Is Cabarete safe?
Relaxed, tourist-oriented beach town. Petty theft, motorbike crashes and aggressive touts are more likely than violent crime; take care at night on dark side streets.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-06-11.
- Homicide rate in Dominican Republic: 10.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Dominican Republic: 64.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Tourist police 809-200-3500 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Cabarete at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft of unattended items on the beach and from rooms, occasional bag snatching, and drink spiking in late-night bars. |
| At night | Main Street is busy until late and fine; take a taxi or motoconcho for dark side roads rather than walking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Persistent flirting from touts happens; avoid isolated beach stretches and watch drinks late at night. |
| Other risks | Strong currents and wind for beginner swimmers; Motorbike and truck traffic on the main road; Hurricane season Aug–Oct |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Beach vendors and 'guides' charging high prices for tours and lessons
- Motoconcho drivers quoting double fares to tourists
- Gear rental shops claiming damage on kites and boards
Take care
- Dark side streets back from Main Street at night
- Main road to Sosúa: fast trucks and no pavements
- Swimming in rough wind and rip conditions
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page and entry stamp at all times.
- Even small amounts of drugs mean prison, often after years of pre-trial detention.
- Drivers in injury crashes are held in custody, even when not at fault.
How Cabarete compares in Dominican Republic
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Punta Cana | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cabarete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Terrenas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santo Domingo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Plata | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Cabarete safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Persistent flirting from touts happens; avoid isolated beach stretches and watch drinks late at night.
Is Cabarete safe at night?
Main Street is busy until late and fine; take a taxi or motoconcho for dark side roads rather than walking.
What is the crime rate in Cabarete?
Theft of unattended items on the beach and from rooms, occasional bag snatching, and drink spiking in late-night bars. Nationally, Dominican Republic records 10.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Cabarete?
Tourist police 809-200-3500 · All emergencies 911.
More about Cabarete
Going to Cabarete solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.