Curaçao

About Curaçao

Curaçao is the largest of the ABC islands, with a UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial harbour at Willemstad, some of the best shore diving in the Caribbean, and a north-east coast that almost nobody visits. The kitesurfing happens on that wild side.

St Joris Bay is a large natural lagoon surrounded by mangroves, fed by predictable north-east trade winds. February to mid-June is the peak, with strong and consistent wind; July and August ease off, and September to November is generally not worth planning around. The bay is big enough to ride for kilometres, with a downwind walk back, and the water ranges from choppy in the main area to completely flat at the upwind butter-spot that speed riders use.

It suits intermediate and advanced riders rather than first-timers. Shallow sections, rock islands and sea turtles are all part of the bay, and it is shared with windsurfers, fishermen, horses and motorbikes on the shore. Booties are sensible unless you are confident upwind.

When to go

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• St. Joris Bay

  Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August.