Continent
Caribbean
Country
Netherlands Antilles
Next Big City
St. Maarten (St. Martin)
Next Town
Orient Bay
 
Type:
Ocean
Rider Ability:
Intermediate, Expert
Features:
School, Rental, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking

Water

Type:
Flat, Chop, Small wave, Medium wave
Hazards:
Swimmers, Jetskis, Buoys, Reefs
Quality:
Crystal clear
Best Tide:
Tide independent

When you stand with your face to the water, you have a small island about 1.5 km on your right hand side. No tide, at least of no importance. It is mostly flat water, although further out, you can have some waves. About one km to the right you have a reef, where there's huge waves.

Beach

Type:
Sand
Size:
Small
Hazards:
Bystanders
Beach Users:
No information

Beach is sandy and quite narrow, so some launching experience is needed. It is crowded as well. But the guys from the kiteschool are very friendly and willing to help. It is white sand and about 50m and many kilometers long. Many kiters prefer to set up in the grassy lot (which doubles as a parking lot) next to the windsurfing school.

Weather

Spring:
Shorts
Summer:
Shorts
Fall:
Shorts
Winter:
Shorts, Shorty

Weather is perfect in the period December to July. In this period it is dry season and trade winds are an every day phenomenon. Air temp. to expect is 25°C and more, same for the water. So no wetsuit needed only a rash guard.

Wind

Best Months:
January, February, March, April, June, July, August, December
Wind Type:
Trade
Best Direction:
NE, ENE, E, ESE
Main Direction:
NE, ENE, E, ESE

December to July is dry season and trade winds are an every day phenomenon. Wind in dry season is from 12-25 knots, the whole day and night. You have a huge bay and wind is generally coming sideonshore/onshore from the right.



How to get there

Transport
Car, Bus
Access
Short walk

Just ask for a cab or bus to bring you to Orient Bay. Rental car is best way around the island.

Extra information

Rules
Zones, Other

Launching is NOT permitted for intermediate kiter, as the beach is sometimes crowded. Please, always launch from the kitesurfing school, they are always ready to help. You must be independent Kitesurfer (level 3 IKO or green level FFVL). Please, respect the local regulation: Rule 1: Kiter should be independent, have upwind riding skills (IKO 3 or green level Federation Francaise Vol Libre approved). Rule 2: Kiter should ride outside the 300 meter dedicated swimming area. Rule 3: Getting out (and coming back) is possible with a cross shore leg straight toward this dedicated area. Kiter should ride as perpendicular as possible toward the authorized area with a maximum speed of 5 knots. Rule 4: Kiters should prepare the gear in the dedicated launching area. Flying the kites outside this area is not allowed for safety reasons. Rule 5: Kiters should ride in the recommended Kitesurfing area on the right of the spot. They should not bother parasails and jet skis. So, any kiter must be level 3 I.K.O certified, if not, they could join the shuttle for a downwind, away from dangers and obstacles.

Nightlife

Sunset Beach Bar for happy hour and afternoon plane watching. World famous over water approach to landing and it is fun watching the tourist hang onto the fence when the big jets power up for takeoff. Marigot has good character and great seafood.