Kitesurfing Las Terrenas – Q&A
Kitesurfing Las Terrenas – How long will it take to learn kitesurfing ?
You will need a minimum of 3 hours of lessons to start. You will master 3 essential skills: piloting the kite on land, body dragging in deep water without the board, and water-start. It is recommended to do take the 6-hour package across 3 days so that you can become an independent kiteboarder with the kite control needed for every situation.
What is the best season to do kiteboarding in the Dominican Republic ?
The Dominican Republic has wind almost all year round. The best months are February, March, April, July, and August. The best time for surfing in the Dominican Republic is from November until April along the North shore of the island.
What’s the closest airport to Las Terrenas ?
20 minutes: Samana El Catey ( AZS ) only flights from Toronto ( YYZ ), Montreal ( YUL ), Ottawa ( YOW ), Frankfurt ( FRA )
2 hours: Santo Domingo Las Americas ( SDQ ) with many flights from the United States ( JETBLUE, AMERICAN AIRLINES, SPIRIT, DELTA ) and Europe ( AIR FRANCE, AIR CARAIBES, IBERIA, TUI FLY )
5 hours: Punta Cana International Airport ( PUJ ) with many connections in the world.Public bus transfers from airports to Las Terrenas ?
Santo Domingo: take 10 min taxi from Las America’s airport to the bus stop « Parada Samana » company name « Transporte Las Terrenas »
Timetable : 8:50 am – 9:50 am – 11:20 am – 2 pm – 3:20 pm – 6:20 pm
Punta Cana: you’ll need to take 2 buses in total! – take 15 min taxi from Punta Cana airport to the bus stop «Cruce de Veron» company name « Espresso Bavaro»
Timetable: 7 am – 9 am – 11 am – 1 pm – 3 pm – 4 pm (always fully booked, buy your ticket 30 min before) STOP before Santo Domingo at the bus station «Parada Samana» – company name «Transporte Las Terrenas»
Timetable: 8:50 am – 9:50 am – 11:20 am – 2 pm – 3:20 pm – 6:20 pmWhat are the differences between kitesurfing in Cabarete and Las Terrenas ?
Cabarete: 200 kites in the air; 15 kite schools; choppy and big shore break difficult for students; strong winds between 20 – 30 knots; perfect for waves riders; not many flight connections from Puerto Plata airport.
Las Terrenas: Uncrowded spot; flat and shallow crystal clear water; perfect for beginners, freestyle coaching and hydrofoil lessons; many flight options from Santo Domingo airport. There are also many other things to do such as whale watching, visit El Limon Waterfall, or Los Haitises national park. Just ask for detailsWhen I look at windguru wind statistics, I don’t see good wing. Why ?
No worries the wind speed is always between 15 & 20 knots and super steady like a fan! Unfortunately, Windguru doesn’t take into account the local thermal wind which reinforces the steady trade winds «Alizes». It is best to add 5 knots to the forecast.
If I stay for one week, what is next after the 3 days lessons package ?
Based on your level, we will adapt the training program with either more hours of lessons or rental under supervision. We will ensure that you maximize your time on the water having fun !
Is the Dominican Republic safe ?
Yes! Don’t forget that the principal economy of the island has been tourism for the last 20 years. The Dominican people will take the best care of you and make sure you spread the word about this beautiful place.
Dominican Republic vaccinations and medical prescriptions ?
You need nothing other than the common travel vaccinations! You must be careful with the sun and make sure you have adequate protective clothing: rashguard, hat, sunglasses, sunblock …. The mosquitos tend to come out at the beginning/ending of the day.
What is the currency in the Dominican Republic ?
The national currency is the Dominican pesos ( DOP ) but you can exchange US Dollars & Euros everywhere (be warned airport rates are the worst ! ). Credit cards are not accepted in most small Dominican shops, but are welcome in hotels, and many restaurant & activities. ATM fees are normally $5 for each withdraw at the machine in addition to your bank charges!
Do I need a car in Las Terrenas ?
The answer is NO! It’s a small village where you are 30 minutes walking distance to anything. If you want to discover the uncrowded beaches nearby, then it is better to rent a scooter or an ATV.
What additional equipment do I need to kitesurf in Las Terrenas ?
No wetsuit, no shoes only your board shorts! During winter you’ll need a 14 m & 12 m kite quiver and in the summertime a 12m & 9 m kite quiver. It is possible to hydrofoil in certain areas so ask us for more information.