Sainte-Anne

About This Spot

Reef-protected turquoise lagoon on the south coast of Grande-Terre, just off Sainte-Anne village. "Sainte-Anne" covers several launches: the village/Club Med town beach, a small dedicated kite beach ~400 m east, and the bigger, quieter Bois Jolan lagoon ~4 km east — most riders treat them as one zone. Wind: E to NE trade winds blow nearly year-round, side-on to side-onshore (the bay catches you if you go down, so it's not a dangerous offshore). Season runs Dec–Jul with the most reliable, strongest wind Jan–Apr; February is the classic guaranteed month. December is lighter (~3–5 Bft / 10–15 kt); peak season averages ~15–22 kt. Summer/autumn is less consistent and is hurricane season. Water: Flat to light chop inside the barrier reef, shallow with a sandy bottom and standing depth in places — ideal for learning and freeride. Outside the reef expect 0.5–1.5 m waves; with E–SE swell the reef in front of town throws a rideable left for intermediates/advanced. Tide-independent, no significant tidal range. Warm water 27–30°C, boardshorts. Skill: Genuinely beginner-friendly in the lagoon (Bois Jolan and the kite beach are best for first sessions and freeride). The town beach itself suits all levels but gets busy. Launch & access: Drive and park near the beach, short walk to sand; narrow beach with only small grassy setup areas, so space is tight. Several schools (Easy Kite, Feeling Kite, Just'in Kite, Fun Kite Academy) offer lessons and rental. Hazards: Sharp coral reef sits just below the surface — mind your board and fins in shallow zones. Town beach is packed with swimmers/bathers, especially weekends, so launch and stay well clear of them. Biting sand flies appear after rain. Respect bather zones; ride downwind of crowds.