Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Encuentro

Playa Encuentro is a beach situated on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, lying between Sosúa and Cabarete. It is renowned for being the finest surfing location in the country, with optimal surfing conditions available year-round, catering to all levels of experience. It should be noted, however, that the beach is partly rocky, and contains sea urchins and corals, necessitating the use of bathing shoes for protection.

There are eight surfing schools, equipment rental services, and beach cafes available at Playa Encuentro. The surrounding Puerto Plata resort area offers a variety of activities and cuisine options for tourists. The optimal time to visit is from May to August, as the period from November to April is prone to tropical rains and cyclones. Tourists can explore a variety of attractions beyond the beach and hotel, including Ocean World Adventure Park, national parks, and rum factories.

Explore accommodation options near Playa Encuentro and enjoy year-round surfing at the Dominican Republic's finest surfing location.

The beach is family-friendly, providing amenities such as toilets, showers, and a lifeguard. There are bars and restaurants on the beach, and dogs are permitted. A parking area is available near the beach. In summary, Playa Encuentro is an excellent destination for surfers and tourists seeking a beach with optimal surfing conditions, a diverse range of activities and amenities.

What to do at Encuentro?

Amenities

Encuentro amenities include parking, toilet and shower.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

You can enjoy one of the restaurants at the beach while soaking up the sun.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that the beach is great for surfing, with a rock and reef that creates gnarly waves. There are also restaurants, shops, and surf schools available. However, some visitors complain about the strong waves and lack of seclusion during peak hours.

Where to Stay near Encuentro?

Most visitors to Playa Encuentro choose to stay in Cabarete, known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to the beach. Beach lovers seeking accommodations within walking distance of Encuentro can find suitable options in the nearby area.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Encuentro?

Latitude: 19.7825568 / Longitude: -70.4503033

Encuentro is located in Puerto Plata. The following map of Encuentro shows the exact location.

Encuentro: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
Today is an average day for the beach, though you should be prepared for some unpredictable changes. You will encounter light, passing mist throughout the day, which might make sunbathing feel a bit interrupted. While the air temperature is a warm 31.7 °C, the breeze is quite strong and can become gusty, creating choppy water with noticeable waves that are better suited for surfing than a calm swim. The water is a pleasant 27.9 °C, but please stay cautious if you head into the water due to the wave conditions. With a high UV Index of 8.9, the sun is very strong, so remember to reapply sunscreen frequently to protect your skin during the sunny intervals between the clouds.
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Air

Low / High25.5°C/31.7°C
Feels Like (High)36°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature27.9 °C
Wave Height1.4 m
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Rain

Rain Chance14%
Rainfall0.5 mm
Rain Duration5 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:12/19:23
Sunshine Hours12.7 hrs
UV Index8.9
Cloud Cover22%
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Wind

Speed21.6 km/h
Gusts51.8 km/h
DirectionE

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