Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: None
Water quality: Crystal clear
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Identified hazards: None
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Trade
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car -
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Parking
View spot
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Flat to choppy water. With stronger winds excellent waves outside the bay.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Infos: Long sandy beach. At some areas not much space, due to trees close to the water line. Watch out for other beach users. Once the beach ended watch out for sharp rocks.
Identified hazards: Rocks, Trees, Bystanders
Weather specificities: Nice weather year round. Only shorts needed except the occasional cold days in winter. Sun protections recommended.
Wind specificities: Best winds from November to April. Very gusty winds when offshore.
Best months: January, February, March, April, November, December
Access description: by Car - 14 kms from Guardalavaca beach and its commercial center, and 60 minutes from the airport Holguin.
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Shallow, Flat, Small wave
Water hazards: None
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Crystal clear, no rocks, no nothing. Ankle deep and goes up to waist deep. Sometimes a nice waves comes in. Tide doesn't really affect it just get slightly shallower so you go out further.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Infos: Walk up the beach passed the sailboat place and you will be in heaven.
Identified hazards: None
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Frontal, Trade
Wind specificities: From May onwards the wind picks up around 11:00 and drops around 16:00 in the afternoon. Otherwise trade winds from NE.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, December
Access description: by Bus - Fly to airport of Cayo Coco and then take a bus to the resorts.
Specific rules: None
Extra: Lifeguards on beach but no rescue boats.
Nightlife: Fun nightlife.
Accommodations: Rooms, Rental, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Swimmers, Mole
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Perfect flat water behind the mole.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Identified hazards: Rocks, Bystanders
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Trade
Wind specificities: During winter good winds, from 3-8 Bft, mainly about 5 Bft and sideshore winds. Wind is mostly sideshore to little bit offshore in the middle of the peninsula.
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car -
Specific rules: None
Nightlife: Nightlife in the hotels.
Accommodations: Rooms, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Lagoon
Water type: Shallow, Flat
Water hazards: Mole
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Perfect flat water behind the causeway. Big shallow areas and beautiful, clear water.
Beach type & size: Stones - None
Infos: Launch your kite from the water.
Identified hazards: Rocks, Road, Cars
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Trade
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car -
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: None
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: None
Water quality: Crystal clear
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Identified hazards: None
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Frontal, Trade
Wind specificities: From May onwards the wind picks up around 11:00 and drops around 16:00 in the afternoon. Otherwise trade winds from NE.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, December
Access description: by Car -
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: None
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave, Medium wave
Water hazards: Swimmers, Corals, None
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Clear and relatively shallow out about 50m at low tide. Choppy when it's windy.
Beach type & size: Sand - Big
Infos: The beach is very large - enough space to safely launch, even if wind is onshore. Sandy and very soft. All beaches in Cuba are open to the public - access to the beach behind the Barcelo Marina Palace may be immediately adjacent to the property. Launching from this site, you can kitesurf east and hit superb flat water sections on the next small island (ask the locals to show you), or you can do 25 km downwinders all the way along the Varadero penninsula. With large, shallow areas (particularly at low tide), this is a superb beach for beginners.
Identified hazards: None
Weather specificities: If going from November to March (best time to go) bring something warm to wear after kiting. The wind can chill you around sunset. I wish I had a warm hoodie to throw on. Even a 1mm top would be a great idea.
Wind type: Thermal, Frontal
Wind specificities: Good time for wind is typically December to March, but can go earlier or later depending upon the season. Marina Palace Beach is near to the eastern end of the peninsula, where the land takes a curve towards the east, so kiteboarding is possible on more wind directions, here. I was there in July, typically in the middle of the off-season. We enjoyed 2-4 days of kiteable winds every week. Sometimes even whole afternoons with 22+ knots winds.
Best months: January, February, March, November, December
Access description: by Car, Bus - Fly directly to Varadero. Or, fly to Havana and 2 hour drive. Taxis readily available. Best way to get there from Varadero town site is to jump on the red tourist bus for $5 all day ride. Tourists are not allowed to ride the "locals" bus.
