WWS

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines · St. Vincent & Grenadines

Mayreau / Saltwhistle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

15kts

E · Wind season

Flat water 300+ days a year with steady E-NE trades. Built for beginners who want to progress, not survive.

BeginnerIntermediateFreerideFoil
15kts
Average wind
304
Windy days / year
08:00–11:00
Peak wind hours
E
Primary direction

Location

Nearest airports
Airport - Kingstown
Coordinates
12.6480, -61.3893
Open full map

Monthly wind profile (peak window)

17
Jan
17
Feb
16
Mar
16
Apr
16
May
17
Jun
17
Jul
15
Aug
14
Sep
15
Oct
16
Nov
16
Dec

Jan

94%

rideable

17.4 kts

Feb

91%

rideable

17.2 kts

Mar

82%

rideable

16.2 kts

Apr

87%

rideable

16.1 kts

May

94%

rideable

16.2 kts

Jun

100%

rideable

17.4 kts

Jul

89%

rideable

16.5 kts

Aug

69%

rideable

14.6 kts

Sep

50%

rideable

13.7 kts

Oct

65%

rideable

14.9 kts

Nov

87%

rideable

15.6 kts

Dec

90%

rideable

16.3 kts

Best wind directions

  • E
  • ENE
  • ESE
  • SE
  • NE

Water conditions

  • Ocean
  • Flat Water

Best months

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hazards

  • Shallow reef areas and coral formations scattered throughout the bay
  • Strong currents during tidal changes, particularly near channel entrances
  • Occasional boat traffic from local fishing vessels and ferries
  • Sharp rocks and sea urchins in shallow water zones

What that means for you

  • Reef booties recommended at low tide
  • Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
  • Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
  • Watch for moored boats and marked channels
  • Stay well clear of fishing nets and lines (50 m+)
  • Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water

Amenities

  • Beach bars and restaurants at Saltwhistle Bay nearby
  • Basic accommodation options in Mayreau village
  • Small local shops for supplies in the village
  • Scenic anchorage popular with sailing vessels

Local tips

This is a pristine, less-crowded spot perfect for skill development with reliable wind 303+ days annually. Coordinate with local guides or accommodations to learn about seasonal variations and best tide times for your skill level.

Launch & beach

Saltwhistle Bay offers protected, flat-water conditions ideal for beginners with consistent E-NE trades. Launch from the sandy beach area during rising tide to avoid shallow reef zones.

Local etiquette

Respect local fishing activities and give way to small boats; the bay is shared with anchored vessels, so maintain clear communication with other water users. Check with locals before sessions regarding any restricted areas.

What to wear

A 2-3mm wetsuit or rash guard is sufficient year-round given the tropical Caribbean location and warm water temperatures. Quick-dry shorts and UV protection recommended for all-day sessions.

What to pack

Kite sizes

  • 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
  • 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
  • 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn

Boards

  • Twintip — universal, bring one
  • Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn

What to wear (by climate)

In the water
Boardshorts or bikini with a rashguard or sun shirt.
On land
Light cotton; pack a rain jacket if the season overlaps rains.

Derived from the spot's latitude (tropical zone) and current season.

Right of way & manners

  1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
  2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
  3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
  4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
  5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.

Spot guide

The Experience

Saltwhistle Bay is a protected basin with minimal swell and predictable wind—ideal for learning. You launch from sand into manageable conditions year-round. The trades roll in clean and consistent, which means you can focus on technique rather than reading chaotic water.

Wind & Conditions

303+ windy days annually, mostly E and ENE. May–August and November–January see stronger activity, but the trades stay reliable off-season too. Average 15 knots. Wind direction is steady across the bay with little thermal noise—what you see is what you get.

Tide matters: rising water gives you more depth over the reefs and cleaner launch conditions.

Water & Hazards

Flat inside the bay. Reef and coral sit throughout the bottom—you need basic positional awareness to avoid them. Sea urchins and sharp rock edges exist in the shallows.

Currents accelerate through the channel entrances during tidal swings. Manageable, but respect them. Local fishing boats and ferries use these waters; stay clear of active traffic lanes.

Who Belongs Here

Beginners and early intermediates building edge control and carving skills. The forgiving flat water lets you practice without getting destroyed by chop. Advanced riders won't find progression—no swell, no tricks.

Logistics

Maryreau is a small village with basic guesthouses, shops, and beach bars. Sailing cruisers anchor regularly. Work with local guides to dial in tide timing and reef positions—they know the water better than any guide.