Playas del Este / Guanabo / Cuba

On the north coast of Cuba and looking across the Gulf of Mexic towards Florida is this gem.  Convenient for the town and with a permanent holiday atmosphere, it is good for windsurfers and kitesurfers of all abilities from beginners upwards.

The beach is long and wide, all clean white sand with the odd palm tree.  As it is right in front of the town it can get busy, especially at weekends and on holidays, but some areas get more people than others and you’ll still be able to find a clear space to launch a kite.  The temperatures are warm and a pair of shorts is easily enough for most people, but sun protection is also advised.

The best winds here are between December and April, when you’ll find they blow quite consistently at anything up to 20 knots or so.  The summer months still have some wind, but its much lighter and not quite as consistent unless they happen to be thermals.  The water is clear and blue, holiday brochure colour, and can be flat, choppy or even give small waves depending on the wind strength.

There are some good facilities here, but as it’s in a resort area it should really be taken for granted.  Rooms are of course available, as are showers and toilets.  Food and drink can be bought, and even if you aren’t staying at the resort you can still park within a few paces of the beach.

Just watch out for people on the beach and swimmers in the water and you’ll be fine, there are no other hazards.