THE GRENADINES KITESURF TRIP
hidden kite paradise
accomodation
touring yachty style
sailing is freedom. get salty.
the feeling
you. are. here.
'nuff said.
PACK SUNSCREEN, NOT WORRIES
the details
focused on getting you out on the water as much as possible
The trip in the Grenadines starts from Grenada, getting you to the first kite spot in 4 hours. Once in the Grenadines, we explore the local variety the islands have to offer, all within a small area of the Caribbean Sea.
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Visiting 7 to 10 different kite spots
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Kite spots are within 1 to 1.5 hours sail away from each other
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Flexible itinerary - adjusted to the wind and your favorite spot
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Sleep in sheltered lagoons - no rocking
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Great food, period.
All you need to know you can find in the detailed information below.
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wind
The wind is brought to you by the ancient trade winds blowing across the Atlantic. It is 'on' from mid November till August, this is our kiteboarding season in the Grenadines and Tobago. It is always from the East, changing between North-East to South-Easterly. It is a very steady wind and THE STATISTICS ARE AWESOME.
The trade winds are not thermal: meaning they will blow day or night, so you do not have a mere little window of opportunity to kite, but rather all day. At night the wind blows into your cabin's hatches to make for a cool and breezy night of rejuvenating sleep.
Strongest winds are from December to March, 15-25 knots. November and the period March to the end of July will see more gentle winds, between 12-20 knots mostly. June, though, is the top month if you want the highest chance of wind every day and lots of it.
The conditions are especially ideal for learning, for freestylers (hence the parade of pro riders dropping in recently), and for foiling.
Kite sizes most used are 9 to 12 meter kites.
water
Apart from us never getting enough of the colour, the water in the Grenadines is warm and gentle (av. 28C/82F, no shore breaks). There are several (super) flat water spots in beautiful shallow lagoons. Other spots (e.g. Tobago Cays) are choppy, but not rough. Proper waves happen mainly with Northern swell which is less frequent. Around Union however, there are usually a few smaller waves to be found during the trip.
The short distances between the islands lend themselves for an inter-island crossing: the big boat will follow as you go for a downwinder to our next destination.
The water is uncrowded - some spots are fairly small but we will have them either entirely to ourselves, or share them with no more than 10 other kiter friends in peak season.
itinerary
Departing from Grenada early morning (8 am), on your first day of the kite cruise you will be pumping your kite by noon (please inquire about the option for a 'sleep aboard' the night before). Your first spot is at a pristine white sandy beach off the island of Carriacou. The same day we head over to Union Island, crossing the border of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Get in your second kite session, then your first taste of the local vibe at the infamous Happy Island bar. Watch the locals do some pro level shhh*.
The next days of the trip we have only short sails between the islands and different spots we visit, 1 to max. 2 hours. We visit a new spot, sometimes 2, each day. You can kite at the break of dawn, and/or until the sun goes down. Eat, sleep, kite, repeat.
We circle around the Grenadines, finding our favorite spots and places to come back to. We make our way back via yet another eye wateringly bright white sandy beach around Carriacou. On the last day, we sail the last leg back to the pick up location in Grenada to drop you off around noonish.
other departure options
Other points of departure are possible:
St. Lucia - depart at 4pm, anchor for the night, sail to Grenadines for first kite session at noon on Day 2. Total sailing time 12 hours, each way.
Union Island - to get here is a bit of a thing and flights to the island are expensive. However, if you want to stay here a few days before or after the trip, it may be well worth it.
Martinique - From Europe flights to Martinique via Paris are cheap. However, the sail down to your first kite spot takes a total of 18 hours. If you love sailing this is a great option, but suitable only for trips of 10 days or longer.
spots
Often the favourite: Frigate Rock for its super flat water. There is also flat water at the lagoon near the town of Clifton (both on Union Island). There will be turtles and rays zooming beneath your board at the Tobago Cays. This marine park is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If you want, there is some lobster straight off the BBQ to be had here, served with local flair and sides. Nearby, Captain Jack Sparrow was marooned on Petit Tabac. We might strand you on another tiny island in the sea, Morpion, but ply you with fancy drinks at the bar of Petit Saint Vincent private island resort later. The island of Mayreau has 2 kite spots with narrow beaches but lots of space on the water. One is the beautiful Salt Whistle Bay, which one must experience to feel its magic. On longer trips we visit the long lagoon of Canouan Island. For up to overhead waves we must get lucky with the right swell at Palm Island, though we seek small breaks around several spots on Union. On the way up and back, Carriacou offers 3 stunning sandy beach kite spots.
level
All levels are welcome. For shared trips we recommend being of intermediate level at a minimum. This will ensure you have the most fun.
