36th Street Varadero / Varadero / Cuba

This spot looks towards the Bahia de Cardenas water rather than out across the Gulf of Mexico, and provides conditions that are a bit more challenging.  Windsurfers and kitesurfers can both be found here, provided they are intermediate level or better.

The beach is really small, and not very clean – it seems to collect a lot of rubbish and seaweed, so launching needs to be from the water.  It does mean it isn’t a popular tourist spot though, so the only people out here will be kiting or windsurfing.  Water temperatures range from about 23 C in winter to about 27 C in summer.

The best winds come from the east and can blow all year round, but the best time to be here is from November to April.  You’ll get a consistent 15 -20 knots throughout the day, with not much gusting.  In summer the winds are still a decent strength but won’t come up until the middle afternoons as they are thermal.  The water is very shallow and clear within the cove you’ll be launching from, then get choppy once you are out into the open water.

You can buy food on the beach, but there’s very little else apart from the parking just a few minutes walk from the beach.  Fortunately, Varadero is a thriving town and is an excellent place for nightlife, with plenty of choice of bars, restaurants and accommodation.

Launch kites in the water, not the beach, as there are trees and rocks close to the shoreline that could cause problems.  The water is clear and safe though.