Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ANTIGUA
When to go: The trade winds blow here during the months of December through April with an average of 17-19 knots.
The best waves here are from December to February. In May the winds drops to 15 knots average.
The highest wind is in June and July when the trade winds consistantly blows 20 knots. In August and September they
drop to 15-17 knots. The least windy months are October and November when the wind drops to 12 knots.
Conditions:
The wind direction at the eastern part of the island where most sailing is going on is usually side-on shore which is great
for all skill levels. The northeast trade winds averaging 15 knots during the year. (Antigua is one of those places you can go
kite or windsurf pretty much anytime of the year.) The water temperature is about 23C (73F) in the winter and 26C
(78F) in the summer. There is a low humidity year-round and very sunny most of the time.
Beaches to go:
Jabberwock Beach at Shallow Bay is the major wind and kitesurfing beach. Located on a beautiful white sandy beach facing
the trade winds on the island's northeast coast, it is just 5 minutes from the airport.
This beach has an excellent long sandy launch for kiters with fairly steady, side to side shore winds. It is a perfect place to
learn how to kite or to windsurf or to take your sailing to the next level. Jabberwock Beach accommodates kite and
windsurfing schools and shops.
Dickenson Bay in the northwest, directly north of St. John's, is one of the island's finest beaches, with its wide strip of
powder-soft sand and blissfully calm turquoise waters. This bay is another big center of windsurfing and kitesurfing activity
on the island. Halcyon Cove on Dickenson Bay accommodated wind and kitesurfing shops and schools. In January and July,
the annual Windsurfing Antigua Competitions are held.
Half Moon Bay is perhaps Antigua's most beautiful beach which stretches for nearly 1.5 km (1 mile) on the southeastern
coast. Half Moon Bay lies east of English Harbour near Mill Reef. The Atlantic surf beyond the reef provides good wave
sailing in this area. However inside of the reef the water is calm and is good for beginners to practice. The beach is a public
park and ideal for a family outing.
Turner's Beach is also worth trying. This idyllic beach is located near Johnson's Point on the southwest coast. The beach
has fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
You may also try to sail from Darkwood Beach which is only 5-minute drive south of Jolly Harbour Marina or the famous
Pineapple Beach. Their waters are crystal blue.
As it was mentioned before, there are 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm,
protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. You may explore the rest of the beaches and find your own perfect sailing
spot.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
ARUBA
When to go: Aruba is one of the most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing destination in the world! Aruba's high-wind
season is the longest in the Caribbean. Wind speeds are best in May, June and July, when they average 20 to 30 knots.
From December through April, they slow to 15 to 20 knots, and from August through November they range from 10 to 18
knots.
Conditions:
Aruba offers warm, crystal-clear water that rarely drops below 24 C (75 F) and consistent winds that are a windsurfer's
and kitesurfers dream: the average wind speed, year-round, is about 20 knots. The island used to be the destination for
all levels: beginners to advance. Unfortunately, the high-rise hotels built on the southwest side of the island have created
some turbulence and partially blocked the wind. Now the best sailing beaches of Aruba are no longer the best for
beginners: it has become gusty inside of the reef.
The island, however, has both flat-water locations and challenging wave conditions. Beginners should stay in the shallow
waters inside the reef. More advanced sailors will go outside the reef for speed sailing.
Every year in June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds windsurfing and kitesurfing tournaments. This ten-day competition attracts
the most competitive professional sailors and hundreds of amateurs to the island of Aruba and is sanctioned by the PBA
(Professional Board sailors Association).
The best beaches for sailing:
Fishermen's Huts is the most popular site in the area located at the end of Palm beach. It is a beautiful white sand beach
with a great stretch of shallow water and lots of wind. Unfortunately, the wind is VERY gusty due to the high-rise hotels
built recently on Palm beach. But both windsurfing and kite surfing rental shops and schools are still located in the vicinity
of Fishermen's Huts so this is where you are going if you are a beginner.
Boca Grandi Beach is kite surfers number one choice in Aruba. It is located at the very bottom of the southeast side of the
island. Boca Grandi bay is huge and has a little chop to small waves conditions most of the time. The wind is side on shore,
so it is safe for beginners as well. The Hi-Wind kiteboarding contest every year mainly takes place at Boca Grandi. One
detail that probably has to be mentioned is that the beach is covered in plastic garbage brought by the ocean from all over
the world. Be environmentally friendly and pick up a few thing on your way back. And of course dont leave your own
garbage.
Druif Beach is not as gusty as the Fishermen's Huts and the wind directions are side onshore. A rescue boat is available at
Divi Dutch Hotel water sports facility located right on the beach, just drop by the water sports center and introduce
yourself, so that they will keep an eye for you.