The water and wind conditions are ideal for both learning and advanced riders. But note that the small launch beaches might not be what you are used to and can be a bit challenging for the less experienced. Your crew is here to help if you are uncomfortable! We always provide safety cover with a rescue boat when you are out there on the water.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Lessons are a requirement for beginners to go kite. If you are not able to ride upwind, you will need to take lessons until you are. Then, you may be free.
lessons
Kitesurf school
As mentioned, lessons are a requirement if you are a beginner, until you can kitesurf independently, i.e. stay upwind.
Our partner for lessons is Happy Kite, based on Union Island. They teach at the amazing Frigate Rock kite spot and at Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau Island. They will also come out to the boat to meet up with you. We love their vibe and their instructors are IKO certified.
PRICES
PRIVATE LESSON
2.5 HOURS
US$ 200
SHARED LESSON
3 HOURS - 2 PERS
US$ 300
PRIVATE COURSE
6 HOURS
US$ 600
SHARED COURSE
9 HOURS - 2 PERS
US$ 900
gear rental
With the super stable Naish Pivot in all sizes you have an easy kite for all conditions. Coming in 2020: all new NORTH gear!!! (we are pretty excited). Inquire for prices for all the different elements of gear (whole package, board only, etc.).
why grenadines?
People will try to tell you this is the REAL Caribbean. And actually: if visiting the BVI is like going to Disney Land, being in the Grenadines is like being in the actual fairytale. The locals are friendly. And very laid back. It would be a major effort to not be affected by the chilled out, don't-worry-be-happy Rasta vibe. Smiles are always plentiful and shared freely.
This is not a party an' rave place but folks will be more than happy to accommodate you starting your own party. So bring your party starter mindset.
This place gets pretty close to Never Neverland. Similarly, it is hard to get to. Unless you have a boat. Luckily, you do. Logistical hurdles have also preserved the Grenadines from mass tourism and, even though it is now well known as a kitesurfing hotspot, the water is still uncrowded (except maybe around New Year's) and pristine. ON GETTING THERE
NOTE: this is one of those places where you feel truly far, far away from daily life. "Being in the moment" - it just happens naturally here.
so what's included?
the total package
Sailing away on this adventure, your crew are your hosts. They are: a bad ass captain and a galley captain (aka Dread and the Wielder of Spatulas), guides through the myriad kite spots, rescuers in need if the wind dies (aka you mess up), seekers and explorers of the horizons. They ARE the special sauce that will make this trip an experience never to forget, and unlikely to ever be surpassed. Yeah big words, come hold us to them.
All this:
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7 nights or 10 nights stay on a 60 ft catamaran
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With 2 queen and 2 double cabins (1 cabin convertible into 2 singles)
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Each cabin has an en suite bathroom with electric head
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Crew of two - Captain/Kite Guide, Cook/Kite Guide
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All meals - with fresh local ingredients. Satisfying yet healthy.
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Water and soft drinks - the boat makes its own purified filtered water
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Linens, towels, and beach towels
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Fuel and rescue boat/dinghy
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All taxes, park fees, customs and immigration costs
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Fishing gear - ceviche is definitely on the menu
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Snorkel gear
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2 SUPs (paddle boards)
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1 wake board
not included:
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Flights and transfers
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Alcohol (It's "bring what you need". Everyone is different.)
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Lessons and gear
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Crew gratuity
packing tips
Obviously, pack your kite gear. unless you are renting. This far down South in the Caribbean you shall live the simple life: you don't need much more than a bikini/board shorts/speedo, slippers/flip-flops, t-shirts/tops, shorts. Anything else will likely go unused. Here are some further tips for packing your suitcase:
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Pack all this in a soft, collapsable suitcase. Much better on a boat.
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Lots of sunscreen (reef safe)
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Rash guard: long sleeved with UV protection
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Something light but warm for the evenings
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No (extra) shoes unless you want to go running
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Protective kite gear, e.g. impact vests if you use these
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Booties if you have sensitive feet
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Toiletries
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Lots of sunscreen