Kitesurf in Saint Martin : all you need to know
Saint Martin, a small Caribbean island where the trade winds blow regularly.
The best period for kiting lasts from December to June.
There aren’t a thousand spots, the main one being Orient Bay.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Saint Martin is a good choice ?
Saint-Martin is the smallest island in the world to be shared between two nations. The southern part “Sint Maarten” is administered by the Netherlands, while the larger northern part “Saint Martin” belongs to France.
Although the border between the two is barely perceptible, it delineates two very different cultures. Sint Maartin is synonymous with cruise ships, duty-free shops, and hotel tourism, while Saint-Martin radiates with French flair, comfort, and elegance.
The French part is home to most of the pure white sandy beaches, the most attractive for kitesurfers, as they benefit from the best wind and swell.
Best period and spots to kite in Saint Martin
There aren’t 36 places to kite: you can go to Orient Bay, in the northeast of the island (freeride spot) or to the southwest in Nettle Bay (at the border with the Dutch part). Knowing that Orient Bay is the most suitable spot.
Best season for kiting: Mid December to Mid July. It’s worth noting that it rains much less in St. Martin than in Guadeloupe or Martinique.
Like the rest of the Caribbean, St. Martin benefits from the trade wind regime, very regular but quite light winds. Therefore, you should plan for good kite sizes (>12m).
Discover the kite spots in Saint Martin
Baie Nettle
Orient Bay
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Easy access
- Family-friendly
- Restaurants and nightlife
- Various activities
- Dear
- Light wind
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: Between 8 and 10 hours for direct flights
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC-4
Airlines: Air France – Air Caraibes – Corsair – XL Airways
Main airports: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Flight price: 600 / 1000€ depending on the season
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. Cost: N/A.
- Electrical adapter: Type C and E electrical outlets. Adapter may be needed.
- Official language: French and Dutch.
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
Additional tips
Car rental is recommended to visit the island and get around (30/40€ per day).
You will need a valid passport as you are arriving on the Dutch side.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Apart from kite surfing, the island is full of beautiful beaches with golden sand and is surrounded by a large turquoise lagoon, making it an ideal family destination in winter.
You will have plenty of opportunities to go snorkeling, catamaran sailing, and take walks.