Saint Vincent and the Grenadines · St. Vincent & Grenadines
Union Island / Frigate Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
15kts
E · Wind season
Union Island gets 303 windy days a year, but don't mistake consistency for easy. Island funneling creates unpredictable gusts and reef navigation is non-negotiable.
- 15kts
- Average wind
- 303
- Windy days / year
- 08:00–11:00
- Peak wind hours
- E
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Kingstown
- Coordinates
- 12.5848, -61.4356
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
94%
rideable
17.2 kts
Feb
91%
rideable
17.1 kts
Mar
84%
rideable
16.1 kts
Apr
88%
rideable
16 kts
May
94%
rideable
16.2 kts
Jun
100%
rideable
17.3 kts
Jul
87%
rideable
16.4 kts
Aug
69%
rideable
14.5 kts
Sep
50%
rideable
13.6 kts
Oct
65%
rideable
14.9 kts
Nov
85%
rideable
15.7 kts
Dec
89%
rideable
16.3 kts
Best wind directions
- E
- ENE
- ESE
- SE
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean swell and strong currents common in the Grenadines passages
- Shallow reefs and rocky outcrops near Frigate Island require careful navigation
- Sudden wind shifts and gusts channeled through nearby islands
- Limited rescue access due to remote location between islands
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
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Basic guesthouses and small hotels on Union Island
- Local restaurants and beach bars with Caribbean cuisine
- Small dive shops and water sports operators nearby
Local tips
Wind is reliable nearly year-round (303 days), making this a consistent spot despite remote logistics. Plan your trip during peak season (Dec-Jul) for best conditions and coordinate with local guides familiar with reef navigation.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy beaches on Union Island's leeward side when winds favor ENE-E directions. Choppy conditions require strong launching technique and awareness of reef hazards near the shoreline.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishing zones and stay clear of anchored boats in the narrow channels. Check with local operators before sessioning to understand current usage patterns.
What to wear
A 2-3mm springsuit is adequate year-round due to warm Caribbean waters and tropical climate. Sun protection and a rash guard are essential for the intense equatorial sun.
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
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Union Island's leeward beaches work almost year-round. Trade winds are relentless—303 windy days annually. But the setup isn't forgiving. Grenadines passages between islands funnel wind into acceleration zones. You get sudden gusts and hard direction shifts. Chop is genuine. You're managing pressure the whole session, not cruising on rails.
Wind & Conditions
15 knots average, ENE and E dominant. December through July is peak, but wind holds all year. The catch: predictability breaks down. Nearby islands channel wind unpredictably—gusts spike hard, then ease fast. This demands active kite management and the judgment to call it when conditions spike beyond your level.
The Water
Choppy swell baseline. Shallow reefs and rocky outcrops near Frigate Island are real hazards—not obstacles you ignore. Strong currents run the passages, especially with tide changes. Launch from sandy beaches on Union's leeward side when wind is ENE or E, but know your exit before you go out. Remoteness means limited rescue infrastructure. You need to be self-sufficient.
Who Should Go
Intermediate riders comfortable in chop and capable of reading reef zones. Solid launching technique required. Beginners won't dial in basics here—conditions won't allow it. Respect the navigation demands and you get a spot that rarely flatters.
On the Island
Basic guesthouses, small hotels, local food. No beach clubs or organized schools. Work with local guides—they know reef patterns and currents. Not optional.
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