Encuentro Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Encuentro Surf Guide
The beating heart of the DR surf scene with an impressive concentration of waves for all levels, Encuentro’s Main Peak aka La Derecha and its heftier twin Bobo’s maintain wave shape even when the mid-morning trades come up. Main Peak is typically a zippy left and a bowly right. The rights get better on NW swells, and even when the wind goes sideshore the lefts get really fun for faster surfers. With relatively deep water and easy access, this is the most consistent and user-friendly wave in the Encuentro zone. There’s a couple different peaks outside, a couple different peaks inside. It’s generally pretty soft, and it maxes out at three or four feet overhead. But there are a myriad of shallow, hollow, challenging reefbreaks nearby that’ll hold more size and power like Destroyers, La Izquierdo (Encuentro left) and Coco Pipe.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Advanced surfers prefer nearby reefbreaks like Coco Pipe or Destroyers.
Local Vibe
Doable
If it's good, yes.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Mostly mellow.
Spot Rating
Fun
The treacherous peak at Coco Pipe is always less crowded since only experts can handle the heavy drop, barrel, get out quick sequence that the better rights demand. The remaining Encuentro stretch has surf for many ability levels. Popular kite boarding spot.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Strong paddlers only.
Water Quality
Clean
Nice Caribbean water.
Hazards
The reef can be sharp.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Kiteboard, Fish, Longboard
Access
Drive west out of Cabarete to dirt road, park right off beach in palm grove.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Fall-Spring
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