With kilometers of coastline and a warm climate all year round, the islands of the French West Indies have become a paradise for kitesurfers.
In this article, we list the best places in the region to enjoy this fun sport.
Guadeloupe
The well-known spot is Plage des Salines just past Le Gosier, where you’ll find plenty of kitesurfing enthusiasts to have fun with. The beach is easy to access and conditions are perfect with minimal waves for speed, but you can get out of the bay and have some.
The town of Le Moule boasts two white-sand beaches and an exuberant natural landscape. The best waves can be found off the beach of Le Moule, at L’Autre Bord, accessible offshore near the reefs. Fishing boats serve as water cabs, taking visitors to this kitesurfing spot and to some of the archipelago’s smaller islands.
Sea urchins are plentiful here, so kitesurfers are advised to take care whenever they are near the reefs. This really is a spot for confirmed kiteboarders.
Other top spots are on Sainte-Anne, on the Club Med beach, and on Caret islet, an idyllic islet covered with sandy beaches and a few palm trees.
The lagoon of Saint-François is also a very pleasant spot, with calm waters and a steady trade wind. You can surf waves at the passes. It’s a well-known spot where you can launch yourself from the Pies beaches, next to the Résidence Savannah.
Travelers are advised to book their trip in February, as at this time of year, good kite conditions are virtually guaranteed every day. Detailed information on local kiting conditions is available fromAction Kite Caraïbes
Martinique
Pointe Faula beach, near the fishing village of Le Vauclin, is Martinique’s top destination for surfers and kitesurfers, as it boasts a well-equipped watersports center. Cap Chevalier is another quiet spot, and is particularly suitable for beginners.
A good spot is also in Sainte-Anne at Club Med Les Boucaniers, where you’ll have wind and bay for sailing.
Saint-Martin
Orient Bay is not only one of St Martin’s most beautiful beaches, it’s also an ideal spot for experienced kitesurfers. The designated kite zone on this St Martin spot is 250 meters from the beach and the main swimming area. It is necessary to ride upwind to reach the kite zone.
The calmer waters of the lagoon are a good place for beginners to practice. Another great St Martin spot is the perfect Galion beach, just five minutes from Club Orient and Baie Orientale.
Saint-Barth
St Barts offers kitesurfers deep bays and calm waters, particularly on the island’s east coast. Beginners often head for Grand Cul de Sac or Petit Cul de Sac, both offering shallow waters ideal for practice. Further south is Toiny beach, known for its rugged landscape and rough waters.
Lessons, transport and equipment rental are available with the professionals in the field, the company Saint Barts Kite.
