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Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Dominican Republic — Things to Do

Wind- and Kitesurfing

Wind- and Kitesurfing

Cabarete is ranked as one of the top ten windsurfing destinations in the world, and Cabarete Bay is the capital of windsurfing in the Caribbean. The conditions are also fantastic for kitesurfing or kiteboarding, and international competitions for both sports are held here every year. Kite Beach is considered to be the best place in the world for kitesurfing. Consistent easterly trade winds blow across the bay all year round, and are light in the morning to suit beginners, while stronger winds whip up the waves for more experienced wind- and kitesurfers in the afternoons. The reef surrounding the bay provides protected and flatter waters within the bay, as well as wavy conditions for wave jumping on and outside of it. In winter the winds tend to be lighter, but waves are at their biggest, while summer provides flatter conditions and stronger winds. Numerous wind- and kitesurfing schools and centers offer lessons, as well as equipment for rent.

Golf

Golf

The Dominican Republic is a golfer's Treasure Island. First putting an 'x' on the Caribbean golf map when Teeth of the Dog course opened in 1971, the country has been a destination among golfers ever since. Its re-discovery, in terms of new courses, golf resorts and community development, has only occurred in the last few years. But the exploration isn't over as tourists can now wander the fairways of championship courses for days. The Punta Cana Resort is the island's most famous, with course designers such as local legend Pete Dye and golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. A host of equally luxurious resorts have ocean view holes and tropical foliage-lined fairways from famed names such as Nick Faldo and Robert Trent Jones. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators bestowed the honor of "Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America" to the Dominican Republic. Summer months can get too hot for midday tee-offs but resorts give discounts to the hardy souls who make the effort.