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SAN SALVADOR, THE BAHAMAS

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Bahamas Kitesurfing is based on San Salvador Island, one of the more remote and naturally preserved islands of The Bahamas.

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San Salvador is known for its quiet beaches, clear turquoise water, natural lakes, coral reefs and excellent year-round outdoor conditions. The island is small and peaceful, making it an ideal place to escape the busier tourist destinations.

[View San Salvador on Google Maps]

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CLIMATE & WEATHER

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San Salvador has a warm tropical climate throughout the year, with plenty of sunshine and generally comfortable temperatures.

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Winter — November to April

Typical temperatures: 25–27°C

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The winter months are generally cooler and bring the island's most reliable trade winds. Cold fronts can occasionally move through the Bahamas, bringing significantly cooler temperatures for short periods. During stronger cold fronts, temperatures can drop to around 20°C or lower, particularly overnight.

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Summer — May to October

Typical temperatures: 27–31°C

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Summer is warmer and more humid, with generally lighter and more variable winds. Rain showers and thunderstorms become more common, particularly later in the season. Sea temperatures remain warm and comfortable throughout the year.

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BEST TIME FOR KITEBOARDING

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November to April — PRIME KITE SEASON

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The winter months generally offer the strongest and most consistent kiteboarding conditions on San Salvador.

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January to March are typically among the windiest months, with frequent trade winds and the possibility of stronger conditions when cold fronts pass through. Typical conditions can range around 15–20 knots, with stronger winds possible during cold fronts.

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Important: Wind conditions vary from day to day and are dependent on weather systems, so these figures should be considered typical ranges rather than guarantees.

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Wind & Lesson Safety

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We choose the lesson location and activity based on the current wind, weather, water conditions and each rider's ability. Beginner lessons are not conducted in conditions that are considered unsuitable for learning. Stronger wind conditions may be appropriate for experienced intermediate and advanced riders depending on the day's conditions.

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SUMMER & LOW-WIND SEASON

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May to October — WARMER & MORE VARIABLE

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May and June can bring some of the year's lighter and more variable winds, making these months particularly suitable for foil sports when conditions allow.

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July and August can bring periods of good wind, but temperatures are considerably warmer than during the winter season. You may also notice more seagrass and algae in some areas during the warmer months.

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Hurricane Season

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The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the highest level of activity typically occurring from August through October and climatological activity peaking around September.

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Weather conditions can change quickly during tropical weather systems, so activities may be adjusted or cancelled when conditions are considered unsafe. We are generally close from September to November.

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KITEBOARDING LOCATIONS

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Snow Bay - On the southeast side of San Salvador, is our primary kiteboarding location.

The area offers a naturally protected setting with clear deep to shallow waters, surrounding cays and reef protections. Conditions can vary depending on the wind direction, tide and weather.

It is our main location for lessons and is suitable for a wide range of rider levels when conditions are appropriate.

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Depending on the day's conditions and the experience level of the rider, we may also use other locations around the island, including:

• Club Med Bay

• North Beach

• The lagoon and surrounding areas

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The final location is always selected based on the day's wind, water and safety conditions.

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WHAT TO BRING

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We recommend bringing the following for your sessions:

• Sunglasses with a floating strap

• Long-sleeve rash guard

• High-SPF sunscreen

• Water bottle

• Wetsuit or thermal layer during winter

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A wetsuit is not normally required, as water temperatures are comfortable for most of the year. However, cold fronts can occasionally make the air and water feel significantly cooler, particularly during the winter months.

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We can advise you on what to bring based on the forecast and conditions during your stay.

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LANGUAGE

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Official language: English

English is spoken throughout San Salvador.

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CURRENCY

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The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) and U.S. Dollar (USD) are accepted interchangeably throughout The Bahamas.

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1 BSD = 1 USD

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Payments we accept:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• Major credit cards

• Cash in Bahamian Dollars or U.S. Dollars

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A 3% service fee applies to card payments.

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Please note that card and cash availability can vary between businesses on the island, so we recommend carrying some cash during your stay.

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BANKING & ATM

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San Salvador has a local bank and ATM facilities.

Banking hours: Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM

ATM: Available 24/7

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For longer stays, we recommend planning ahead for cash requirements, as banking and ATM services on a small island are more limited than in Nassau or other larger Bahamian destinations.

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TRANSPORTATION

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Round-trip transportation is included with all kiteboarding lessons. We can pick you up from anywhere on San Salvador, including Club Med Columbus Isle reception, and return you after your session.

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Transportation can also be arranged for other kiteboarding-related services, such as rentals, upon request for an additional fee.

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A SMALL ISLAND — PLAN AHEAD

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San Salvador is a small and remote island, which is part of what makes it special.

Services and supplies are more limited than on larger Bahamian islands, so we recommend planning ahead for your trip, particularly when it comes to cash, equipment, food and transportation.

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The island's quieter atmosphere is also one of its biggest attractions — less traffic, fewer crowds and plenty of open space to enjoy the water.

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Welcome to San Salvador!