Specific rules: None
Extra: None. The Barcelo Marina Palace is a popular all-inclusive, so just stay away from the crowds. When the wind is at 20 kts, they close the beaches. There is no limits to kiting in strong wind in Cuba. The lifeguards, if around, just won't let the tourists in front of the resorts go swimming. Several of the local kiters run schools. They provide lessons to kiters of all levels. I took several hours, and was surprised by the level of teaching. Whilst illegal to operate an independent business in Cuba, more and more young people 'work around' this problem. Ask around at the beach. A general note on Kitesurfing in Cuba: Kitesurfing has a growing scene in Cuba. New spots are being discovered. New riders are taking up the sport. The first few kiteschools are being set up. In general, the kiters I met were incredibly friendly and helpful towards tourists and fellow kiters. But, there is one major problem for Cuban kiters; It is impossible to import or buy any kind of kite equipment in Cuba. Kites, boards, harnesses, pumps, simply everything is in short supply. Because of this local riders and schools are looking to buy any kind of gear. If you are traveling to Cuba, and have any kind of gear, new or old, you would like to sell, you will really help the local kite scene if you bring it along. You will get a low, but fair price, but more importantly you will really help a stoked crowd keep growing the sport. The same goes for all kite movies and kite magazines.
Nightlife: Nightlife in Varadero is centered mostly at the larger hotels. Lots of clubs, too, up and down the main road. Taxis are easy to get, even at night. Parties start around 11pm. Excellent food at non-hotel restaurants.
Accommodations: Rooms, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop
Water quality: Clean
Infos: At 36th Street launch, you will find a large 'cove' with very shallow, flat, clear water. Here you walk out and launch, then ride out to the open water, which becomes choppy with the wind.
Beach type & size: Rocks - Small
Infos: Very little beach. Seaweed and some debris around. But the launch should take place in the water, not on the beach. There is lots of garbage and sharp objects at this location. Plus the trees could get in the way for launching.
Identified hazards: Rocks, Trees, Other
Weather specificities: Water temperature winter about 72F (23C). Summer water temps up into the 80F in the open water, but the water in the `cove` for launching may become quite hot, as it is very shallow.
Wind type: Thermal, Frontal
Wind specificities: Good option for E winds, which are quite common no matter the season. (Prevailing winds are winter: NE or NW when storm and summer SE.) Wind is best from November to March, but can start in October and go as late as April/May. Summer winds come up in the afternoons, as they are thermal, about 12-16 knots.
Best months: January, February, March, November, December
Access description: by Car, Bus -
Nightlife: Varadero has over 100 bars/clubs - great nightlife! Food, dancing, shows - you can find all of it!
Accommodations: Food
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Swimmers
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: The best wave in the Varadero area.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Identified hazards: Bystanders
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Trade
Wind specificities: During winter good winds, from 3-8 Bft, mainly about 5 Bft and sideshore winds. Wind is mostly sideshore to little bit offshore in the middle of the peninsula.
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car -
Specific rules: None
Nightlife: Nightlife in the hotels.
Accommodations: Rooms, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Reefs
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Nice flat water inside the reef.
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Identified hazards: None
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind type: Trade
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car -
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Swimmers, Ships
Water quality: Crystal clear
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Identified hazards: Trees
Beachgoer: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Wind type: Frontal, Trade
Wind specificities: From May onwards the wind picks up around 11:00 and drops around 16:00 in the afternoon. Otherwise trade winds from NE.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, December
Access description: by Car, Bus -
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Rooms, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: This area is choppy and can get small waves on a Southeasterly wind. Tidal range is no more than two feet.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Infos: There is a fairly big beach with plenty of space to launch. The beach is sand but beware of driftwood, especially if self launching.
Identified hazards: Other
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Water temperature is from about 76F in winter up to about 89F in summer. Air temperature ranges from about 75F in winter to 95F in summer. Wetsuits are never needed but lycras are recommended for UV protection.
