FAQs
This is our #1 spot to recommend as it’s only 20 feet away from our kite school HQ and is the only place to stay on the island with a kite spot right out front! The private cottages have fully functioning kitchens so if you’re happy shopping and cooking then this will be perfect. There’s also one of Antiguas only farm-to-table restaurants right next door. An unbeatable place to stay and would recommend booking early as spots go fast!
Beautiful Caribbean home with a panoramic view of the Atlantic ocean. Only 5 minutes from Dutchmans Bay Beach! Enjoy the scenery and the trade winds on the spacious front veranda. In the back there is a gazebo perfect for long lasting meals. The garden is big and the property has a private feel, yet it is located close to the airport, shops and restaurants. It is an amazing place to spend time and relax when not exploring the island. Learn more about Pumpkin House HERE
All-inclusive hotel about a 5/10 minute drive from our kite HQ at Dutchmans Bay Beach
A new, modern hotel just down the road from Dutchmans Bay. If you’re looking for a fancy stay then this might be it! It isn’t all-inclusive, although there is a restaurant on site.
This lovely cottage was recently built. It is only a 5-minute drive to Dutchman’s Bay. This cottage boasts modern finishes and comes complete with everything needed for a memorable stay in Antigua.
Modern, spacious one-bedroom apartment in a quiet semi-rural area. The suite is a 15 min drive away from Dutchmans bay. Nestled in a cool quiet valley, that makes for a peaceful getaway that is still not too far from the action.
Affordable option not too far from the beach. Very quiet and safe neighborhood.
Perfect for groups or just a couple! Very close to everything and the kite beach. Highly recommend.
Kite Specific FAQ’s
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN HOW TO KITEBOARD?
It varies from person to person but it takes most people anywhere from 9 – 12 hrs to get to where they are a safe and self-sufficient rider and can continue progressing on their own.
HOW MANY HOURS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR A BEGINNER?
We offer lessons in 3-hour slots. If you are brand new to the sport and just want to give it a go to see if you dig it, then one 3 hour session is a good place to start but if you are serious and want to go all-in and become a kiteboarder we would recommend the 9 or 12 hour slot. This will get you out every day there is wind and you will leave feeling very comfy behind a kite.
WHERE DO YOU TEACH YOUR LESSONS?
We are located at Dutchman’s Bay Beach which is a hidden kiteboarding spot on the island. Only 2 minutes from the airport and has the most consistent wind on the island.
WHAT MAKES DUTCHMAN’S BAY THE BEST PLACE TO LEARN?
The wind direction and how the beach is formed makes Dutchman’s safe and beginner-friendly! We also have boats on-site, this allows us to run the best style of kiteboarding lessons which is a hybrid of time on the beach learning kite control and time in the water with a safety boat learning how to get up and master your first rides. We also have two restaurants 10 feet away so all in all Dutchman’s Bay is a great place to become a kitesurfing pro but also hang out and recharge.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO KITE IN ANTIGUA?
The windy season is from Late November until June / July. We usually get between 12 – 20 knots of wind. See Antigua’s wind history here –
WHAT’S THE BEST KITE GEAR TO BRING TO ANTIGUA?
The most common kite sizes in Antigua are 10, 12, 14, and 17 meters. If You are a twin tip rider we would recommend bringing a big kite and a small kite. If you are into hydro foiling definitely bring it. Antigua has some amazing spots to explore on a foil.
DO YOU TEACH KIDS?
We Do! We teach kids from ages 10 & up. But learning to kite will very much depend on their attention span! It’s an amazing feeling to get young kids into the sport as they are the ones that will help the sport live on and enjoy it forever!
WHAT IF THERE ISN’T ANY WIND?
Antigua luckily has very consistent wind in the season so the chances of this happening are slim but if there is no wind for your lesson we will do our best to reschedule you for another day with wind or we can go wakeboarding instead to get you some practice on a board!
HOW MUCH WIND DO WE NEED TO KITE?
You need anywhere from 10 – 12 knots to have a solid kiteboarding session.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO GET INTO KITEBOARDING?
Once you are a confident swimmer and willing to learn ANYONE can master the art of kiteboarding. We have taught people from 10 – 80 years old. Kiteboarding is all about technique so its pretty easy to learn once you spend some time behind the bar.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WIND APPS?
Winguru, The Weather Channel, and Windy are our go-to weather apps for Antigua.
IS KITEBOARDING DANGEROUS?
Kiteboarding CAN be dangerous. We do not suggest getting gear and just trying it. Always take lessons, whether it’s with us or another school. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport and it’s best to learn from a qualified instructor, then the fun can begin and you won’t end up on your face.. or in a tree!
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED FOR MY LESSON?
We will supply all of the gear for your lessons. Such as a kite, bar & lines, harness, board and pump. If you’re having an advanced lesson and have your own gear then that’s totally fine too!
WHAT GEAR SHOULD WE BRING ON THE EXCURSION?
Your favorite set-up! We’ll check the forecast in the morning and be in touch if you need an opinion on which kite size to bring. We’ll be on a boat so the less gear the better, then we have more room for ourselves! Bring as much water as you can, sunscreen and even a hat. Feel free to bring any snacks too!
CAN NON KITERS COME ON THE EXCURSIONS?
Yes! Of course. The main flat water spot doesn’t really have much of a beach but there is a flat rock that’s great for watching the action! If it’s a downwinder mission they are more than welcome to sit on the boat and chill.
DO YOU RENT GEAR?
We can if we have availability.
Island Specific FAQ’s
IS ANTIGUA EXPENSIVE?
It can be, like any island. But we consider it a mid-range island. There is a decent level of cheap basics and more expensive luxury items. We import all of our goods into the island so some foods can be expensive in certain supermarkets. There are a few good local restaurants that you can explore that will save you some pennies too.
IS THE ISLAND SAFE?
Similar to anywhere it’s always best to be cautious but we’d say that Antigua is one of the safer islands for sure! Just don’t leave valuables in cars and make sure to lock the car door if you’re going for a long session! Like anywhere really!
WHAT ABOUT COVID 19?
See the latest rules & regulations here – https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS?
Garden Grill is a beautiful farm-to-table restaurant located right next to our kite school HQ and the Dutchman’s Bay cottages so if you’re staying there or kiting with us prepare to eat well!
The Caribbean’s top restaurant! Beautiful with a great atmosphere. A little pricey but you really get what you pay for.
Our go-to when we’re hungry! Easy and casual but still great food.
Clues in the name! Haha but it’s a good curry! They do a good takeaway too if you’re feeling like you need a night in!
Serving Sushi, steaks and other great stuff. In the heart of Falmouth Harbor so in peak season it’s a great place to sit and watch all of the super yachts
A beautiful restaurant overlooking Falmouth Harbor. Great food and service!
The sister restaurant to Sheer Rocks. Beautiful location and atmosphere. Great for lunch or brunch!
Casanova
If you’re looking for a lunchtime shawarma after a session or a late night, easy pizza then this is the spot! Located on Jabberwock road it’s the perfect pit-stop mid-session.