The Bahamas - coral archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean between Florida and Cuba - has about 700 islands and islets inhabited or not. With its transparent and warm waters at all seasons, its white sandy beaches as far as the eye can see and its preserved nature, especially on the less frequented islands, invite you to travel and relax. In this luxuriant nature are also hidden superb spots of water sports and in particular kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing is one of the archipelago's flagship activities with many spots in schools to practice it. " The water temperature is pleasant all year round and even if the trade winds only blow from December to May, there is always a favourable place" says Charlotte Consorti, three-time world speed champion. Here are 3"must-see" destinations for a kite trip in the Bahamas.
San Salvador: flat, lagoons and waves
San Salvador is an island in the Bahamas archipelago also called Columbus Island. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492 in his discovery of America. This was the first land he discovered after 9 weeks at sea and he renamed it San Salvador (Saint-Sauveur in French) in homage to God to finally make him touch the land. For thousands of years, Taino Amerindians populated this island called Guanahani.
Located the easternmost of the Bahamas archipelago, it is surrounded by a coral reef and has been preserved due to its isolation. The island's interior is made up of lagoons and lakes, and its beaches are several kilometres long, sometimes isolated and virginal, with transparent turquoise waters. The island also has exceptional diving sites.
Snow Bay is the ideal place for freestyle, speed and slalom with flat and shallow sea conditions, accessible to all levels. From late October to mid-April, the NE'ly tradewinds blow between 15 and 30 knots. From mid-May to August, the wind comes from the south-east at between 10 and 15 knots.
Exumas: 365 islands and islets, and as many kite spots!
The Exumas are made up of 365 islands and islets - most of them private - which, seen from the sky, recall jewels set in turquoise water. They stretch over 200 kilometres south of Nassau. Today, the islands are divided into three main areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays. The first two are known for their relaxed environment while the last one houses rich villas.
The colours are splendid and the intense observations between the turquoise lagoons, the white sand and the kite spots are numerous. The E'ly tradewinds blow from November to April at an average of 15-20 knots.
Charlotte Consorti for The Islands of The Bahamas
Cat Island : Alone in the world for beginners or advanced
Cat Island is the most isolated island and an incredible kitesurfing spot still little known. It is also the least populated but has the highest relief in the Bahamas: Mount Alvernia which has an altitude of 63 m.
We don't really know its history and several legends exist about its name. The island would take its name from the pirate Arthur Catt, contemporary pirate of Blackbeard, who loved to stop there. Or its shape would recall that of a sitting feline.
Cat Island is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas. Its miles of wild and unspoilt beaches including a pink sand beach, gentle hills, beautiful bays and short dense vegetation give it a unique appeal.
From north to south, it has many virgin kite spots for all types of style: freestyle, freeride, waves and foil.
Charlotte Consorti for The Islands of The Bahamas
