France
The Caravelle beach, located in Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Facing the village of Sainte-Anne, this Club Med beach offers a paradise-like setting with its crystal clear turquoise waters, white sand, and palm trees lining the shore. It is a spot highly appreciated by kitesurfers for its relaxed atmosphere and easy access.
The Caravelle spot has become a reference in Guadeloupe thanks to its exceptional flat water conditions and well-developed infrastructure. The Glisse & Kite Caraïbes school, established directly on the beach since 2012, is the official provider for Club Med and offers training for all levels as well as quality rental equipment. It is a place where riders can progress in a friendly and safe environment.
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.
flatflatThe Caravelle spot primarily works with East wind, offering regular side-shore conditions that are ideal for kitesurfing. When the wind shifts to Northeast, conditions become disturbed and less regular on the beach, which can complicate practice. With Southeast wind, conditions become regular side-on.
The launch area is a small very flat basin that offers exceptional conditions for freestyle and freeride once at sea. However, launching from the shore can be sporty and complicated due to the limited space on the beach and the presence of many palm trees that disrupt the wind. For this reason, schools often offer boat launches with jet ski assistance, which increases practice time on the water. The boat anchorage is good and safe, allowing for comfortable navigation.
Once at sea, you will enjoy a large space with extremely flat water, ideal for progressing safely. The spot also allows access to wave areas on the reef offshore for more advanced riders who wish to vary their practice.
Ideal conditions at Caravelle occur with a regular and consistent East wind, blowing between 12 and 20 knots. These conditions offer a perfect side-shore that allows for smooth and safe navigation in the flat basin. The wind should be steady and undisturbed to allow for good progression, especially for beginners. The best sessions take place when the Trade Winds blow steadily, usually in the late morning and early afternoon.
The water surface at Caravelle is characterized by exceptional flat water conditions in the main basin, with crystal clear turquoise water. The large shallow area offers pleasant and relatively flat conditions despite the side-shore wind. Offshore, it is possible to ride in the waves that form on the coral reef for advanced riders. Conditions remain stable and predictable when the East wind blows regularly.
The current at Caravelle is generally weak to moderate, making the spot accessible to riders of all levels. Tides slightly influence the conditions but do not create major dangerous currents. It is recommended to stay attentive to current variations according to tide periods, especially during transitions.
The recommended kite sizes at Caravelle vary according to wind conditions. For a regular East wind of 12-15 knots, a 12 to 14 m² kite is ideal for medium-weight riders. When the wind is lighter, a 15 to 17 m² kite may be necessary to maintain traction. For days with stronger winds or lighter riders, a 9 to 11 m² kite offers more control and safety. The equipment available at the Glisse & Kite Caraïbes school includes the latest Cabrinha and Eleveight gear.
The dominant wind regime at Caravelle is that of the East Trade Winds, which blow regularly and predictably during the dry season. These winds are generally warm and never too strong, making conditions perfect for learning or progressing in kitesurfing. When the wind shifts to Northeast, it becomes more irregular and disturbed by the local topography, making practice more difficult. The wind can also come from the Southeast at certain times, providing regular side-on conditions.
Guadeloupe enjoys a warm and humid tropical climate all year round. Temperatures remain constant and pleasant, with warm turquoise water that never cools excessively. The climate is characterized by the regular presence of Trade Winds, northeast winds that blow consistently and reliably from December to the end of August, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfing.
The depth at Caravelle is gradual with a sandy bottom that offers good safety for beginners. You can stand up to about 50 meters from the shore in the main basin, allowing for a large safe navigation area. The large shallow area offers pleasant conditions with sufficient depth for freeride and freestyle. Offshore, the depth increases gradually, allowing access to wave areas on the reef for advanced riders. The spot has a sufficient depth for kitefoiling, although it is less developed than at Salines.
The water at Caravelle remains warm and pleasant all year round, with temperatures never dropping below 25-26°C. From December to March, the water is around 26-27°C, providing comfortable conditions without a wetsuit or with just a lycra. From June to September, the water reaches its maximum temperatures, between 28-29°C, making the practice very enjoyable in shorts and light lycra. The constant warm water temperature makes this spot ideal for learning or progressing without thermal discomfort.