Bushiri Beach is just down the road (south) from Druif Beach and is quite good for sailing as well. Kiters should not sail too
far south from this beach otherwise they might reach the airport zone. (No kiting is allowed in the vicinity of the airport
due to the landing airplanes.)
Arashi Beach is another spectacular beach not far from the California Lighthouse with white sand and vast shallow waters.
This place is popular among swimmers but has no restrictions for other water sports. (Unlike Baby Beach). Plenty of fish in
these waters make it also a popular snorkelling spot. The wind is off shore and you are on your own here. Advanced sailors
only.
Rodger's Beach is another alternative but for advanced sailors only. The beach is located at the very south point of the
island just past San Nicolas. It has the gigantic oil refinery, which is claimed to be harmless. There is no obvious water
pollution in these waters. Again the wind is side to side off shore and you are on your own here.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
BONAIRE
When to go: Bonaire has two wind seasons: very windy and windy, each with their own charms. The very windy season
extends from the middle of December through August ; the windy season from September to the middle of December.
Every October, the island celebrates Regatta Week, with a series of international sailboat and windsurfing races. There are
also professional surf-sailing contests throughout the windy season.
Conditions:
Bonaire has long been known as one of the finest windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in the world. The island offers
near-perfect conditions for all levels of surfers, from beginners to experienced sailors.
It has steady trade winds. The boomerang shape of the island breaks the winds current into a range of intensities. Winds
blow 12-18 knots September through middle of December and reach 15 to 25 knots the rest of the year.
There are no major wind gusts and if you are a beginner, this will shorten the learning curve. The shallow waters of the
major surfing bay also boast favorable on-shore winds making the island the perfect place to learn.
That consistent wind allows sailors to perform jumps, inverted loops, spinning maneuvers, and other "freestyle" moves.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
CABARETE
When to go: Officially, there are two windy seasons in Cabarete: winter and summer. The winter season stars from
January to March. The summer season is from June to August. The best waves are in the winter and the best wind is in the
summer season.
Why officially? Because unofficially it is always windy in Cabarete! The months of April and May, and the period from
September to the end of December, tend to be a little less reliable in terms of wind and kite surfing conditions. There is a
70% chance of wind during that period of time.
Conditions:
The trade winds and thermals make for strong and consistent conditions. The wind blows easterly, which gives the place
perfect side-onshore sailing conditions most of the time. Generally in the morning there is little to no wind. At around
11:30 the thermals pick up and make the wind a lot stronger reaching its peak (up to 30 knots in the summer) at about 4
p.m. Then the wind remains consistent until around 7:00 pm.
Cabarete can accommodate sailors of all levels of expertise. Beginners will practice in the morning. Intermediate to Expert
sailors will take to the water in the afternoon. In the winter season there are great conditions to learn and practice wave
sailing. The waves are mast height to double mast height in the winter. Parts of the bay (the area from Valero resort to the
Ocean One Condos Complex and the Kite Beach) are protected by the reef and therefore will have only small waves (bump
and jump conditions). The winds blow averaging 13 - 17 knots in the winter season.
In the summer there is mostly flat water sailing. The reef protected areas will get completely flat water and the rest of the
bay will get bum and jumps conditions. The winds average 13-30 knots.
The water is warm all year round averaging about 26C (79F).
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
COCHE
When to go: The winds generally blow all year. The windiest season is from November till May. Though, the highest wind
months are from January to March. In May the wind gets a little weaker, but steadier than in the highest wind months. The
least windy time is from August to October. Even during these months, you would expect planing conditions for almost half
of your holiday.
Conditions:
The wind blows across the salt flats (salina) and beach, giving perfect, super flat water conditions. It feels like sailing on
silk. Coche is ideal for both kiting and windsurfing; however it has recently become more popular among Kitesurfers.
With a pleasant year round air and water temperature of about 26C (78F) you can leave your wet suit at home!
The constant offshore wind, direction is from the east, blowing at a speed of about 12 knots in the morning and gradually
building to around 25 knots in the afternoon.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
JAMAICA
When to go: The trade winds start to blow at the end of November (can be inconsistent!) and continue until the end of
May averaging 12-20 knots. July and August is another windy season in Jamiaca. The winds blow 15-20 knots.
Conditions:
The wind is light in the morning, which is perfect for beginners. By early afternoon the wind builds and blows side on
shore. It goes to its maximum by night. The water temperature will not require a wet suit.
Beaches to go:
The area where you can potentially windsurf or kitesurf on the island is located on the north coast.
Montego Bay is an interesting city to see. It also has some good night life. There are a few nice sandy beaches like
Cornwall Beach, Doctors Cave Beach, and Walter Fletcher Beach. The first one is near all the major hotels in the area. We
can also suggest the cove shared by Riu Hotel and Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort. This cove is very shallow and protected
by a long stretch of coral reef.
