steps. You’ll learn solid surfing foundations, water safety, and even the unwritten rules of surf culture. By the end of your stay, you’ll be amazed at your own growth and how natural surfing feels. Don’t wait to discover how transformative a single lesson can be, book your surf adventure at Swell Surf Camp and let your surfing journey begin!
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WHAT SPORTS DOES SWELL OFFER?
It's not only surfing that's on offer at Swell, we also offer learn to wingfoil and learn to kitesurf packages.
“Think of Swell as the anti-surf camp. There’s plenty of surfing, of course, but the similarities to other surf camps end there. For starters, the rooms are stylish — more boutique surf retreat than reggae-loving surfer digs. Then there are the legendary breakfasts (omelets, pancakes and crepes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and fruit bowls). Structured surf lessons take place each morning. An instructor alongside you and the head surf coach watching from shallow water, ready to offer learn to surf tips between riding waves. If you are serious about learning to surf, then Swell should be on top of your destination list. Highly recommended! ”
Reference Source:
[Frommer’s Travel Guides]
Designed with the discerning surfer in mind, Swell is far from a crash pad. The spare clean lines, plush bedding, modern photographs and funky furniture say ‘boutique surf retreat’. The pool, ping-pong and foosball tables and social vibe suggest otherwise. A huge wood communal table is the center of the hanging-out action, after all the surfing is done. Highly recommended!
Reference Source:
[Lonely Planet]