The luscious Grenadines offer you a succession of uncrowded kitesurfing spots only a few miles away from each other.
Kitesurfing The Grenadines Kite Spot |
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A multi-spot holiday offering pristine crystalline waters, lagoons and bays…
Kiteboarders can ride a different spot everyday!
Intermediate and advanced kitesurfers have the perfect playground to
choose from in the Grenadines: flat protected waters, reef waves and
downwinds that are etched into your memory forever. Gliding over turtles
and manta rays in these waters is surely in the cards!
The Grenadines
The archipelago of the Grenadines is located in the south of the Caribbean, in the southern portion of the Windward Islands.
Within the 150 sq mile territory, the main island is St Vincent. In
the lower 2/3 you’ll find the Grenadines, the smaller chain of islands
stretching south from St Vincent to Grenada.
The Grenadines are comprised of over 32 islands and cays, 9 of which
are inhabited. All are volcanic in origin, deeply embayed with inlets
where clear aquamarine waters shallow up the finest sandy beaches.
Tobago Cays
Kitesurfing in the Grenadines
The trade winds blow from December/January to June, stronger winds
generally between January and March. In the beginning of the season the
wind direction is NE passing gradually to E as the season progresses.
Generally, the wind is stronger in the morning but it’s not unusual
to have some weeks when it blows more then 25 knots, day and night.
The temperature is almost always about 30c, with a water temp that stays around 28c…making it a wetsuit free spot all year.
Kitesurfing Spots
Union Island
Union island´s mountainous outline greets visitors with a striking
and picturesque array of green peaks and ridges. Clifton is a nice kite
spot to stretch your legs on the day of arrival. It will delight you
with turquoise shallow waters, protected by reef. Frigate Bay is just
around the corner, an amazing flat water spot that works with easterly
winds.
Happy Island – Union Island
The Tobago Cays
Known as the jewel of the Caribbean, this National park is a group of
small, deserted islands surrounded by a lively horseshoe reef. This is
the place to swim with the turtles and enjoy a great snorkeling session,
checking out the magically diverse ecosystem under the water…all this
after a good kite session of course!
I dare you to see the 225 different fish species in these waters!
The only island you are authorized to launch or land your kite is
Jamesby. You need to go upwind of Baradel to find some fun waves to play
with. You can also cruise to Petit Tabac to check out the reefs for a
more serious surf session. If the wind is light, the dinghy will take
you upwind with your launched kite from Baradel Beach…or you can always
launch your kite from the boat that you came with!
Jamesby Island
Petit Tabac
Petit Tabac is a small deserted island where the Pirates of the
Caribbean was filmed. It´s a beautiful day-anchorage for an epic
kiteboarding session. From here you can reach very good reefs, and if
the conditions are right you will explore some fine waves.
Petit Tabac
Mayreau
The smooth Salt Whistle Bay is the place to anchor. Just a few meters
away from the boat on the windward side is the best all-around kitesurf
spot in the Grenadines.
It’s perfect for the intermediate kiter with side-on wind, reef and a
sandy beach that allows kiters to play. If the anchorage is fairly
empty, you can also go for an excellent flat water session in the bay.
If you still have some power in your legs, walk to the top of this
one road island to see a stunning view (especially at sunset) of the
neighboring islands. A jaunt over to Dennis´s Hideaway for a nice meal
and a Pina Colada is always a good day’s end.
Salt Whistle Bay Anchorage
Mopion
This tiny, desolate white sandy-beached island is a great resting
spot during a session. Drop your kite and just enjoy the view of all
that surrounds you. Remember to bring your ice chest ashore with a few
chilled beers!
From Mopion you can go up to discover waves on the north side of
Petit St. Vincent. PSV is a private island, allowing you to come ashore
for a nature walk and their jazzy beach bar.
Relaxing between sessions at Mopion
How to Get There
There are several low cost options flying into UNION. Fly in from the
U.S., Canada or Europe with a stopover in Barbados, Grenada or St.
Lucia. The best stopover option is Barbados.
Fly from the U.S. to BARBADOS via Jet Blue, American Airlines, Air
Jamaica, Delta or US Airways. Fly EUROPE to BARBADOS via British Airways
or Virgin Atlantic from the United Kingdom; Condor out of Germany.
Short Flights to Union Island
SVG Air: toll free (800) 624 1843 , (315) 507 8258 , (784) 457 5124 or info@svgair.com – www.svgair.com.
Barbados to Union daily flights departing at 12:30pm and 4:30pm; returning 11:00am and 1:55pm.
Check more connection flights at: www.mustique.com.
Kitesurfcat Anchorage – Union Island
Accommodation
By Boat
Chartering
a boat is the very best way to get around to all the kite spots. Fully
enjoying all the different islands and making the most of your time is
the ultimate…not to mention waking up in a new spot to launch your kite
all through the week!By Hotel
Union island is the place to stay if you want to be land based. You
will find two main hotels, Bougainvilla and Anchorage. There are also a
few small guesthouses in Clifton.
The JT Pro center owned by pro-rider Jeremie Tronet takes care of
Anchorage reservations. He offers beach houses at the kite spot and can
organize boat excursions as well.
His website has plenty of useful information about the
Grenadines…offering package kite lessons for beginners, advanced
training and kite clinics.
Jeremie Tronet´s Awesome Video
Restaurants
In Union you can find international and local cuisine. For an amazing
pizza, check out Marie at Ciao pizza. For a very well priced delicious
lobster, sautéed conch, and local Caribbean dishes visit Big Citi just
in front of the colourful fruit market. Captain Gourmet offers café
style dining and great espresso for breakfast and lunch.
In the Tobago Cays, the local boat boys will arrange a beach bbq for you with the fresh catch and ice cold drinks.
More options are available… these are just the favorites!
Nightlife
Happy Island will serve you up a fresh made rum punch with reggae
tunes flowing at sunset. This tiny island made from conch shells is a
must see.
I.E.´s new bar, D´Spot is a fun hangout to watch all the small planes land just in front of your bottle of local beer.
Twilight, just down the street from Anchorage pumps the music at night giving you a chance to groove.
The JT Pro Center organizes a full moon kiting party every month that
is a must if you plan your trip when the moon shines bright.
Travel Tips
- Bring your reef shoes and an extra set of your favorite board fins
- $1 U.S. = $2.67 E.C. (Eastern Caribbean dollar-fixed exchange rate)
- 1€ = $3.70 E.C.
Written by
Yann Campinos
text published by inMotion Kitesurfing.
