Mexico
Punta Celarain, located at the southern tip of Cozumel in the Punta Sur ecological reserve, is a unique kitesurfing spot that combines maritime history and a preserved environment. The iconic Celarain lighthouse, standing 33 meters tall, overlooks a landscape where the Caribbean Sea meets the Colombia lagoon, creating a distinct atmosphere on the island.
This spot is intended for experienced riders seeking steady wind conditions and a degree of solitude. Access is via a dirt track through the protected reserve, and the site remains less crowded than the northern spots of Cozumel, making it an interesting choice for those looking to avoid the crowds.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
chop
flatPunta Celarain offers wind conditions from north to northeast to southeast, with a generally side-shore to side-on orientation depending on the precise wind direction. The water surface is protected by the ecological reserve and reef formations, creating well-defined navigation areas. Launching is done from the sandy beach, but one must be aware that currents can be treacherous at times, particularly near the passage channels. Riders should navigate cautiously around the reef areas and rocky formations that surface in places. The depth gradually increases from the beach, allowing for easy takeoff under normal conditions. The site is reserved for advanced riders due to variable conditions and the complexity of the underwater terrain.
The ideal conditions at Punta Celarain occur with north to northeast winds between 14 and 18 knots, providing enough power for smooth riding without being excessive. These conditions are regularly encountered during the winter months, particularly in January, February, and March. Southeast winds can also create interesting sessions, but they are less predictable and less frequent. The best sessions generally occur late in the morning and early afternoon when the wind has had time to strengthen.
The water surface at Punta Celarain is generally flat to slightly choppy, protected by the reef formations and small islands surrounding the area. In moderate wind conditions, the sea remains relatively calm, making it a favorable environment for technical progression. However, during wind gusts or rapid directional changes, small waves can form, creating more dynamic conditions. Underwater visibility is generally good, with the crystal-clear water typical of the Caribbean.
The currents at Punta Celarain can be treacherous and unpredictable, particularly near the passage channels and reef areas. The general current follows the east coast of Cozumel, but local counter-currents can form depending on the tide and seabed configuration. Riders must remain vigilant and avoid venturing too far from established navigation areas. Tides also influence the strength and direction of currents, with more pronounced variations during spring tides.
For Punta Celarain, the recommended kite sizes vary according to seasonal conditions. In winter with steady winds, a 12 to 14 m² kite is ideal for most advanced riders. In summer or during lighter winds, a 15 to 17 m² kite may be necessary to maintain power. For experienced riders seeking thrills during wind gusts, a 9 to 11 m² kite offers more control and maneuverability.
The wind regime at Punta Celarain is dominated by northeast trade winds, particularly pronounced during winter. North to northeast winds are the most common and provide the best kitesurfing conditions. Southeast winds can also blow, creating interesting but less predictable conditions. The wind strength generally varies between 12 and 20 knots under normal conditions, with gusts potentially reaching higher values during frontal passages.
Cozumel enjoys a tropical climate with stable temperatures year-round. The winter months, from November to March, offer the best kitesurfing conditions with temperatures hovering around 24°C. Summer is hotter and more humid, with temperatures exceeding 28°C. The rainy season generally extends from May to October, but this does not significantly affect wind conditions for kitesurfing.
The depth at Punta Celarain gradually increases from the sandy beach. Near the shore, it is shallow up to about 2 to 3 meters, which facilitates launching and landing. Moving away from the beach, the depth reaches 5 to 20 meters in the reef areas, with variations depending on the local topography. The seabed consists of sand and coral formations, creating a rich marine life environment but requiring careful navigation to avoid obstacles.
The water temperature at Punta Celarain remains warm year-round, characteristic of the Caribbean. In winter, from November to March, the water cools slightly to around 24-25°C, which may justify wearing a light wetsuit for longer sessions. In summer, from June to September, the temperature reaches 28-29°C, allowing for riding in shorts and lycra. The intermediate months offer temperatures between 26 and 27°C, comfortable for most riders.
