Martinique is home to several renowned kitesurfing spots, attracting both local specialists and enthusiasts from all walks of life. With ideal wind conditions 8 months out of 12, calm lagoons and constant water temperatures between 25 and 30°C, the island offers a real paradise for kitesurfers. Discover here 5 of the best kitesurfing spots in eastern Martinique, perfect for learning or perfecting your skills.
1. François Bay
The Baie du François offers an ideal kitesurfing zone, with its shallow, calm waters free of obstacles. This environment is perfectly suited to beginners, enabling them to feel secure and to make rapid progress in optimal conditions.
With a south-easterly wind, Baignoire de Joséphine is an ideal spot for wave sessions on the right with a side-on wind. A at low tide, it can become a dream spot for freestyle, provided there aren't too many boats. With a north-easterly wind, it can be reached from Le Robert and the Baie Coco spot
2. Le Vauclin
The spot at Le Vauclin, also known as Pointe Faula, lies in the south-east of Martinique, close to a picturesque fishing village. It's an ideal spot for kitesurfers because of its optimal conditions: flat water, shallow over much of the lagoon, with a sandy bottom. The lagoon stretches for several kilometers, providing an ideal area for freestyle and freeride. Beginners can progress in complete safety, while experienced kiteboarders appreciate the training environment.
The start zone can sometimes be tricky, especially when the wind is blowing "on" and there are bathers around. Avoiding beginners and other upwind kiteboarders can mean extra manoeuvring. Sometimes, when the wind is light, it may be more practical to walk to the exit of this zone. Near the coral reef, there are a few waves for experienced kitesurfers, although caution is advised due to the proximity of coral to the surface.
3. Macabou
Located south of Le Vauclin, the Macabou spot offers two options for kitesurfing: Anse du Petit Macabou and Anse du Grand Macabou. The Petit Macabou beach is a mixture of sand and seaweed, the amount of which varies according to the time of year. The water is fairly calm, although slightly more agitated than in Le Vauclin, but it remains pleasant, especially given the low number of visitors.
The wind is "on" to "side-on" and comes from the port side. The lagoon is quite spacious, making it easy for kitesurfers to reach the Grand Macabou beach by downwind. This beach is larger than Petit Macabou and has a more pronounced shorebreak near the shore. However, it's important to plan your ascent upwind, especially when the wind is light.
4. Anse Michel Cap Chevalier
Also in the south of Martinique, this spot is located in a huge cove overlooking a turquoise lagoon, bordered by tall trees and a white sandy beach with coconut palms. An idyllic setting.
The wind blows mainly "on" and the bottom of the lagoon is made up of sand, seaweed and a few corals. You can touch the bottom for much of the spot, especially on the left side of the water looking out to sea, making it a perfect place for beginners. Experienced kitesurfers can ride almost anywhere, right up to the coral reef, although it's important to watch out for the coral spuds that can stick out. Near the green buoy on the right of the spot, there's a slight current that's best avoided if you don't want to run into difficulties.
5. Anse Trabaud
Anse Trabaud is located in the very south of the island, in the commune of Sainte-Anne, between the cliffs of Pointe d'Enfer on one side and Pointe Baham leading to Baie des Anglais on the other. This beach offers almost 2 kilometers of fine white sand, bordered by scattered coconut palms, grape trees and shrubs that create small shady areas. The waters are ideal for kitesurfing, and bodyboarders will be delighted by the beautiful rollers.
The beach is almost deserted on weekdays and little frequented at weekends, mainly due to the difficult access: you have to walk along a chaotic track for about fifteen minutes and pay a toll of 2.5 euros to cross a private part of the road. Nevertheless, it's one of Martinique's most beautiful beaches, and those who make the effort to get there don't regret it.
Recommendations
Some spots can quickly become crowded, but if you stagger slightly and scrupulously respect the navigation zones, especially for take-off and departure, everything will go smoothly for you.
You won't need a wetsuit, as the water is warm, fluctuating between 25 and 28°C. Don't forget to apply sunscreen, as the sun can be very intense!
Between Le Vauclin and Anse Michel in Sainte-Anne, you'll find vast lagoons with winds that are generally onshore to side-on. Much of the lagoon is shallow; beware of sea urchins in the south, and remember to wear booties.
We advise you to bring a 9 m and a 12 m kite (8 m and 11 m for lighter sizes) to take advantage of all possible wind ranges. Be sure to ask the locals about authorized sailing areas when you arrive, to avoid any inconvenience.
Beginners to kitesurfing often have the mistaken idea that they'll soon be able to ride the waters with complete freedom. This is a mistake, because this sport requires real expertise, and you can quickly find yourself in trouble if you overestimate your level. In Martinique, the sea isn't just a beautiful, peaceful lagoon as far as the eye can see. It can also present difficulties such as strong winds, currents, waves, as well as coral and rocks. For those who are less experienced, taking a few lessons from a professional can go a long way towards understanding the real difficulties of the sport. For the more experienced, it's always wise to be vigilant.
