February 20-27, 2027
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Trip Snapshot
Cabarete, DR
Location:
Date:
February 20-27, 2027
Spots:
10 people max
Level:
Early bird: $1399 USD
Total Beginner +
Price:
(book by Dec 1, 2026)
Everyone skips the Caribbean when they think about surf trips…But they shouldn’t.
Cabarete sits right next to Playa Encuentro, one of the most consistent, forgiving breaks in the world; the kind of wave that lets beginners actually learn and lets advanced surfers actually play, no matter when you show up.
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Salem and Chloe are bringing the Salem Surf Co Method to the Dominican Republic for 7 days of real progression, warm water, and a boutique surf hotel built for exactly this kind of trip.
Check out the itinerary
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Arrival & Welcome to Cabarete!
Touch down, settle in, and get acquainted with Las Golondrinas, the boutique surf hotel we'll be calling home for the week.
Fully equipped apartments, a rooftop restobar, a surf-focused gym, and a semi-Olympic pool waiting right outside your door.Take a beat on the rooftop, watch the sun go down over Cabarete, and start unwinding.
We'll come together for a welcome dinner as a group before an early night; tomorrow, we surf!
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First Session at Encuentro
This is what you came for.
We paddle out at Playa Encuentro, one of the most consistent breaks in the Caribbean, for your first coached session with our local surf guides.
Every wave gets broken down in the afternoon during video analysis, so you're not just surfing; you're actually learning to surf better.
The afternoon is yours to cool off in the pool back at the hotel, then we head into town for dinner as a group to enjoy the night!
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Surf + Yoga Beach Day
Morning session at Encuentro, then an afternoon yoga class to open up everything the paddling tightened up. Video analysis after every surf, every day; this is the Salem Surf Co Method in action.
The rest of the day is yours (well, ours)… beach day! Sink your feet in the sand, let the group bond, and trust that Salem and Chloe always have something up their sleeve 😉
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Surf + Horseback Riding
Another morning at Encuentro: paddle out, catch your waves, and let the local coaches keep sharpening what you're building. Video analysis after, like always.
Then in the afternoon, we trade boards for reins. We're heading out for horseback riding along the Cabarete coastline, sand under hooves instead of under your feet for once, ocean views the whole way.
Evening's yours: hit the pool, post up at the on-site bar, or explore Cabarete's restaurant scene with the group.
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Surf + Gym Training
Morning surf and video analysis, same rhythm you're settled into by now.The rest of the day is yours, but in the afternoon, we’ll hit the gym for our first in-gym training session…because real progression in the water starts with strength on land, and we're not skipping that part ;)
Rest up tonight… Day 6 is a big one.
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Surf + Yoga + Snorkeling + Farewell Dinner
Morning surf and video breakdown, afternoon yoga to keep the body loose.Then we head out on the water again, just differently this time, snorkeling along the Cabarete coast to see what's living underneath the waves you've been riding all week.
Then it's time to get fancy.
Wear your fanciest dress and pop the champagne: we're closing out the trip with a farewell dinner to celebrate everything this week has been 🎉
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Farewell amigas
One last morning at Encuentro: take it all in, take the notes, take the wins.
Final video analysis of the trip, then our second gym session to close out the strength side of the Method (schedule flexes depending on your flight time).
Pack up, say your goodbyes, and head to the airport with a full nervous system reset and a surf level you didn't have a week ago.
Transfers included.
The Trip:
Early Bird Price: $1399 USD
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6 nights' accommodation across apartments at Las Golondrinas
Daily surf coaching with local guides + Salem & Chloe
Daily personalized video analysis session
Breakfast + 1 main meal per day, all 7 days
2 yoga sessions
2 in-gym surf training sessions
Horseback riding excursion 🐴
Snorkel tour 🐟
Surfboard rental
Airport transfers
Farewell dinner 🥂
Small group experience (10 women max)
Exclusive Salem Surf Co gift bag
A few extra surprises 🌺
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Flights
Additional excursions (outside of what’s mentioned on the itinerary)
Additional meals or drinks (outside of the welcome dinner & snacks)
Travel insurance (required)
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General physical fitness: surfing is physically demanding, and you'll get the most out of this experience if you’re able to participate in daily surf sessions and movement classes.
Open-mindedness and a positive attitude: this retreat is about growth, connection, and having fun (including laughing at yourself sometimes!) But this also means you must be able to leave your ego at the shore and be open to constructive advice.
Travel insurance: required for all guests. Please make sure your policy covers surfing and adventure activities.
(Book before December 1st, 2026 to lock in this price!)
Deposit: $250 to lock in your spot!
Have questions?
Hop on a free call with Salem to get them answered!
FAQ
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Salem Surf Co retreats are subject to meeting a minimum participant requirement. Trips will be confirmed or canceled no later than one (1) month prior to departure, and all participants will be notified via email.
