Bonaire vs. Barbados. vs.Grenadines

[mz16]

Thinking of going to carribbean in June. Who has been to these places? Looks like Aruba and Bonaire are only good for offshore winds, but they look to have stronger winds than Grenadines. Any waves during the summer or is that bad time?

[irwe]

You will find the best winds (Caribbean) in Aruba in June. Boca Grande has onshore winds with surfable waves. If you are going as a kite trip then stay at www.kite-inn.com If you want to be in the tourist area it is a 40 minute drive to Boca.

[Miltsface]

I was recently in Bonaire. The main kite spot is offshore, but there is a launch on the windward side thay puts you into some nice waves over a reef. The launch is a little tight, not a good spot for a self launch off of land, but you could probably do a drift launch. Self landing would be fine. When I was there, there were no other kiters - luckily my wife was there to launch and land me. I tore an MCL my third day on a jump gone wrong (completely pilot error), so I only kited 3 days, but it was windy all day and all night the whole time we were there. Here's a shot of the wave spot.

[i96dansa]

If you're into waves then Barbados has no competition.
Silver sands is by far the most awsome wave spot.
Friendly waves that can be pretty big without killing you.
Reef is never more shallow than 1,5m so you won't get hurt.

[mz16]

how strong is the wind in barbados in june??

[JeremieT]

I can talk about Barbados and the Grenadines.

Wind in June is between 15 to 20 knots every single day in the grenadines.
If you are looking for 100% waves go to Barbados.
If you want flat water Union Island.
We also have some great waves in the grenadines but they are located at a 20min ride upwind.

Barbados is better if you want a nightlife more restaurants etc.

Union island is better is you are looking for relaxing very few kiters on the water and everything at a walking distance.

More info on Grenadines: www.kitesurfgrenadines.com

Hope you can find the right place for you.

All the best

Jeremie

PS: if you end up coming to the Grenadines, your flight would have to stop to Barbados on the way so you should use this opportunity to spend some days in Barbados to kite.

[oshaugho]

Looking to go to the Caribbean in July with my non kiting other half.

Looking for somewhere with good winds, nice smaller hotels and nice restaurants/bars ect. Must have great beaches and somewhere where the non kiting missus can relax on the beach while i kite.

Was thinking aruba, turks&caicos, st martin, barbados. Where will have the best wind? Where has the best romantic athmosphere and nice restaurants ect?

[Eduardo]

Barbados: there is a very nice hotel right at kite beach that your GF will be happy at while you kite. July is probably the last month of the summer season so early is better. That hotel is a bit away from the restaurant/nightlife action though.

Aruba: the best kite spot is 30 min away from everything. GF may not like it. the flat water spot is near many hotels. I personally don't like flat water though.

Bonaire: kite spot is also away from everything but only 10 minutes. less wind than aruba. GF probably won't like unless she's into scuba.

St. Martin: GF will be happy at Orient beach. Kiting well below Aruba or Barbados quality if you are advanced in my opinion.

T&C: I don't know

[H53Driver]

For Barbados, what are the good months for both wind and waves?

[mz16]

any info on Turks and Caicos? Looks like great downwinders. What is the peak season?