Kitesurf in Antigua and Barbuda : all you need to know
Antigua and Barbuda are two English islands that have many assets for kite enthusiasts. Whether it’s for their paradisiacal setting, or the wind conditions with the trade winds blowing a good part of the year, from December to May.
There are several kite spots in this region, the most famous of which are Jabberwock beach, and Cocoa Point.
This destination is also very suitable for a kitesurfing cruise stay.
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Why kitesurfing in Antigua and Barbuda is a good choice ?
Antigua and Barbuda are two small islands in the British Antilles and are part of the Commonwealth. They are located between St Martin and Anguilla (to the north) and Guadeloupe (to the south).
Antigua is the larger of the two islands, the southernmost and by far the most populated. Barbuda, 30 kms to the north of its compatriot, is very sparsely inhabited (about 1500 people) and remains almost untouched.
The archipelago is a real gem of the Antilles, with its coral reefs and idyllic beaches.
Antigua and Barbuda boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, some of which are still very preserved (Antigua alone has more than 350 beaches!).
It is a dream destination for a kite trip, with sessions on turquoise lagoons and a more than transparent sea…
It’s an ideal family destination that you can visit by boat (catamaran for example, sailing from spot to spot) or by staying on one of the two islands to enjoy the scenery and the holidays. However, be aware that to fully enjoy it, a certain budget is needed.
In this archipelago, there’s not much to see, but there are various activities: diving, catamaran, walks, surfing (in the northeast of the island), boat excursions.. And of course, kite!
As for Kite: Like the rest of the Antilles, the prevailing winds are the trade winds, regularly blowing between 12 and 25 knots, from December to May. So, you need to plan for good kite sizes to take advantage of it. The spots are varied, the best way to discover them is by boat but you can also explore the islands from the inside. It’s absolutely necessary to visit the two islands of the archipelago, the spots in Barbuda being just magical.
Best period and spots to kite in Antigua and Barbuda
Best wind season: from December to May
During this time of the year, the wind conditions are ideal for water sports such as kite surfing and windsurfing.
Many enthusiasts from around the world come to this destination to take advantage of the strong and consistent winds.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you will find the perfect spot to practice your skills and enjoy the thrill of riding the waves.
Discover the kite spots in Antigua and Barbuda
Cocoa Point
Green Island
Jabberwock Beach
Low Bay
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Beautiful setting
- Kite paradise
- Regular wind
- Destination that requires a large budget
- Not accessible by direct flight
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
It generally takes between 13h and 20h to reach Antigua and Barbuda by plane.
To get there, you will need to have a layover either in St Martin (then a 45-minute flight) or in Guadeloupe (then a 1-hour flight) for the fastest flights.
Another option is to have a layover in London, which is often quite long.
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: None
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Need for electrical adapter: Type A/B electrical outlets (American standard)
- Official language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Additional tips
Antigua & Barbuda are two islands in the Lesser Antilles, part of the same country, located north of Guadeloupe.
Each of these islands is different from its neighbor. Antigua has a more pronounced relief and its coast is rugged with numerous coves and a well-developed coral reef offering good anchorages in the wind, directly on the spots.
Barbuda is a sandcastle that rises to 43m. No wind anchorages, but the low height of the island allows for impeccable wind on the leeward side of the island as well as to the south. A large lagoon provides a very protected spot.
Some amazing offshore spots alone justify the trip.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
On these two islands, apart from kiteboarding and other water activities, there is not much to visit, except for the underwater world.
The marine fauna of the region is very rich, and each day of snorkeling is different.
As I mentioned before, Antigua and Barbuda have countless stunning beaches. Visiting each of them would be a big challenge.