Silver Sands gated community has one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. The community is located just a 30 min
drive east of Montego Bay and consists of villas and cottages. Silver Sands offers villas of all sizes with a cook and house
keeping included. Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Silver Sands is great for intermediate to advanced sailors. The wind often
gets too strong and the water too choppy for all but intermediate and advanced sailors.
Ocho Rios is 1 1/2 hours east from Montego Bay. This city is a cruise ship capital. The bay accomodates many hotels and
all inclusive resorts. The beaches are beautiful. Recommended area is Riu Hotel and Sandals Dunn's River Resort bay.
Negril is a resort town that is about an hour west from Montego Bay. It has a reputation for marijuana and nude
sunbathing. Seven Mile Beach is a great beach in the area to try. Recent hurricanes destroyed the beach area around
Sandal's Negril Resort.
Launches from Montego Bay can be tricky, but not that difficult if you have a little help; however, Negril's launches are
great.
Beaches not to go:
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
MARGARITA
When to go: The winds generally blow all year. The windiest season is from November till May. Though, the highest wind
months are from January to March. In May the wind gets a little weaker but steadier than in the highest wind months. The
least windy time is from August to October. Even in the least windy times, you would expect planing conditions for almost
half of your holiday.
Conditions:
Margarita Island is famous among windsurfers and kitesurfers throughout the world.
There are two things that stand out about Margarita. Consistent side shore winds from the left and shallow water. The wind
usually builds during the day, peaking in mid afternoon. In other words: ideal conditions for beginners in the morning, and
in the afternoon perfect for intermediate and advanced sailors.
The sea and air are warm in Margarita all year round. You can sail in shorts and bare feet; but be careful of the reef just a
little off to the right of the main beach. Margarita island also hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each
year.
Best beaches to wind and kitesurf from:
Playa El Yaque, is the place to be if you are a windsurfer or kitesurfer. It is one of the worlds greatest spots to practice
these sports.
The amount of windsurfers at Playa El Yaque is comparable with the amount of taxis in New York City in the middle of the
day.
Playa El Yague has constant winds with a force of 20-30 knots during almost the whole year. This is complemented with the
warmth of its waters which range from 27-32C all the year long.
There is a fact that perhaps, should be mentioned, if you expect to find turquoise crystal clear waters in El Yaque you will
be very disappointed. This beach and waters here are no different than at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, for example.
A 300m-long shallow area is an ideal spot for safely practicing of all levels and also good for children. Mornings bring
lighter winds perfect for those learning the basic. The wind increases slowly to approximately 18-30 knots providing
excellent conditions for intermediate and advanced kite or wind surfing until dark or until you cant take it any longer!
Located near the airport, it offers many services including very affordable nice hotels, good restaurants, excellent rentals
and lessons.
Kitesurfers may feel a bit frustrated at the begining about the certain regulations concerning the sport. The rules were
enforced to ensure kitesurfers and windsurfers safety. According to these regulations Playa El Yaque is divided into various
zones.
Zone 1 -Upwind of the centers: No Time restrictions, open all day to kiting. Kiters can reach it by kiting upwind or by
taking the shuttle boat.
Zone 2 -The area in front of the centers and out to the platform: Kiting is allowed from sunrise until 9:30 am, no kiting
until after 5:30 pm.
Zone 3 -Downwind of the centers: Riding is allowed at any time as long as you stay out of the lanes of windsurfing traffic.
Please note, this area is quite shallow over the reef. Booties are recommended.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
MAYAN RIVIERA
When to go: The best time to go to kitesurf or windsurf is during the dry season which stars in December and ends in
April. The end of November which is the very end of the rainy season can be good as well. The strongest and the most
consistent winds usually occur in the months of January and February. The rest of the dry season time the winds are
generally not as consistant. But dont worry, if there is an occasional day with no wind you will have plenty to do and to see
in the Mayan Riviera.
Conditions:
There is a variety of conditions depending on the beach, the location and the forecast of the day. You can get flat water,
light surf or wave sailing. Most of the time you will get a light surf (1 m to 1 m waves). The water is very warm but you
might consider a short wet suit in January and February to protect yourself from the occasional cool day. The winds blow
15-20 knots in January and February and 12-18 knots the rest of the dry season.
Beaches to go:
Xpu-Ha bay (pronounced SH-PU-HA): The best beach to kite or windsurf from is Xpu-Ha bay. It is located only 3 km (2 ml)
south of Puerto Aventuras. Xpu-Ha is a magnificent wide bay lined by a broad, beautiful sandy beach. Much of the bay is
taken up by private houses and condos and unless you stay in one of the bay's resorts you have to pay a symbolic
entrance fee. There are a few nice all-inclusive resorts. The beach is big enough to accommodate the hotel guests,
residents, and day-trippers without feeling crowded. There is a kitesufing shop and school right on the beach, as well as, a
scuba store. The bay also has a few beach restaurants and washrooms.
