Kitesurf in Santa Lucia : all you need to know
Saint Lucia is a more discreet kitesurfing destination than its neighbours, perfect for tranquillity.
The best season is between December and June, and the main spot is Savannes Bay.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Santa Lucia is a good choice ?
Saint Lucia (which belongs to Great Britain) is an island in the West Indies, located between Martinique (to the North) and St Vincent (to the South).
It is a very pleasant Caribbean destination: less touristy than Guadeloupe or Martinique, the weather is just as beautiful and warm. The mountainous terrain (volcanoes) and wild vegetation are conducive to excursions and beautiful walks. It is an ideal trip for families and couples due to its tranquility.
As for kiting, the wind is stronger than on the neighboring islands and offers superb conditions! The wind generally blows non-stop from morning to evening, so when you sleep in a bungalow on the beach you should expect to hear Eole all day, and all night! (personally, I love it, but some people may get tired of it in the long run)
It is a top destination for seasoned kiters who are a bit adventurous (you won’t find a spot with 150 kites in the water, 5 schools on the spot and dozens of restaurants). There is indeed a quite strong divide between luxury tourism and poverty.
Most of the English and Canadians sleep in 4* hotels, only leave in minibuses to go see the waterfalls for tourists and that’s it. Next to that, the villages are authentic, and quite poor at the same time. People are kind and smiling, but as everywhere you should not tempt fate by leaving valuable items in the car or walking around with too much money.
Best period and spots to kite in Santa Lucia
There are several spots in Saint Lucia, but most are quite wild. The best way to navigate them is to explore the surroundings yourself or ask for advice from local schools.
A good starting point is the south of the island, where you will have access to the 2 main spots: Reef Beach and Savannes Bay.
Best season for kiting: December to April.
Discover the kite spots in Santa Lucia
Vieux fort, Savannes bay
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Tranquility
- Diversity of landscapes
- Kindness of the locals
- Expensive destination
- No direct flights from Paris
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: From 2:00 PM, including layover
Direct flight: no
Time difference: UTC-4
Airlines: Air Canada – Air Caraibes – British Airways – American Airlines – US Airways
Main airports: Hewanorra Airport (UVF)
Flight price: €700 / €1300
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: None
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals do not need a visa for stays up to 6 weeks. Cost: Free
- Electrical adapter: Type G plug adapter needed
- Official language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Additional tips
Quiver: 9m and 12m (with a 7m if possible, because sometimes it blows really hard!)
Saint Lucia is accessed from Martinique or the United States most of the time (no direct flights from Paris). From Martinique, there are two options: either by plane (Air Caraibes, Taxi Caraibes Air, or Take Airlines) or by ferry (L’Express des Iles). Otherwise, there are direct flights from London (British Airways).
It is highly recommended to rent a car on site to explore the island and get around. Driving is on the left in generally automatic cars. Distances are very long, as the island is mountainous (especially on the west side). The roads are sometimes rough, so expect to take more time to get around than what you are used to at home.
No visa but a return tax of around €20, to be paid at the airport on the day of your departure.
As for food, it’s quite complicated! It’s very expensive because they import everything (for example: €1.50 for a basic yogurt….), unlike the French Antilles it’s very poor in fruits (you can find bananas, grapefruits, and sometimes passion fruits but that’s about it), there is very little meat (only frozen) and vegetables… In short, the supermarket experience is quite comical. Don’t count on local vendors, they are very few! The only trick: go to the fish market with a local (you need to know someone), there you can get the catch of the day at very reasonable prices!
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Activities outside of kitesurfing in Saint Lucia are mainly focused on the beach and snorkeling.
However, there are some walks to do to find yourself in front of spectacular views. This is the case of the ascent of the Gros Piton and the Petit Piton which will offer you a breathtaking view of the island and the ocean.
You will also enjoy the Creole atmosphere and cuisine, and if you are there at the right time, the carnival is an attraction not to be missed for partying.