When one thinks about Caribbean windsurfing holidays, there are a few islands that come to mind. The reasons that so many Caribbean islands consistently make the list of the best places to windsurf are because of their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean; strong and consistent trade winds and air streams; year-round hot and sunny weather; and warm water.
Windsurfing is often classified as an extreme sport, that requires a high level of skill, balance, and maneuverability. This water sport is a combination of surfing and sailing and requires the use of a windsurf board. The board is powered by wind blowing against a sail that is connected to the board by a rig. The surfer stands on the board and holds on to and shifts the watercraft to maneuver across the water.
In the Caribbean, the sport often falls in the adventure tourism niche and the extreme sports niche because it involves travelling to exotic destinations. The sport has grown in popularity in the Caribbean over the last few years. There are now several options for Caribbean windsurfing holidays which include accommodation close to windsurfing beaches; travel packages for windsurfing events; and windsurfing classes and courses.
Best Windsurfing Spots in the Caribbean
The best islands to windsurf in the Caribbean include Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, the Dominican Republic, Nevis, St. Maarten/ St. Martin and Tobago. These destinations each have specific windsurfing beaches and locations that are suitable for different windsurfing skills.
Antigua & Barbuda
The twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda is a popular windsurfing destination with beautiful beaches and rich culture and historic sites. Trade winds flow from the northeast and are most effective for windsurfing from December to July. The best places to go windsurfing in Antigua & Barbuda are Jabberwock Bay, Dutchmans Bay and Dickinson Bay. These beaches are a mixture of flat water and choppy water offshore which can be caused by strong winds.
Aruba
Aruba is one of the happiest islands in the Caribbean and one of the more popular destinations for Caribbean windsurfing holidays. The island benefits from easterly trade winds which can produce ideal offshore that support windsurfing. The ideal months to visit Aruba for windsurfing are December to September, but from February to July, the winds are extremely gusty. The best beaches for windsurfing on the island are Palm Beach, Malmok Beach and Fishermen’s Huts.
Barbados
Barbados windsurfing is one of the most loved and revered around the world. The island is the most easterly of all Caribbean islands and has several areas that benefit from a northerly trade wind. Although the months from December to March are regarded as the best times to visit for a windsurfing holiday, you can visit the island at any time during the year and enjoy good waves. The beaches on the south and south east coasts, which include Silver Sands, Silver Point, Long Beach and Freights Bay are recommended for windsurfing in Barbados.
Bonaire
Its flat water and windsurfing conditions are two of the characteristics that make Bonaire one of the best places to windsurf in the world. Depending on where you are surfing on the island, the wind blows in different directions. The period from December to September is the high season for windsurfing, with winds increasing in severity from May to September. Lac Bay is the premier site for windsurfing on the island, because it is a protected by the Bonaire Marine Park and is free from boat traffic.
Dominican Republic
On the north east of the Dominican Republic, there is a bustling windsurfing community with many beaches for all levels of skill. Located in Puerto Plata, Cabarete is a lively area with beautiful beaches and windsurfing. Generally, the Dominican Republic gets frontal/ accelerated trade winds which blow from the right in most areas. January, February and March are the best months to visit because winds are consistent and wave conditions are ideal. Cabarete is a popular place to surf because it is a protected area inside a reef. The bay is a safe location that allows for windsurfing and kitesurfing for novices and experts.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a French owned island that is neighboured by Dominica in the south and Antigua and Barbuda in the north. The island receives Atlantic trade winds for most of the year, which makes it possible to go windsurfing year-round. The months from December to June are especially active with winds that produce choppy waves. The popular windsurfing spots in Guadeloupe are Sainte Francois, Le Moule, Saint-Francois and Pointe des Chateaux. Some of these locations feel the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean, which requires a bit more skill.
Nevis
In the midst of a small island with a relaxed atmosphere and quiet and deserted beaches, windsurfers take over the water in the shadows of Nevis Peak. Nevis is sister island to St. Kitts and is located to the south of Puerto Rico. The island receives trade winds from the north east which have aided its reputation as one of the best places for Caribbean windsurfing holidays. During the period of December to April is the high season where surfers can really enjoy the waves. The recommended windsurfing sports in Nevis are Oualie Beach, Nisbet Plantation Beach and the Narrows.
St. Maarten/ St. Martin
St. Maarten/ St. Martin is a unique island that is owned by the Netherlands and France. It is a popular surfing destination that offers windsurfing holidays for guests of all levels of proficiency. During the months of November to March, the wind blows from the left, and during the months of June to September, it blows from the right. Windsurfing usually heats up in November, straight through to March, and then again in June and July. The best beaches for windsurfing in St. Maarten/ St. Martin are Gallion Bay and Orient Bay.
Tobago
Even though it is sometimes seen as Trinidad’s baby sister, Tobago stands on its own as one of the best windsurfing islands in the Caribbean. The beautiful island receives trade winds and local thermals which flow from the right. The island’s flat waters are ideal for windsurfing and other watersports. Between the months of December and June, surfers can take advantage of a windy season that reaches its peak in March and April. Pigeon Point is the best area for windsurfing in Tobago, and surfers are encouraged to also visit Nylon Pool and Mount Irvine Bay.