Salem Surf Co is not responsible for airfare or travel expenses booked prior to trip confirmation. We strongly advise waiting to purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable travel arrangements until confirmation is received.
Read our full Trip Confirmation Disclaimer here.
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Our Early Bird pricing runs through Dec 1st, 2026 — book by then to lock in $1,399 USD
After that, pricing moves to the standard rate ($1,519 USD), so if you know you're coming, don't wait on this one.
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We've been on plenty of group trips ourselves, and we know that doing something every three seconds isn't actually relaxing.
That's why our surf trips are designed to balance structure with downtime.
We surf together every day, have one group activity, and do daily video analysis, but beyond that, your time is your own.
There will be group adventures sprinkled in daily (check out the itinerary), but you're also free to explore on your own or simply enjoy some extra beach time.
It's a hands-on, hands-off approach that keeps everyone feeling organized without feeling scheduled to death.
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We recommend flying into Santiago de los Caballeros— Cibao International Airport (STI) or Puerto Plata (POP) — Gregorio Luperón International Airport.
POP is just 15–20 minutes from Cabarete, while STI is about 2 hours.
If you fly into either one of these airports, we will handle your transfer to Cabarete!
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Not at all! A group van will handle all transportation. Daily surf sessions, activities, airport transfers, and grocery store runs are all taken care of.
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Absolutely. Most of our guests come solo! This retreat is designed to foster connection, confidence, and community. Whether you’re introverted or outgoing, there’s space for you here.
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Your 7 days in Cabarete come fully taken care of. You'll stay 6 nights across our apartments at Las Golondrinas, with daily surf coaching at Playa Encuentro and personalized video analysis after every single session, so you can actually watch yourself get better, not just feel it. Breakfast plus one main meal is included every day, along with 2 yoga sessions and 2 in-gym surf training days to keep your body strong on land and in the water. We're heading out for a horseback riding excursion along the coastline and a snorkel tour to see Cabarete from underneath the waves you've been riding all week, and if you didn't bring a board, don't worry, rental's included too. We'll handle your airport transfers, and we're closing out the week with a proper farewell dinner. This is a small group experience (10 women max), and every guest goes home with an exclusive Salem Surf Co gift bag, plus a few extra surprises we're keeping under wraps. 🌺
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Flights
Extra snacks, drinks, and meals
Travel insurance (they highly recommend getting one)
Extra water sport activities
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You'll be staying in one of our apartments at Las Golondrinas, and this is a shared-room trip, part of what keeps the experience close-knit (and the price accessible).
Room type depends on group size and availability:
Most guests will be placed in one of our 4 apartments featuring a king bed + a sofa bed (which converts to a queen) — up to 3 people per apartment, with some guests sharing a bed.
1 apartment has a queen bed, fitting up to 2 people sharing.
1 apartment has a bunk bed, fitting up to 4 people: a fun, hostel-style setup.
Because of the room layouts, single-occupancy isn't available for this trip, and some bed-sharing is likely depending on group size. If you're traveling with a friend and want to be roomed together, just let us know on your intake form, and we'll do our best to accommodate.
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You will receive structured, hands-on, 1:1 surf coaching from Salem and Chloe.
Since the group is small, we will be able to work with each woman individually to make sure you are meeting your surfing goals.
One of us will be in the water at all times, and we will do daily video analysis. -
Yes, you’re absolutely allowed to drink alcohol. We simply don’t provide it as part of the retreat. However, the area has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and markets where you can purchase wine, beer, or cocktails if you’d like.
That said, this is a surf-focused week, so most women naturally keep it balanced to feel their best for morning sessions.
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YES! You can absolutely sign up with a friend and request to share a room. Let us know on your interest form and we’ll make it happen.
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All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations made more than 60 days before the retreat may receive a refund of payments made beyond the deposit. Within 60 days of the retreat, all payments are non-refundable.
No refunds will be issued for missed lessons or unused portions of the retreat.
Travel insurance is required. Salem Surf Co is not responsible for flights or personal travel expenses.
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That’s okay! If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, we will have something for you, but don't forget to let us know before you leave!
Meet Your coaches
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Head Surf CoachHi! My name is Chloe, and I grew up surfing in Hawaii. I competed for over 10 years, even reaching the national level before I turned 18.
Once I turned 18, I transitioned into giving surf lessons and became one of the only certified female surf judges in the islands at the time.
Surfing has always been my biggest passion, and now I get to share it by helping women like you progress and build confidence in the water.
I can’t wait to help you improve and watch you grow through our camp!
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Founder & Surf MentorHey, I’m Salem! A full-time traveler turned surf addict. After years of exploring the world, I fell in love with surfing and started sharing my journey online, showing what it’s really like to learn something new as an adult, the messy, vulnerable, and empowering parts.
My mission is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, laugh at yourself along the way, and believe that it’s never too late to start.
Through my content and this retreat, I’m here to support your mindset, encourage you on the tough days, and celebrate every small win in and out of the water.
