Isle a Caret / Morne Rouge / Guadeloupe

Suitable for all abilities of kiter and windersurfer, this tiny island is a popular destination.  It’s well off shore so getting here requires transport by fishing boat, but that’s cheap and easy to arrange from the village of Morne Rouge.

The beach is sandy and small, a real ‘desert island’ place complete with a few palm trees.  It can get crowded if a few people come out at the same time, which makes launching and landing kites a little difficult, but otherwise it’s a nice relaxed spot.  Shorts are all you need to wear whenever you come as the tropical climate means warm temperatures all year round, but the rainy season is from June to December. 

The best time to come out here is between December and April.  The wind is guaranteed to blow from the east in February, while at other times it will be from the northeast and possibly a bit less consistent.  Strength increases from about 10 knots in December to about 20 knots by April, and because of the size and shape of the island you might well find it has onshore sideshore and offshore winds all at the same time.  The water has no tide and conditions vary depending on where you go – keep inside the nearby reef for flat water, or go beyond it for waves up to about 2m high. 

There aren’t any features on the island, its just sand and trees.  Access is by boat from the mainland. 

No real hazards apart from the trees and other users.  Pay the fisherman a bit extra to stay around while you play if you want a handy rescue boat just in case.