Kitesurf in Martinique : all you need to know
Martinique is a highly sought-after destination, a great potential for kitesurfing stays.
The best period extends from December to June.
The most famous spot is Pointe Faula, but there are many others.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Martinique is a good choice ?
Martinique, located in the French West Indies and nicknamed Madinina, is an excellent destination for kiteboarding during the winter. Just like in Guadeloupe, you can enjoy a warm and pleasant climate, turquoise lagoons, and beautiful beaches to take a break from the European cold, all just a few hours away by plane (about 8 hours direct flight from Paris, with connections to other cities).
It is an ideal destination to combine a kite trip with family or couple vacations, with both kiters and non-kiters. The pace of life is relaxed, the people are welcoming, and there are plenty of excursions and activities to do nearby: hiking, boat trips to the islets, snorkeling with turtles, paddleboarding, surfing, whale watching, canyoning, spa treatments and massages, cooking classes, tropical gardens… There is truly something for everyone, and if you know how to choose the right providers, you can easily find peace and authenticity.
For accommodation and daily life, you will need to rent a car (to be picked up at the airport) to get around. The island is quite large, the roads are winding, and public transportation is limited. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the island’s treasures! In terms of accommodation, there is a variety of options: hotels, villas, bungalows… However, with the influx of tourists, be sure to carefully check the key points beforehand.
In summary, Martinique is a top kiteboarding destination for 5 good reasons:
- A great way to unwind during the winter
- Cool riding for all levels, with flat lagoons and waves
- A perfect family destination
- An accessible and affordable paradise
- A safe destination
Best period and spots to kite in Martinique
Kite Level: a little paradise for learning and improving
Martinique is swept by the trade winds (warm and soft winds) from December to June. You should know that the wind never blows non-stop, expect a few days of calm or light wind (sometimes none, sometimes several), but in any case, you’ll never get bored. The ideal quiver is 10/12 or 11/14, but it’s important to check the conditions before leaving, so you can adjust your choice. As for boards, go more for the twintip and freeride surf, although there are more and more foils on the island (however, you need to check the tides well, and walk to get past the seagrass beds).
The most famous spots are on the South Atlantic side, between Le Vauclin and Anse Michel in Sainte Anne. These are large lagoons, with on to side-on wind, standing on a good part (watch out for sea urchins in the south, if you have sensitive feet, plan for booties) and relatively flat (flat to choppy depending on the wind and especially the tide). Some spots are quickly crowded, but if you move away and respect the navigation area (especially the take-off and departure zone), everything goes well.
You won’t need a wetsuit because the water is warm (25 to 28°), but a shorty could be recommended for the more cold-sensitive (or a mini 2/2 swimsuit wetsuit for girls). However, think about sunscreen because it gets seriously sunny on the islands!
A kite trip suggestion
Once you’re at Vauclin , it’s very nice to go on a kite trip to the south of the island, towards Anses du Macabou. (that is to say, to the right when you’re looking at the sea). It’s not really a downwind, as the wind is on, but more a large journey that can be very physically demanding: sailing a reach on the same leg, for kms, it burns!! Especially since past the mangroves, the water becomes more choppy, even wavy towards Macabou.
It’s better to go in groups, because in case of trouble, there’s nothing!! The crossing takes about 20/30 minutes. You can land on Macabou beach on arrival, but beware of the shorebreak, it quickly becomes complicated to leave.
Discover the kite spots in Martinique
Trois ilets
Macabou
Le Vauclin
Anse Michel
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Easy to access
- Ideal for Family
- Plenty of activities to do nearby
- Relaxing Lifestyle
- Light winds
- Lots of people in high season
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: Between 8 and 10 hours
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC-4
Airlines: Air France – Air Caraibes – Corsair – XL
Main airports: Fort-de-France (FDF)
Flight price: 450 / 1000 € depending on the period
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: No specific vaccines required for American or British nationals.
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Cost: N/A.
- Electrical adapter: Type C and E electrical outlets are used in Martinique, so travelers may need an adapter.
- Official language: French.
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
Additional tips
Car rental is highly recommended to get around the island and explore, unless you are on an all-inclusive package (in which case your hotel will organize day trips).
The island is quite large and public transportation is not well developed.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Martinique is quite large, and the range of activities outside of kiteboarding is also diverse.
There are many small towns to visit, such as Saint Pierre with its black sand beaches, where you can organize day catamaran trips to observe large cetaceans.
Those who enjoy hiking and walking will find happiness between the seaside trails or the ascent of Mount Pelé, which once buried the city of Saint Pierre.
If you are lucky enough to be present during carnival, do not hesitate to take a tour, or several tours, for the festive atmosphere that is worth seeing.
Hiking from Grand Rivière to Anse Couleuvre
If you lack wind one morning, the hike between Grand Rivière and Anse Couleuvre is a must! It’s a walk in the jungle, on the west face of Mount Pelé, at the very north of the island.
You have to get up early to avoid the heat, expect a 1h30 drive from Vauclin to Grand Rivière, and about 4 hours of walking (6 hours for slower walkers) to reach the end.
The walk is superb, through the shaded tropical forest. It is quite sporty, especially at the beginning, where it climbs steeply. Some training is required to do it. The difficulty lies in the length of the route.
At the end, you arrive at Anse Couleuvre, a beautiful bay nestled between the mountain and vegetation. Plan ahead and ask a fisherman to pick you up at the end, to avoid walking 6 hours back!!! The boat ride back is absolutely magical, you’ll feel like you’re in Hawaii !!
Swimming with turtles at Anse Noire and Anse Dufour
Anse Noire and Anse Dufour are two beautiful beaches, in the southwest of Martinique. Located a few kilometers from 3 ilets on one side, and Diamant on the other, they are a great stop for a windless day.
The plus of these beaches: diving and snorkeling. You have a great chance of encountering turtles, especially along the rocks.
You can easily walk or swim from one beach to the other. There is shade and places to eat.