Continent
Caribbean
Country
Antigua and Barbuda
Next Big City
Saint Johns
Next Town
Barns Hill
 
Type:
Ocean
Rider Ability:
Intermediate, Expert
Features:
School, Shop, Rescue, Food

Water

Type:
Shallow, Flat, Chop
Hazards:
Swimmers, Reefs
Quality:
Crystal clear
Best Tide:
No information

Water conditions range from flat inside the reef to moderate chop hopping outside. The bottom is sandy throughout with no need for booties or rubber of any kind. It starts getting small with 4 or more kites due to the position of the reefs. Aquamarine water. This is the beach for everyone from learners to high altitude junkies. There are several other places to ride in Antigua but they require at least intermediate level of riding skills.

Beach

Type:
Sand
Size:
Medium
Hazards:
None
Beach Users:
No information

White sandy beach for 1/2 mile length. Most everyone launches at the South end near the kite school in typical sideonshore wind direction.

Weather

Spring:
Shorts
Summer:
Shorts
Fall:
Shorts
Winter:
Shorts

Antigua has a sunny climate all year round and an average temperature of 28°C (84°F) and the water temperature only a few degrees lower. No need to wear a wetsuit. Many riders wear rash guards for sun protection.

Wind

Best Months:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July
Wind Type:
Trade
Best Direction:
E, ESE, SE
Main Direction:
E, ESE, SE

Wind is mostly moderate between 12-25 knots. January through March winds can pipe up to 30 knots for several days. May through July are the most consistent with the least amount of light wind days. Typical wind direction is East to Southeast which is sideonshore from the right (looking out to sea). Best kiting conditions are from January through July. Worst conditions during September and October (peak of hurricane season). August, November and December can be windy and also light - hit or miss these months.



How to get there

Transport
Car
Access
Short walk

From the airport Jabberwock Beach 3 miles to the North. All the locals know this beach by name and it is easy to find. Taxis and rental cars are the easiest way to get around. It is very close from many of the hotels on island. Hotels on the North end of the island are the closest. The furthest away you could possibly be is a 40 minute car ride.

Extra information

Rules
Other

As far as water sports goes this beach is almost exclusively used by kiteboarders. It is also a favorite swimming beach by the locals. So far there are no restrictions for kiting on this beach. Thanks to the local kite school who works very hard to keep things safe and maintain good relations between kiters and other water users. It is a privilege, not a right, to ride on this beach and the local riders are adamant on preserving access. The beach does have nearby obstructions including a car park, road and trees so all kiters must have good basic kite handling skills. Learners and beginners without professional supervision are not allowed to practice here. The kite school has a handout with basic rules/etiquette/map that should be followed. Please take a moment to speak with the local riders and school as a matter of courtesy. There are no restrictions on when you can ride on this beach. When the wind is blowing it usually blows all day and night so you can ride from dawn to dusk. The only exception being national holidays: there are usually so many swimmers that safe kiteboarding is not practical. The kite school closes and local riders voluntarily do not ride at this beach on holidays.

Nightlife

There are some local bars and resort events at Sunsail Colonna. There are a number of resorts along Dickenson's Bay to the West.