Although it has grown considerably since French Canadian windsurfers first staked their claim on this small fishing village it still maintains its small town character. It is the windsurf capital of the world, having hosted the World Windsurf Championship. It has excellent windsurfing gear for rent, with professional and experienced instructors. It also has the nicest surf shop in town and a great bar and grill. In addition to their beginner to expert equipment they also rent kayaks, boogie boards, surfboards, hobiecats and snorkelling gear.
Scuba diving is popular and there are many dive schools in the area.
There are many kilometres of white sand beach lined with coconut palms and a lagoon with many waterbirds. There are caves in the area, believed to be five million years old, which you can visit. On the outskirts of town is El Encuentro, a surfing beach, with a consistent break off the right and left. Cabarete hosts an international sand castle competition every February, when visitors construct fantastic mermaids, flowers, fruit and even the Titanic. A French team won in 2000.