Wind type: Frontal
Wind specificities: Best winds in Cayman are frontal winds in the winter. November to April. Summer is good if there are tropical systems but the chances of getting skunked are good. Diving is considered the best in the Caribbean on these days. The season is all year but this site is best on an Easterly or Southeasterly which occurs in late winter or spring (January to April). This site goes off in the summer if there are tropical systems in the area but if there are no tropical systems, there is nothing.
Best months: January, February, March, April, November, December
Access description: by Car, Boat - Fly into Grand Cayman and catch a puddle jumper to Little Cayman. Island Air and Cayman Airways offer flights to Little Cayman. Transfers are done by the resorts. Jeeps or scooters can be rented on the island but are fairly expensive.
Specific rules: None
Extra: No rules although it is a good idea to contact local kiteboarders for introductions to land owners etc.
Nightlife: No nightlife except for the resort bars.
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Swimmers
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Nice blue water. With more wind it gets choppier but can have waves. Shallow for some meters.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Infos: Long and wide sandy beach. Lots of space, but can be packed at some places, specially on weekends.
Identified hazards: Bystanders
Weather specificities: Nice weather and temperatures all year. In winter on colder days a shorty can be handy, but normally just shorts and sun protection.
Wind type: Thermal
Wind specificities: The summer has light winds, but can be thermal. Best winds in winter, from December to April.
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car, Bus - The Playas del Este are a string of beaches just outside of Havana city. Drive with the car for about 20 minutes. Any taxi will take you out there for about $20, however you can also take the bus out there, which is much cheaper. Bus # 400 from the train station will take you directly there for a few pesos, although it will get extremely crowded. If you take the bus you should also make sure to ask someone on the bus which stop to get off at for the beach. From there it is about a 15 minute walk to the coast, but well worth the trip! On the way back you can catch the bus along the side of the road, and shouldn't have to wait more than 1/2 hour. There are also taxis going back.
Specific rules: None
Extra: Be careful with people on the beach when it is packed. It's better to move out of their way in order to avoid problems with authorities.
Nightlife: Little nightlife, for the best nightlife go to Havana.
Accommodations: Rooms, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Swimmers
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Water is clear and beautiful. Can get choppy with the wind. Some little waves can form, depending on the shape of the sand bar below. Shallow out about 25 meters at low tide, then gradually deeper.
Beach type & size: Sand - Big
Infos: The beach is decently wide and very long with little interruption! Soft sand. Some trees and palapas strewn about. Mostly safe - but always look for people/obstacles. Kiteboarding is still pretty rare in Cuba, so you'll draw quite a crowd.
Identified hazards: Bystanders
Weather specificities: Very tropical weather. Winter may require shorty or full wetsuit if cold front. In spring a heat seeker is sufficient. Summer can be very hot and buggy.
Wind type: Frontal
Wind specificities: Winter winds are usually best, December to March, but according to locals it can be quite good beginning in October. You may get thermals in the afternoon. Be careful of hurricane season, June 1st to November 30th, it brings wind, but sometimes dangerous and worse.
Best months: January, February, March, December
Access description: by Car, Bus - International flights from many European, Caribbean and South American cities. Also within Cuba, from Havana, for example (but its better to drive from Havana). Easiest to fly to Varadero, but you can arrive to Havana and drive, as well. Taxis are available from the airport.
Specific rules: None
Extra: None. Be nice and considerate. The further out on the peninsula you go, the more all-inclusive resorts you'll find, which means more people. 53rd street is closer to the center of Varadero, but the beach is not as popular. A general note on Kitesurfing in Cuba Kitesurfing has a growing scene in Cuba. New spots are being discovered. New riders are taking up the sport. The first few kiteschools are being set up. In general, the kiters I met were incredibly friendly and helpful towards tourists and fellow kiters. But, there is one major problem for Cuban kiters; It is impossible to import or buy any kind of kite equipment in Cuba. Kites, boards, harnesses, pumps, simply everything is in short supply. Because of this local riders and schools are looking to buy any kind of gear. If you?re travelling to Cuba, and have any kind of gear, new or old, you would like to sell, you will really help the local kite scene if you bring it along. You will get a low, but fair price, but more importantly you will really help a stoked crowd keep growing the sport. The same goes for all kite movies and kite magazines
Nightlife: Lots of places to dance, drink, socialize. A lot of the nightlife you'll find is at the all-inclusive resorts. The 'espectacular' shows are very popular and start around 11pm. Lots of restaurants on the beach and around Varadero.
