Kitesurfing in Antigua: 40 Knots Guide & Best Spots (2026)
Kitesurfing in Antigua: 40 Knots Guide & Best Spots (2026)
Kitesurfing in Antigua: The Complete Guide to 40 Knots & the Best Spots
TL;DR: Antigua is one of the Caribbean's top kitesurfing destinations, with steady trade winds from November through July and warm, flat water year-round. 40 Knots is the island's premier kite school, operating from the private beach of Green Island in Nonsuch Bay. Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced rider looking to rent gear, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Flat, warm, turquoise water. Trade winds that blow reliably for most of the year. A private island beach you can only reach by boat. Antigua doesn't just offer good kitesurfing conditions. It offers near-perfect ones.
The island has been on the global kite community's radar for over a decade, and it's not hard to see why. Professional kiteboarders like Jake Kelsick grew up riding these waters and put Antigua firmly on the map. Today, the scene welcomes everyone from first-timers wanting their first lesson to yacht crews looking to shred on their days off.
This guide covers the best kitesurfing spots in Antigua, what makes 40 Knots the go-to school, when to visit, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
Is Antigua Good for Kitesurfing?
Yes, Antigua is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the Caribbean. The island sits in the path of the Atlantic trade winds, which blow consistently from the northeast between November and July. Wind speeds typically range from 12 to 25 knots, with May through July offering the most reliable conditions of the year.
There's no need for a wetsuit. The water is warm year-round, and the reef-protected bays mean flat water even when the wind is pumping. The island is also compact, just 11 by 14 miles, so the main kite spots are never more than 40 minutes apart.
The only months to avoid are September and October, which fall in the peak of hurricane season. August, November, and December can be hit or miss. Outside of that window, Antigua delivers.
What Is 40 Knots Kite School?
40 Knots is Antigua's dedicated kitesurfing and wing foiling school, operating from the north beach of Green Island at the mouth of Nonsuch Bay. The school is run by a passionate team of IKO-certified instructors (International Kiteboarding Organisation) using the latest equipment and teaching methods.
What sets 40 Knots apart from most kite schools is their use of dinghies during lessons. Instructors follow students on the water from an inflatable boat, staying in close contact throughout the session. No shouting from the beach. No walking back upwind. Just focused, safe, one-on-one coaching time on the water.
Their promise is straightforward: if there's no wind, they'll reschedule your lesson or give you a refund. You only pay for time on the water.
The school has built a strong reputation across TripAdvisor and Google reviews, with visitors consistently highlighting fast progression, professional instruction, and the stunning location.
Where Does 40 Knots Operate? Green Island, Nonsuch Bay
Green Island is the crown jewel of kitesurfing in Antigua. It's a small, unspoiled island at the mouth of Nonsuch Bay on the windward side of Antigua, reachable only by boat. The launching beach sits on the island's north shore, directly facing the prevailing trade winds.
The bay itself covers around two square miles of flat, reef-protected water. The outer reef blocks the ocean swell while letting the wind through, creating ideal conditions for learning and progression at any level. Warm, clear water. No current problems. A rescue boat always on standby.
Non-kiters love it too. The beach has shade, snorkelling straight off the sand, and a laid-back setup for families or partners who just want to relax while someone else learns to fly a kite.
To get there, book a boat pickup with 40 Knots from one of their designated pickup points. Advance booking is strongly recommended as spots are limited.
What Are the Best Kitesurfing Spots in Antigua?
Antigua has three main kite spots, each with its own character:
Green Island / Nonsuch Bay is the premium spot. Flat water, consistent wind, and total privacy. Accessible only by boat via 40 Knots. Best for lessons and progression riding in ideal conditions. IKSURFMAG rates it as one of the best spots on the island.
Jabberwock Beach is the island's original and most accessible kite beach. It's a national park on Antigua's north coast, about three miles from the airport. Wind runs side-onshore at 12 to 25 knots, making it excellent for all levels. The beach is wide, sandy, and well-spaced. A separate school, Kitesurf Antigua, operates from here. On busy weekends, you'll find a good mix of beginners and experienced riders. Note: learners without professional supervision are not allowed here for safety reasons.
Dutchman's Bay is where windsurfing first came to Antigua, and it's now a relaxed kite spot with restaurants and accommodation right on the beach. A more mellow option when you want a quieter session.
Half Moon Bay offers the rare chance to ride waves in Antigua. It works best with a southeast wind and stronger conditions, making it an occasional treat rather than a daily spot. The waves break fast and powerfully, so it's for experienced riders only.
What Lessons Does 40 Knots Offer?
40 Knots caters to every level, from complete beginners to advanced riders chasing foil tricks:
Beginner lessons run as semi-private sessions (two students sharing a 3-hour slot) or private one-on-one lessons. The dinghy-assisted teaching method means students make fast progress. Reviewers consistently note that riders often get up on the board within the first lesson or two, which is genuinely faster than most schools.
Intermediate packages come as two or three lesson bundles, designed to consolidate riding skills and build confidence for independent sessions. Lessons can be booked on non-consecutive days.
Advanced tuition covers surfboard riding, twin-tip freestyle, hooked and unhooked tricks, and hydrofoil boarding. Each advanced session runs up to three hours with a private instructor.
