Kitesurfing on Bonaire - Constant Wind at Atlantis Kite Beach
Bonaire is a top destination for kitesurfers. With constant trade winds of 15 to 25 knots, crystal-clear water and plenty of space, Atlantis Kite Beach offers perfect conditions for beginners and advanced kiters all year round.
Why kiters come to Bonaire
Kitesurfing on Bonaire is growing quickly in popularity, and not without reason. The island combines everything a kiter looks for: reliable wind, warm water without a wetsuit, little congestion on the water and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere after the session. Atlantis Beach on the north-west coast, better known as Kite Beach, is the go-to spot for kiters on the island.
The trade wind from the north-east blows all year round with an average of 15 to 25 knots. The water is clear, the temperature is between 26°C and 29°C, and there is more than enough space to launch and land safely. For beginners, kite schools Kiteboarding Bonaire and Kiters Paradise offer lessons in calm spots, while advanced kiters head for the open water off the coast.
From Casa Trankilo in Kralendijk, it is a fifteen-minute drive to Kite Beach. After kiting, rinse off the salt at the pool, or walk to the boulevard for dinner with a sea view.
Bonaire at a glance
The key facts about the island at a glance
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish
Climate
Tropical, 27-33°C year-round
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Travel time
~9 hours direct from Amsterdam
Atlantis Kite Beach: the kite spot of Bonaire
Atlantis Beach, also known as Kite Beach, lies on the north-west coast of Bonaire, about 15 minutes drive from Kralendijk. The beach is wide and shallow, with a sandy bottom that is ideal for launching and landing kites. The wind comes in side-onshore, which means you are always blown back towards the shore if you get into trouble.
The water off the coast is deep enough for big jumps and tricks, while it stays shallow and calm close to the beach. That makes Kite Beach suitable for both beginners and advanced kiters. Please note: kitesurfing is not allowed at Lac Bay, to prevent collisions with windsurfers. Kite Beach is the designated spot.
Along the beach you will find a small kiosk for drinks and snacks. The atmosphere is relaxed and international. After a session, it is common to chat with other kiters while you roll up your gear and the sun slowly sets over the horizon.
What can you do on Bonaire?
From snorkelling and diving to windsurfing and exploring nature, Bonaire offers activities for every traveller
Diving
Kitesurfing
Nature & more
About Bonaire
Restaurants and bars
Windsurfing
Everything about kitesurfing on Bonaire
From your first lesson to the best tricks over the Caribbean Sea
Lessons for beginners
Bonaire has several IKO-certified kite schools. A basic course takes three to five days and takes you from zero to your first independent sessions. The conditions are ideal for learning: constantly warm wind, no high waves near the beach and few other water users nearby.
Advanced: freestyle and big air
The open water off Kite Beach offers enough depth and space for big jumps and freestyle tricks. The constant wind direction and strength make it possible to train for days on end without changing conditions. Several professional kiters use Bonaire as a training location during the winter season.
Best wind months
The trade wind blows all year round, but the strongest and most reliable wind falls between December and August. During this period you get 15 to 25 knots almost daily. September to November can be a bit lighter, but there are still plenty of kite days. Most kiters come between January and July.
Renting or bringing equipment
The kite schools on Bonaire rent out complete equipment, including kite, board, harness and trapeze. For a longer stay, bringing your own equipment is more cost-effective. Most airlines accept kite luggage as sports equipment for an extra fee. Check this with your airline beforehand.
Safety and rules
Kitesurfing is only allowed at Atlantis Beach (Kite Beach) in the south-west. Outside the permitted zone, always keep a minimum distance of 75 metres from the coastline. Kitesurfing at Klein Bonaire is not allowed.
After kiting
After a day on the water, it is a fifteen-minute drive back to Casa Trankilo. Jump into the pool to cool off, or walk to the restaurants on the Kralendijk boulevard. For those with energy left: Bonaire’s nature offers plenty of options for a sunset by the salt flats or a walk through the centre.
Frequently asked questions about Bonaire
Where can you kitesurf on Bonaire?
The designated spot is Atlantis Kite Beach on the north-west coast of the island, about 15 minutes drive from Kralendijk. Kitesurfing is not allowed at Lac Bay or the beaches on the west coast. Kite Beach has a wide beach, side-onshore wind and plenty of space for all levels.
Can you take kite lessons on Bonaire?
Yes, there are several IKO-certified kite schools active on Bonaire. A basic course takes three to five days and takes you from zero to kiting independently. The conditions are ideal for beginners: constant wind, warm water, little wave action near the beach and plenty of space.
When is the best time to kitesurf on Bonaire?
The trade wind blows all year round, but is strongest from December to August with 15 to 25 knots. September to November can be a bit lighter but still kiteable. The water temperature is always between 26°C and 29°C, so a wetsuit is never needed.
What is the difference between kitesurfing and windsurfing on Bonaire?
You kitesurf at Atlantis Kite Beach on the north-west coast, and windsurf at Lac Bay on the south-east coast. Both sports benefit from the same trade wind, but the spots are separated for safety reasons. Windsurfing in the shallow lagoon is ideal for beginners, while kitesurfing on open water offers more space for jumps.
How far is Kite Beach from Casa Trankilo?
Atlantis Kite Beach is about a 15-minute drive from Casa Trankilo in Kralendijk. You will need a rental car to get there. Parking at the beach is free. After kiting, you are quickly back at the pool or the restaurants in the centre.