Accommodations: Rooms, School, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Choppy and small waves.
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Infos: Small coral pieces and sand. The beach has been blown away by hurricanes in 2005.
Identified hazards: Shells
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Water bathtub warm, air from 25-30C. Just shorts all year.
Wind specificities: The wind gains power from the sun and are suitable for a 12 sqm kite in the afternoon. Best winds from January till May.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May
Access description: by Car - By car go towards Playa Maria La Gorda. Then to La Bajada and find the meteorological station. No really good signs, best is to bring a GPS.
Specific rules: None
Extra: It's a protected area. Make sure your car has good tires and a spare tire. The next town is 60 km away, so bring food, water and mosquito repellent.
Nightlife: None!
Accommodations: Parking
View spot
Level: No information
Access description: by Car - From Holguin drive north for about 30km to Gibara. From here drive westwards for about 17km to Playa Caletones.
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Beautiful water. A little tide. On the oceanside bigger waves, on the lagoon side no waves. Shallow for some meters.
Beach type & size: Sand - Big
Infos: Huge beach. About 25km long and 10km wide. White and soft sand, no corals or grass. Enough space to launch and land. Many hotel beaches, so do not launch directly in front of it, where it is packed the most.
Identified hazards: Bystanders
Weather specificities: Air always warm, from 25-30C. Warm water all year, around 27C. Maybe in winter with colder winds a shorty is recommended.
Wind specificities: During winter good winds, from 3-8 Bft, mainly about 5 Bft and sideshore winds. Wind is mostly sideshore to little bit offshore in the middle of the peninsula.
Access description: by Car - About 20min from Varadero airport with bus/taxi and about 2 hrs drive from Havana.
Specific rules: None
Extra: Stay away from the swimmers.
Nightlife: Nightlife in the hotels.
Accommodations: Rooms, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean, Island
Water type: Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Flat to choppy water. Stronger winds bring some small waves.
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Infos: White sandy beach. Pretty narrow launch, cause it's a narrow beach, but long. Water gets deep quickly.
Identified hazards: None
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: No wetsuit needed. Maybe in winter on cold days a shorty. Caribbean weather, very nice in December to May.
Wind specificities: Normally sideshore winds. Best winds in January to May.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May
Access description: by Car - Havana-Trinidad: 5 hour drive by bus. Playa Ancon is about 10km south of Trinidad.
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Flat to choppy water. Shallow for about 100m until the reef where small waves break.
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Infos: Beautiful, white sandy beach. Small and can be packed, be careful when launching and landing.
Identified hazards: Bystanders
Weather specificities: Nice weather year round. Only shorts needed except the occasional cold days in winter. Sun protections recommended.
Wind specificities: Steady East winds. Best winds from January to May.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May
Access description: by Car - From Holguin (about 40 km) drive NE towards Santa Lucia or Banes. From Santa Lucia keep driving NE until you reach Guardalavaca. From Banes drive N/NW to Guardalavaca. Ask for exact directions.
Specific rules: None
Accommodations: Rooms, Parking
View spot
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Small wave, Medium wave
Water hazards: Swimmers
Water quality: Crystal clear
Beach type & size: Sand - Big
Wind type: Trade
Wind specificities: During winter good winds, from 3-8 Bft, mainly about 5 Bft and sideshore winds. Wind is mostly sideshore to little bit offshore in the middle of the peninsula.
Best months: January, February, March, April, December
Access description: by Car -
Nightlife: Nightlife in the hotels.
Accommodations: Rooms, School, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking
View spot