Surfing Encuentro
SURFING ENCUENTRO
Playa El Encuentro on the North coast of the Dominican Republic is where we do most of our surfing. Why? Because it’s the most consistent surf spot on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Unlike most other surf spots in the Caribbean, Encuentro is a beach that has surfable waves almost every day of the year, ( I think on average it has waves bigger than waist high on 340 days of the year. Besides it’s constency it’s also a place that caters for surfers of all levels, from complete beginners that have never surfed before to die hard surfers with 20+ years of surfing experience.
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How do we get to Playa Encuentro?
Playa Encuentro is about 3 miles out of the Cabarete town center ( where we are located), as a result we take our guests by taxi to Encuentro for their surfing. Contrary to what places that are located at Encuentro try to make you believe, staying in Cabarete is by far the best way to enjoy the best that this surf town has to offer. We are within walking distance to most great restaurants and bars. Encuentro is great for surfing, but there’s absolutely nothing else to do, eat, drink there during the day.
Feel like you are missing out on good surf?
Not when you are staying at Swell, we are always the first ones in the water ( if you choose to go on the sunrise surf session) and we go back to the beach several times during the day if the conditions are good for it. If you stay at basic accommodation at Encuentro yes you canb walk to the surf in the morning, but you are stuck way out of town for the rest of the day and night. Moto taxi’s; not if your life is dear to you.
Ok, here’s some surf spots of surfers of all different levels at Encuentro
Interested in Surfing Encuentro?
We still have places open at our surf camp, so have a look at our packages and contact us.
See you soon
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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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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.
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ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Swell was founded in 2009 by Jeroen and Clare Mutsaars, who built the camp from scratch after searching the globe for the ideal adult learn-to-surf destination. Since opening, our ISA-certified surf instructors have taught over 9,000 guests from more than 40 countries how to surf — making Swell one of the longest-running and most reviewed adult surf camps in the Caribbean.
We have been featured in Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Condé Nast Traveler, Outside Magazine, and Men's Journal, and carry a 4.9-star rating across 321 verified guest reviews on Google and Tripadvisor.
“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]