Kitesurf in Barbados : all you need to know
Barbados, a wave-oriented kitesurfing destination for experienced profiles
The best season extends from November to April
There are 3 main spots around the island.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Barbados is a good choice ?
Barbados is a Caribbean island that was under British influence until 1966 and is now independent, although still part of the Commonwealth. (All this to say, the atmosphere is very “British” and 90% of the tourists are English or American.)
It is located south of the Antilles arc, southeast of Martinique (roughly in line with Saint Lucia, but shifted to the east).
It is smaller than its neighbors (especially Guadeloupe and Martinique): you can go from north to south in about 1 hour.
It’s a paradise-like island: the beaches are beautiful, the water is a brilliant turquoise, and there are plenty of surf spots and kite spots. It’s a dream. Not to mention the fact that the locals are lovely.
To get there, you either go through Guadeloupe or Martinique, or through London. It’s best to plan a minimum of 10 days due to stopovers.
Best period and spots to kite in Barbados
In terms of kitesurfing, it’s taking place in the south of the island, near Silver Sand and Silver Rock. It’s a bit out of the way, 10 minutes from Oistins and the coast on this side is quite rocky.
There are roughly 3 spots: Silver Sand (a small beach, the last one you can reach if the wind drops), Silver Rock, the main beach with the schools and most of the kiters, and Long Beach a bit further east (larger and wilder).
In terms of water conditions, it depends: it can get heavy in waveriding when the swell comes in from the south, with nice waves and nice ramps. Otherwise, there are large areas of flat / choppy water in front of and between the waves. We had quite a lot of flat in the end, but I don’t think it’s always like that. So, in my opinion, it’s recommended for independent riders, or for those who already have the basics (intermediate lessons with local schools).
In terms of wind, it comes in between On and Side depending on the day. It’s often stronger in the morning, so don’t hesitate to get up early. And it often blows between 13 and 20 knots (but it can go up to 30 depending on the conditions). Therefore, plan for a 12 / 14m base and possibly a 9/10m. It’s perfect in twintip and otherwise in strapless it’s paradise, with nice waves. There were also quite a few foils, it’s ideal in terms of depth.
As for the season, it’s from late November to April.
Discover the kite spots in Barbados
Silver Sands
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Translucent water
- Turtles
- Beautiful waves
- Expensive destination
- Not easy to start
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: 8h to Martinique + 40 min regional flight
Direct flight: From London or St Lucia or Martinique
Time difference: Between 5h and 6h with Paris
Main airports: Bridgetown
Flight price: 750 / 1300€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: None
- Visa requirements: Visa not required for stays up to 6 months. Cost: Free
- Electrical adapter: Type A and B electrical outlets. Adapter may be needed
- Official language: English
- Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD)
Additional tips
You need a car to visit and move from spot to spot.
Budget level, it’s quite expensive. The cost of living is high, you can easily count 100€ for an apartment and don’t even talk about hotels! Car rental, likewise, is quite expensive.
Oh, and we drive on the left, so a little time of adaptation is necessary!
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Outside of kiteboarding, you can surf (great spots ++) and the beaches are beautiful. However, there isn’t a lot else to do once you’ve toured the island.
- Go to Soup Bowl, to surf if you have the level, but also because the landscapes are beautiful (it looks like Hawaii but smaller)
- Go Kiting at Long Beach because it’s natural and wilder
- Have a fat breakfast at a restaurant in Oistins (Surfers Cafe for example), with banana/chocolate pancakes, omelette, smoothie. Before the session, it’s allowed!
- Explore the island from top to bottom: the south and west are very touristy but as soon as you go off the beaten path, you come across some incredible places
- Relax on the beach at sunset: it’s absolutely amazing!