Kitesurf in Guadeloupe : all you need to know
Guadeloupe is a small kitesurfing paradise, easily accessible from France.
The best season for a kite trip is the trade winds period between December and June.
While there are many spots around the island, the most renowned is the Bois Jolan spot.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Guadeloupe is a good choice ?
Guadeloupe is a preferred destination for a kite trip, between the month of December and June (the period to avoid is from the end of August to the end of October, the hurricane season).
It is an easily accessible island (direct flights from Paris, at fairly affordable prices depending on the season), which offers a real diversity of activities besides kite. You can indeed enjoy the magnificent white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons for swimming or lounging, go hiking and admire the lush nature on the side of Basse Terre, but also go snorkeling or diving, paddle boarding, boat trips in the islets…
Best period and spots to kite in Guadeloupe
Regarding kite level, the trade winds blow from December to June. They are by definition quite light winds (12 – 25 knots on average) so plan for large kites (11/12m on average).
The spots are concentrated between St Anne (Bois Jolan in particular) and St Francois on Grande Terre, and you can also ride in the islands and islets (Les Saintes, Marie Galante, Ilet Caret…). There is mainly flat / choppy water, which is ideal for freestyle and freeride, and a few wave spots on the barrier. There is also the possibility of doing beautiful downwinds when you know or can have a boat for safety.
Beginners or experienced, kiters or non-kiters, honestly everyone gets their money’s worth. It’s a great destination for couples, families (regardless of the children’s age) or groups of friends.
According to an opinion from Thomas, Bois Jolan, the most well-known spot in Guadeloupe, is pretty good except on the weekends (too crowded). The water is quite choppy, so it’s a challenge for freestyle! La Pointes des Chateaux in Guadeloupe is a really good lagoon with a northeast wind. Maximum number of riders: 3!!!
Discover the kite spots in Guadeloupe
Les Salines
Le Moule
Les Saintes
Saint François
Bois Jolan
Ilet Caret
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Accessibility
- Rich variety of non-kite activities
- Perfect for beginners
- Pleasant lifestyle
- Some world in full season
- Generally light wind (I know many of you like strong wind..)
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Nothing could be simpler to go to Guadeloupe, there is a colossal number of direct connections from France, with several airlines: Air France, Air Caraïbes, Corsair, and so on.
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: No specific vaccines required for entry
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days
- Need for electrical adapter: Type C and Type E electrical outlets, so an adapter may be needed
- Official language: French
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
Additional tips
Get around
To get around in Guadeloupe, a car is essential! It is easy to rent cars from traditional rental companies at the airport, although prices can quickly rise in high season. It is better to plan ahead a little.
There is also a peer-to-peer car rental application: Zotcar, which I used. Quite practical, I received my car at the airport, and I managed to find a cheap car on the application.
Be careful in Guadeloupe, drivers tend not to share the road too much. Sometimes you have to assert yourself a bit to make space. At night, the roads are often winding and poorly lit, personally I didn’t like driving at night in Guadeloupe, you are often very dazzled by oncoming drivers.
Accommodation
There is no shortage of accommodation in Guadeloupe. Villas, hostels, bungalows, there is plenty to choose from. I recommend finding accommodation between Saint François and Saint Anne, you will have easier access to the kitesurf spots.
The roads can quickly become crowded, so if you are too far away, you may take a long time to get to and from the kite spot.
Other advice
It is often recommended to be careful with mosquitoes and protect yourself from them. Do not take this advice lightly, I caught dengue fever during my last stay in Guadeloupe. Result: 5 missed kite sessions…
Kitetrip Planner partners in Guadeloupe
If you are looking to organize your next Guadeloupe kite trip, and you need a helping hand, do not hesitate to contact one of my partners.
The partners of the Kitetrip Planner network are chosen for the quality of their services, and for the customer satisfaction they put at the heart of their approach.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
What to do in Guadeloupe besides kitesurfing?
Guadeloupe is actually a fairly large island. While the trade wind season is ideal for wind and good kitesurfing sessions, there may also be times when the wind is not cooperating.
In those cases, don’t despair. Let go and explore the treasures that the island has to offer.
From hiking, waterfalls, snorkeling, boating, surfing, and so much more, the activities are endless.
I also recommend, whether there is wind or not, taking a trip to Les Saintes, a little piece of paradise easily accessible by boat.