Le Vauclin (Pointe Faula)

About This Spot

Pointe Faula, just outside the fishing village of Le Vauclin on Martinique's southeast coast, is the island's most popular and most reliable kite spot. A wide, shallow lagoon (sandy bottom, often waist- to chest-deep over a long stretch) sits inside a coral barrier reef, so the water is largely flat with light chop despite the wind being onshore/side-onshore from the east. This makes it a textbook beginner and intermediate spot, ideal for learning, freeride, freestyle and foil; experienced riders can find a few small waves out on the reef line. Wind: classic Caribbean trade winds (alizés) from the east, typically 12–25 kt and most often 15–20 kt. The reliable, windy season runs roughly November/December to June, with the strongest and steadiest wind mid-December to mid-April (Dec–Feb peak). Summer (Aug–Oct) is lighter and the lull/hurricane-risk window — kiteable days drop off. Wind tends to build through midday and afternoon. A 9–12 m kite covers most days for an average rider. Launch & access: from Le Vauclin head to Pointe Faula; there's a large grassy/sandy rigging area and a spacious beach. Stay close to the water when launching to avoid the coconut palms behind the beach. The beach is shared — the left/inner section is used by windsurfers and swimmers, the right side is the kite zone. Hazards: shallow coral on the outer barrier (don't ride into it — it's just below the surface), sea urchins, and the onshore wind direction, which means a self-rescue or failed water-start drifts you back toward the beach/swimmers rather than out to sea (a plus for beginners). The spot gets crowded in season, especially the upwind launch area, and there can be swimmer/windsurf zones to respect. Several kite schools operate here (e.g. Club Nautique du Vauclin / Pointe Faula, Blue Lagoon Kitesurf); check current local rules — some lagoon spots in Martinique require club membership or a permit.