Surf schools urge Dominican authorities to ban vehicles from Playa Encuentro

Surf schools and local businesses at Playa Encuentro in Cabarete are calling on Dominican authorities to immediately enforce existing regulations that prohibit vehicle access along the protected coastal strip, warning that uncontrolled traffic is endangering visitors, damaging the environment and harming the beach’s reputation as a world-class surfing destination.

In a letter addressed to the Ministries of Tourism and Environment, Politur and other government agencies, business owners said cars, motorcycles, ATVs and other vehicles are regularly driving and parking within the 60-meter protected zone, despite regulations banning the practice. They argue the situation poses a serious safety risk to surfers, children, tourists and families while accelerating dune erosion and damaging coastal vegetation.

The group is requesting stronger enforcement, including coordinated inspections, visible signage, designated parking areas outside the beach, physical barriers to block vehicle access and a permanent management plan developed with local businesses and authorities. They warned that protecting Playa Encuentro is essential to preserving Cabarete’s reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier surfing destinations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its tourism industry.