Wing foiling is also offered for those who want to try the newer discipline that's taken the water sports world by storm.
Gear rental is available for experienced riders who just need equipment and a boat ride out to Green Island. The school uses up-to-date kites (reviewers mention Ozone kites, among others) and all gear is well maintained.
The school can be reached at 40knots.net or by phone at +1 268-788-9504. Advance booking is highly recommended due to limited daily capacity.
When Is the Best Time to Go Kitesurfing in Antigua?
The kitesurfing season in Antigua runs from November through July. The most consistent months are January through July, with May and June offering the strongest and most reliable winds. December through March brings north-easterly winds averaging 12 to 18 knots, and January through March can see gusts pushing 30 knots.
Peak tourist season runs from December to February, which overlaps nicely with prime kite conditions. During this period, the sailing crowd is also in full swing, and the energy around Nonsuch Bay and English Harbour is at its highest.
If you want maximum wind and fewer tourists, June is your sweet spot. The warm easterly trade wind blows strongly, conditions are consistent, and the island is quieter than its winter peak.
Avoid September and October. Hurricane season peaks then, and wind conditions become unreliable at best.
What Should Beginners Know Before Their First Lesson?
If it's your first time kitesurfing, a few things are worth knowing before you book:
Kitesurfing has a learning curve. Most beginners need at least two to three lessons before riding independently. The 40 Knots dinghy method accelerates this significantly, but expect to spend your first session learning kite control on land and in shallow water before getting on the board.
Wear sunscreen. The reflection off the water is intense, especially at Nonsuch Bay. Bring a hat and a rash vest.
The wind is always warm in Antigua, so no wetsuit is needed. Light shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard are all you need.
Book early. 40 Knots has limited daily capacity and fills up fast in peak season. Don't leave it until you arrive on the island.
If you're traveling with non-kiters, Green Island works brilliantly as a day trip for the whole group. The beach is beautiful, snorkelling is excellent, and there's shade and lunch available on site.
What Else Is There to Do Near the Kite Spots?
Nonsuch Bay and the east coast of Antigua are quieter and more natural than the resort-heavy north and west coasts. After a morning on the water, it's worth exploring the area.
Saint Philip Parish, where 40 Knots is based, is one of Antigua's less-visited parishes and all the better for it. Half Moon Bay, just south of Nonsuch Bay, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Betty's Hope, Antigua's best-preserved sugar plantation, is a short drive away and worth an hour of your time.
For food and nightlife after a day of kiting, most riders head to English Harbour and Falmouth. It's the main hub for the sailing and water sports crowd, with good restaurants, bars, and a genuinely lively atmosphere during the season.
Browse the AntiguaSearch tours and activities listings for other water sports, boat trips, and adventures to fill the gaps between kite sessions. You can also find the 40 Knots listing directly on AntiguaSearch for contact details and directions.
Final Thoughts
Antigua punches well above its weight as a kitesurfing destination. The trade winds are reliable, the water is flat and warm, and the community is welcoming to riders of all levels.
40 Knots has built something special at Green Island. The private island location, dinghy-assisted instruction, and IKO-certified team make it one of the best learning environments anywhere in the Caribbean. Whether you've never touched a kite before or you're chasing your first foil session, this is the school to book.
Three things to remember before you go:
- Book in advance. Capacity is limited and the school fills up fast, especially December through February.
- May through July offers the best wind. If dates are flexible, aim for this window.
- Non-match day visits to Green Island work brilliantly for mixed groups. Non-kiters will love the beach.
For more guides to the best of Antigua and Barbuda, head to the AntiguaSearch blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kitesurfing in Antigua suitable for complete beginners? Yes. Antigua is considered one of the best places in the Caribbean to learn, thanks to its consistent trade winds, warm flat water, and reef-protected bays. 40 Knots at Green Island uses dinghy-assisted teaching methods that help beginners progress faster than at most schools. Reviewers frequently note they were up on the board within their first two lessons.
How much do kitesurfing lessons cost at 40 Knots Antigua? Pricing is available on the 40 Knots website. The school offers beginner semi-private lessons, private lessons, intermediate packages, and advanced sessions. Gear rental is also available for experienced riders. Advance booking is strongly recommended as daily spots are limited.
What is the best time of year to kitesurf in Antigua? The main kitesurfing season runs from November through July. May through July offers the strongest and most reliable trade winds. December through February is peak season for both tourists and kiters. September and October should be avoided due to hurricane season.
Can I kitesurf in Antigua if I have my own equipment? Yes. 40 Knots offers gear rental support and boat transfers to Green Island for experienced riders who have their own kit or just want to ride independently. Jabberwock Beach is also accessible by car and open to experienced riders, though beginners must be supervised by a professional school.
What makes Green Island a good kitesurfing spot? Green Island sits at the mouth of Nonsuch Bay on Antigua's windward east coast. The outer reef protects the bay from ocean swell, creating flat water conditions even in strong wind. The launching beach faces directly into the prevailing trade winds. The spot is accessible only by boat, keeping it uncrowded. A rescue boat is always on standby. It's considered one of the best flat-water kite spots in the Caribbean.