GUIDE: KITE SPOTS GUADELOUPE BASSE TERRE

Guadeloupe, the butterfly island with multiple Kite spots: an article on the Basse Terre spots.

The Guadeloupe archipelago is a group of islands in the southern Caribbean Sea. The two main islands resemble a butterfly. You'll discover all the landscapes of the Lesser Antilles here: white or black sand beaches, small, large, or coves, with coconut trees or rocky shores, deep waters, the Soufrière volcano, a lagoon, hot or cold waterfalls, and small and large neighboring islands.

► Basse Terre:

My favorite of the two main islands in the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Basse-Terre is dominated by the Soufrière volcano. Its slopes are covered with a sublime tropical forest, revealing the immensity of its primary forest. Basse-Terre is the real Guadeloupe: relaxed, calm, and knows how to take its time to live.

Beyond the rum distilleries, you'll find cocoa, coffee, and vanilla, all cultivated by locals. Each production offers guided tours or dedicated houses that showcase the ancestral know-how of the Guadeloupe islands.

► Grand Cul-de-Sac, north of the island

Disciplines: Surf, freeride, foil, wing

Rider Level: beginner to expert

A vast, enclosed lagoon, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is situated between Tête à l'Anglais on Basse-Terre's northeast coast and Grande-Terre's west coast, near Port Louis. Coral reefs close it off from the open sea. Its area spans approximately 15,000 hectares, with the most beautiful sections protected as a nature reserve.

Kite launches are possible from the back of a boat or from the Caret or Blanc islets, or even from the port of Sainte Rose or the pontoon of Morne à l'Eau. A magnificent downwind run can be done between the two islets. Watch out for turtles and reefs when foiling.

A wave can wrap around the northeast of Fajou islet, peeling for a good hundred meters. For me, it's the most beautiful in the entire archipelago. You can also cross the passes and surf the reefs that surround the entire Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.

A vast, enclosed lagoon offers comfortable anchorage behind islets (Caret, Fajou) or between the mangrove islets in front of Sainte Rose.

► Petit Cul-de-Sac, north face of the island

Disciplines: Surf, freeride, foil, wing

Rider Level: beginner to expert

The Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin is a bay in Guadeloupe, located between Grande-Terre's south coast and Basse-Terre's east coast, south of Pointe-à-Pitre.

The Jarry spot may not have the turquoise waters of the Antilles, but it's perfect for beginners. It's shallow, the wind is quite consistent, and a small wave gently peels.

The Petit Bourg spot doesn't have the clearest water in Guadeloupe, but the view of the black sand beach, its coconut trees, and La Soufrière in the background make it a magical spot. The wind is completely onshore, so it's not practical for beginners.

Don't forget the Bananier wave, the most beautiful on Basse-Terre's windward coast.

The islets off Goyave are idyllic. This is Maxime's favorite spot, and he can coach you there: Maxime Kite website. Otherwise, you'll need to get there by riding, starting from Jarry or Petit Bourg.

► Les Saintes Archipelago:

The 9 islands of Les Saintes, also known as the archipelago of Les Saintes, are part of Guadeloupe. The main island, Terre-de-Haut, is famous for its coral-rich waters and stunning beaches. Explore Pain de Sucre beach, Pompierre, Mire, Grande Anse, Fond Curé, Anse Figuier, Anse Crawen, and Marigot Bay. Fort Napoleon, a 19th-century landmark, overlooks the bay and features a museum and a cactus garden. Don't miss climbing Le Chameau to catch the sunrise. While Les Saintes is best explored on foot, you can also use scooters or golf carts to get around the island if you're short on time.

Pointe Sable:

Disciplines: Freeride, foil, wing

Rider Level: beginner to expert

In Les Saintes, you'll primarily launch from Pointe Sable, located on Îlet Cabri, directly opposite Terre de Haut. Kiteboarding here is a unique experience: you'll need to let your kite drift to catch the wind behind the point. After a few meters of body dragging, you can navigate the pass. Be mindful of boat traffic and isolated hazards. You can also tour Îlet Cabri in just a few minutes on a foil.

The local Saintois riders are super friendly, as long as you respect the etiquette. Just watch out for the big bearded guys!

Grande Anse:

Disciplines: Surf, freeride, foil, wing

Rider Level: beginner to expert

Launch from the white sand beach. The spot is either completely "on" or, at best, "side on." Avoid riding directly in front of the airfield. Never launch alone, as the beach is often littered with sea debris and plastics, a common issue for windward beaches, where other trash also accumulates.

If you're looking for a surf session in Les Saintes, Grande Anse is the place to be.

► Marie Galante:

Marie-Galante is a Guadeloupean island, often called the twin of Belle Île, which lies off our Breton coasts. It's covered in sugarcane fields and dotted with old mills. Beaches like La Feuillère are protected by a coral reef system. Life here, just like in Les Saintes, moves to the rhythm of the sun and the passenger ferries.

Disciplines: Wave, freeride, foil, wing

Rider Level: beginner to expert

Kite launches here happen right in the middle of the coconut trees. You'll position yourself among them, and your kite will be launched on the beach. You then need to cross the 15 meters to the water without your kite losing wind. Beginners should avoid kiting here, or opt for a boat launch or "call a friend."

In short, it's much more practical for wing foil...

Once you're on the water, the spot is truly magical. You'll find a beautiful lagoon and its reef. Pure bliss.

► Local friends to ride with:

Fred & Annabelle: IO croisière
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/IOcroisiere

Maximum kite: maximum kite website 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maximumkite

Isabelle Fabre: Isabelle Fabre website 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsabelleFabreVoyage

► Friends on site for the after-session:

The Coconut bar, "The place to be" for the island's best coconut rum: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/coconutsbar.

Frequently Asked Questions