Cabrera is quaint little town on the eastern end of the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, located at an area called “Scottish bay” and just north of the bustling city of Santo Domingo. Cabrera is a particular place in the sense that despite its beauty, it is not a place that is generally on people’s radars when they’re planning on visiting the Dominican Republic. Cabrera is not a tourist heavy town and as such, you won’t find things like you would if you went to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana.
Cabrera is an agricultural place with cattle raising and rice farming being the main sources of income for the people of Cabrera. Another aspect that makes Cabrera particularly interesting is the fact that it is a picturesque town on the coast facing the Atlantic ocean, but is untouched by massive resort complexes. Cabrera is actually regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, but tourists hardly have even heard about it. It has amazing beaches, lush vegetation and amazing natural attractions. Despite the lack of resorts or hotels (although there are some) in the area, the town has several famous luxury villas that are regularly rented out to foreigners. Cabrera is a beautiful little town with some things to do, so here’s what to do in Cabrera.
1. Playa Diamante
Diamond beach! Once you see the water you’ll know why it has such a name. The water is crystal clear blue with shades of turquoise shining though. This small, low key beach is the exact type of thing that your tropical paradise dreams are made of. The water is mostly calm and there are no huge waves to worry about. The tide is also relatively shallow making it perfect for kids or just someone who wants to take a dip to cool off in the afternoon sun. The beach is quiet and mostly used by locals and explorers looking for a quiet sandy space. Be aware that there are no amenities on this beach, so bring your own towels and gear.
Playa Diamante
Address: Cabrera, Dominican Republic
2. Lago Dudu
The Dudu Lagoon is a great idea for a day trip. The lagoon is a deep aqua color and is worth the trip just to see it, even if you don’t plan on swimming. If you’re looking for a nice alternative to the beach then try hitting up Dudu Lagoon. Bring some things like snacks, towels and some beach gear and enjoy not only a beautiful natural wonder, but a refreshing dip in one of Cabrera’s natural wonders. There’s a cafeteria nearby to buy some food should you want a snack, and some platforms should you be daring enough to jump into the lagoon.
Lago Dudu
Address: Cabrera, Dominican Republic
Website: Lago Dudu
3. Monumento Natural El Saltadero
Cabrera has many natural wonders to see and explore and the Monumento Natural El Saltadero is one of those things. The Monumento is a natural river that runs through to a magnificent waterfall. It’s quite steep and there are some stairs for those who would like to see the top and bottom of the waterfall. Make sure to bring your camera because it is truly a natural wonder of the world you’ll want to show off to your friends. There are local kids who scale the waterfall and jump off making for quite the spectacle, and who may also ask for a tip from spectators. So bring some change for them.
Monumento Natural El Saltadero
Address: El Saltadero, Cabrera, Dominican Republic
4. Trolling Fishing Tour
Experience fishing in the Atlantic Ocean! This is for anyone who wants to try their hand at one of the world’s oldest pastimes. Good for beginners or experienced fishermen, a guide will bring you out to the Atlantic and guide you on how to reel in the big ones. Of course you’ll get the magnificent views of the coastline as well as your boat traverses the water. The trip starts with a pickup and a drive to the local marina where you’ll hop on board your boat. Afterwards, sail out to just north of Puerto Plata where the waters are ripe with Mackerel, Marlin and Mahi Mahi! Your guide is there to help you with some tips and advice should you need it, but even if you don’t catch anything you can also just enjoy an ice-cold beer and sandwich on the open seas.
Fishing Tour
Address: Pick from hotel
Website: Trolling Fishing Tour
5. Surf and paddleboard at Playa Grande
Playa Grande the big beach around Cabrera and is one of the best known beaches on the north coast. The beach is stunning and popular so you’ll be able to find a few more amenities here than you would at Playa Diamante. The current is a little stronger here so just a word of warning. It’s not super crowded so you can still enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water and soaking up the sun without too much noise. Since there is more of a current on this beach, why not try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding? There’s places to rent equipment around, just make sure you’re prepared to fall once or twice.
Playa Grande
Address: Cabrera, Dominican Republic
6. Piscina Natural La Catalina Cabrera
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A natural water formation that’s perfect for a family outing. Enjoy the cool waters on a hot day and marvel at the sea creatures while you do it! There are animals around like fish and starfish, which can be fun but may not be for everyone. There’s also a beach nearby so if you want to hit up the sandy shores it’s only a short walk. Pack a picnic and enjoy the weather.
Piscina Natural La Catalina Cabrera
Address: La Catalina, Cabrera, Cabrera, Dominican Republic
A hidden gem
Cabrera is a hidden gem! It’s a quaint little town with great natural wonders and amazing beaches. If you’re looking to go off the beaten path in the Dominican Republic, then make sure to find your way to Cabrera.
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