Barcelo Hotels Bay: Barcelo hotels complex in the Mayan Riviera is a massive resort consisting of 6 hotels. It is located
right between Puerto Aventuras and Xpu-Ha bay. If you stay in one of the Barcelo hotels or ar Xpu-Ha Palace Resort you
can kitesurf or windsurf in the bay. Barcelo bay is huge but the watersports area is where you will want to launch. When
the wind is too strong for the other resort guests, you will have the whole left side of the bay for yourself enjoying
kitesufing or windsurfing. (Bring your own equipment!)
Playa del Carmen is the major city in the Mayan Riviera. It is located about 50 min drive from Cancun airport. Playa del
Carmen is big and very touristy and has hotels for every budget, lots of restaurants, shops and active nightlife. The Fifth
Avenue is Playa's well-known promenade. The beaches in Playa are good but crowded. Some of them were badly damaged
by the recent hurricanes and lost a lot of the sandy area.
Puerto Morelos is a little quiet fishing town at the very north of the Mayan Riviera. The beaches are wide, long and shallow.
The town by itself is a little run down. A prominent reef offshore was recently declared a national park. There are a few big
all-inclusive resorts just outside of Puerto Morelos.
Cozumel is an island about a half-hour away by ferry from Playa del Carmen. If you come here to sail,
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
PUERTO RICO
When to go: December through April is waves sailing season in Puerto Rico. Winds are somewhat inconsistent in the 10 to
25-knot range, blowing side-off to side-on, starboard-tack jumping. Waves up to mast high are usually generated by
frontal systems coming off the East Coast of the U.S.
July to September is flat-water sailing season. The North Atlantic generates the trade winds that blow during late spring
and summer at a steady 12 to 18 knots. The water gets flat, and the racers come out in full force.
Conditions:
The island is called Maui of the Caribbean because it offers excellent wave sailing conditions for almost half of the year.
The other half of the year you will get flat water. The winds blow with the average speed of 15-18 knots throughout the
year.
Puerto Rico enjoys an average temperature of 30C (82F). Temperatures do not change drastically throughout the
seasons. The Hurricane season spans from June to November. You can leave your wetsuit at home but bring the booties.
Some beaches have a rocky bottom.
Beaches to go:
There are three major windsurfing and kitesurfing areas in Puerto Rico: San Juan Metro Area, the Northwest Coast and the
South Coast .
San Juan Metro Area:
Punta Las Maras is located about 10 km (6 miles) east from San Juan downtown area. There are windsurfing and
kitesurfing shops and rentals are available. The wide, sandy beaches of Punta Las Maras with its steady sideshore winds
are perfect for all levels of wind and kitesurfing. Kiters and windsurfers actually get along pretty good there and share the
same beaches and breaks.
A long barrier reef about 800 m out (0.5 miles) provides some of the best wave sailing in Puerto Rico, with fantastic breaks
everywhere. For windsurfers the most popular sail sizes are 5.3 to 5.8 m2.
A good launch from which to explore the wave-sailing possibilities is the east corner of Park Boulevard Street, about 3
miles west of the airport. It offers beachfront street parking, a grassy rigging area and easy access to several clean breaks.
Isla Verde is another wide, sandy beach only 800 m further east of Punta Las Maras, right next to the International
Airport. This area is more popular among kitesurfers than windsurfers.
Caballos, has a big wave break. It is located in the Puerto Rico just off the beach next to the San Juan Airport. The waves
can be as high as double-mast even in the light wind. This area has a channel that allows you to get out from the swell.
You should launch near the San Juan Plaza in the Isla Verde neighborhood.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
ST. MARTIN
When to go: The trade winds season extends from the beginning of December until the end of April. June and July is
another windy season when the island gets tropical waves and stronger winds.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
TOBAGO
When to go: Tobago is a great place for a windsurfing or kitesurfing holiday. The winds are normally east to north east
from October to May, averaging 12 to 20 knots. During spring they switch east to south east, about 8 to 15 knots until the
rainy season in July. There is always the occasional exceptional day in between. November to January have the most
constantly strong winds. The best intermediate and beginner conditions are in August to December, as low tide makes
water conditions very smooth in the lagoon. June usually produces the strongest winds averaging 25 knots.
A word of caution: February is normally the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. If you plan to visit the country at this
time make sure you book your flight and accommodation 4-6 months in advance.
Conditions:
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html
There are other windsurfing and kiting spots on the island but they may take a bit of hunting down and may only be for the
experienced sailors. If you are prepared to do a little searching, then you may discover a virgin beach where it would feel
like no human has ever been!
You can still feel like Robinson Crusoe in a solitary cove on this island. This feeling will last only until Saturday, when the
Trinidadians fly over for a weekend on the beach.
Source: http://www.windresorts.com/windy-resorts.html