And if you have a sun umbrella that would be helpful too - there is a rigged up little shack made of drift wood but that's about the only shelter providing any shade.ĭon't bother with Fisherman's Hut at Palm Beach - go to Boca Grandi! The only downside is that it is remote, no restaurants nearby (although you could drive to the grocery store in San Nicolas) and there is only one accommodation there (Kite Inn). Just remember to pack a lunch because there are no restaurants around. Definitely recommend this beach! Boca Grandi is a bay with on-shore winds, nice small waves, and steady winds averaging 20-25 knots the week we were there. Instead, we rented a car and drove to Boca Grandi beach after reading other reviews about the best kiting beaches on the island. We kited here one day and then decided it just wasn't worth it. It is chaotic with people everywhere, windsurfers, tons of beginners, boats and as such it gets super crowded. I have to advise anyone planning to travel here - the kiting conditions are terrible! The wind is off-shore, and because it comes across the island to the beach, there are a ton of wind holes and shadows (from all the hotels!). We stayed at one of the high rise hotels on Palm Beach, hoping to kite at the Fisherman's Hut location on the north end of the beach near the Ritz Carleton (where Vela Kiteboarding and Armando's Kite School are located). For this trip, we decided to try Aruba because we read that it is the most consistently windy island in the Caribbean. My husband and I are always looking for new kiteboarding destinations. I am writing this review for fellow kiteboarders. I think the challenge will serve us well when we head to our next destination with smoother conditions. We were using 12 meter and 10 meter kites respectively and while we had our frustrating moments, we did get on the board and riding, though will still need more lessons to truly become independent. To the instructors' credit they always let us know when it was too marginal to go out and even stopped a lesson when the wind stopped blowing one day and gave us a credit. We are beginners with only a few lessons taken before this trip and it is indeed challenging to learn here, especially in September when the wind can be very light. The general vibe at the shack is great and you may choose to hang out after your lesson is over. We did not take lessons from Armando or the other instructors, but they were all easygoing and very friendly. Thankfully the bay is very shallow for many many yards, so even far away from shore you can usually stand up, recover your board and try again without having to wait for the boat. Since the wind will be pulling you farther and farther from the shore, they will come rescue you with their boat when you find yourself in the deep end :) They are very knowledgeable and helpful and they're great company.

Me and my wife took 5 lessons each with Alessandro and Airton (AKA Colombia).

Kite surfing aruba