CABARETE, Puerto Plata – One of the Caribbean’s most renowned water sports hubs has officially wrapped up all preparations to welcome elite regional surfers for the upcoming surfing competitions at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. Known globally as the Caribbean’s undisputed “wind capital”, Cabarete Beach has finalized upgrades to its logistical infrastructure and purpose-built competition zones, putting the finishing touches on plans to host more than 71 athletes hailing from countries across the Central American and Caribbean region.
Local governing bodies and the event’s international organizing committee have issued official confirmation that every critical component of the event meets the strict requirements set by global surfing governing bodies. This includes robust security protocols, a panel of certified international judges, and purpose-built athlete areas designed to support competitors throughout the tournament.
What sets Cabarete apart as a competition venue is its one-of-a-kind natural conditions: consistent trade winds and reliable swells create the ideal high-stakes technical environment that will push athletes to deliver their best performances across all tournament categories. The games will feature both men’s and women’s divisions across three competitive surfing formats: Shortboard, Longboard, and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Surf.
Beyond the thrill of competition, this major regional sporting event carries long-term benefits for the local tourism economy. Organizers project that the tournament will put Cabarete and the broader Puerto Plata province in the global spotlight, cementing their reputation as a world-class water sports destination and attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors in the years to come. Already, official pre-competition training sessions are underway in Cabarete’s waters, kicking off the official countdown to the start of medal competition.