Water sports are all the rage in the Caribbean, as it’s an idyllic, magical place to enjoy the sea and the wind.
If you fancy trying windsurfing, it’s best to visit between December and April when the northeast winds are optimum for keeping your sail upright as you ride the waves. Many of the bays around the islands are sheltered by the reefs and a great place for windsurfing or simply to experience the international competitions that regularly take place in the area.
However, one of the water sports that’s gained the biggest following is windsurfing. But, why is the Caribbean so great for this sport? Keep reading to find out…
Between December and April each year, the northeast winds are best in the Caribbean, meaning your sail is always high and the waves are perfect for sailing, and there’s a great variety of bays and islands surrounded by reefs.
International competitions and are held in these regions, which are extremely popular and great fun to attend. Even if you are not an expert, many of the hotels offer beginner classes so you can enjoy the relaxed and sporty Caribbean atmosphere.
Some of the best spots for windsurfing:
- Silver Sands, Barbados.
With high winds and even higher waves between June and November, Silver Sands is an excellent spot for intermediate and expert windsurfers.
If you’d like lessons while in Barbados, you’ll find reputable shops that will have you riding the waves in no time, you can also rent boards and get replacements parts and accessories.
- Lake Arenal, Costa Rica.
Catalogued as “experts only” due to its strong winds and challenging conditions. Lake Arenal is located between two mountains that channel strong winds that generate choppy waters. Perfect for windsurfers looking for a challenge.
The best time of the year to face these challenging water is in late winter or early spring.
- Cabarete Bay, Dominican Republic.
A popular destination for beginners. Cabarete Bay is the perfect spot if you’re thinking of dipping into the world of windsurfing. Lessons are also available at some of the local shops.
A relaxed and less challenging experience awaits in summer, while winter months provide for a more extreme experience with high waves.
- Malmok Beach, Aruba.
Known for its warm, constant breeze, Happy Island is an excellent spot for windsurfing as it’s one of the windiest islands in the Caribbean. The island also hosts one of the biggest competitions in the region, the “Aruba Hi-Winds”, with 20 categories for all ages and skill levels.
Malmok Beach is the perfect place to take a few classes at all levels and discover this windsurfers’ paradise.
- Oualie, Nevis.
Another destination for those looking to start windsurfing and take some classes. Oualie Beach is a sheltered cove with shallow, calm waters, while the waters outside the cove offer slight swells to test your new skills.
