Guadeloupe is an ideal destination for kitesurfing. You’ll soon see why…
Guadeloupe, or rather the Guadeloupe archipelago, is a group of islands, the two main ones being : Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. They are shaped like butterflies when viewed from above.
- Basse-Terre is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and dominated by a high volcano: La Soufrière.
- Grande-Terre is flatter and more exposed to Atlantic disturbances, making it ideal for surfing and kitesurfing.
Both are covered with lush vegetation and streams where you can swim. The beaches are each more beautiful than the last. There are black sand beaches and white sand beaches, as fine as talcum powder, turquoise water and truly remarkable waves.
Let’s take a look at the best spots for kitesurfing in Guadeloupe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kiteboarder, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, whether freestyle or freeride, at our favorite spots.
The best time to kitesurf in Guadeloupe
IF you’re planning to kite in Guadeloupe, the ideal period is from late December to June. July is also a good time for kitesurfing.
The climate is tropical and therefore always warm and rather humid, but there are two seasons:
- A dry season from December to June
- A wet season from late June to November.
From December to June, trade winds blow from the east and are responsible for the drier, cooler climate. These are fairly light winds. Their intensity is generally between 12 and 25 knots. So pack a large sail (11/12 m on average).
Temperatures are excellent all year round. You won’t need a wetsuit. In the evening, a sweatshirt is only occasionally required.
All about the best kitesurfing spots in Guadeloupe
The main kitesurfing sites are on Grande-Terre.
Sainte-Anne: kitesurfing in a lagoon
Sainte-Anne is famous for its turquoise waters and tranquil lagoon. The spot is huge. It’s just outside the village. You can’t miss it, as there’s a school before the track leading to the beach.
It’s the ideal place to start kitesurfing. You can learn to ride in perfect conditions, in a beautiful environment. Be careful not to go too far downwind. Don’t hesitate to go up a little for your take-off.
Departures can easily be made from the Club Med beach or from the village beach, but away from the swimmers.
Bois Jolan
Bois Jolan is the island’s main kitesurfing spot. It’s also the most popular spot. Take-off is easy.
You’ll be practicing in a lagoon with a sandy bottom. It’s a spot for beginners and freestylers alike. Inside the reef, you’ll find flat water.
The lagoon is bordered by a reef, but you can pass almost anywhere without any problem. Be careful on the leeward reef, where it’s easy to get caught in the waves. Be especially careful at low tide.
The waves outside the lagoon can also be a good size for you to enjoy.
Kitesurfing in Saint-François
Saint-François is the most easterly town on the island, with the best exposure to the trade winds (east/south, even north/east).
The lagoon is a very pleasant spot, once you’ve adjusted to the proximity of the palm trees and the number of boats. The water is sublime and the trade winds are stable. If the wind is blowing side-on on the port shore, you’ll need to move forward a little to get your sail off the ground, as the beach isn’t very wide. But it’s really a spot that provides good sensations: you have the presence of “little rollers” that form with the reef that surrounds the lagoon.
Kiter in Gosier on Salines Beach
The Salines kite spot in Gosier is the closest to Pointe-à-Pitre. Not for amateurs: the beach is narrow and coconut palms are close by. Don’t risk tearing your sail on take-off! It’s a good flatwater spot. Beware of the coral bank, which can be uncovered.
Where can you kitesurf in Basse-Terre?
Although the main kitesurfing spots are in Grande-Terre, you’ll find that Basse-Terre has a few nuggets.
L’îlet Caret is a small sandy confetti in the middle of the sea, inhabited by a dozen palm trees and a few tufts of grass. It lies off the coast of the commune of Sainte-Rose, 5 km north of Basse-Terre.
It is accessible by boat. You can also ask the fishermen to take you there after agreeing the price. This little islet is a truly spectacular kitesurfing spot… It’s well worth the detour, if only for the photos!
Although the islet is only 120 meters long, there’s plenty of room for a leisurely take-off. The spot is very pleasant, but make sure you know how to ride upwind. Otherwise, you could end up very low! Beware of coral spuds. So don’t jump just anywhere.
To start from Sainte-Rose, from the small harbor, go left of the pontoon, at the tree line. A word of advice: go in pairs to help you get off the ground. Wear slippers, as there are a few sea urchins in the seagrass beds at the start.
Where can you learn to kitesurf in Guadeloupe?
There are many kitesurfing schools and clubs in Guadeloupe. If you’re in Sainte-Anne, Just’in Kite offers private lessons, duo kitesurfing and foil strapless.
Action Kite Guadeloupe is a reputable school with over 20 years’ experience. It is located in Saint-François, at the nautical base near the Marina.
Kite on the island’s largest lagoon with Gwada Kite School, a 100% kite school with courses for all levels. The school is located in Sainte-Rose, just across from the lagoon’s turquoise waters, islets and mangrove groves.
