The beach is very large - enough space to safely launch, even if wind is onshore. Sandy and very soft. All beaches in Cuba are open to the public - access to the beach behind the Barcelo Marina Palace may be immediately adjacent to the property. Launching from this site, you can kitesurf east and hit superb flat water sections on the next small island (ask the locals to show you), or you can do 25 km downwinders all the way along the Varadero penninsula. With large, shallow areas (particularly at low tide), this is a superb beach for beginners.
If going from November to March (best time to go) bring something warm to wear after kiting. The wind can chill you around sunset. I wish I had a warm hoodie to throw on. Even a 1mm top would be a great idea.
- January - February - March - November - December
Wind Type:
- Thermal Winds
Best Direction:
- N - NNE - NE - ENE - E - W - WNW - NW - NNW
Main Direction:
- N - NE
Good time for wind is typically December to March, but can go earlier or later depending upon the season. Marina Palace Beach is near to the eastern end of the peninsula, where the land takes a curve towards the east, so kiteboarding is possible on more wind directions, here. I was there in July, typically in the middle of the off-season. We enjoyed 2-4 days of kiteable winds every week. Sometimes even whole afternoons with 22+ knots winds.
Fly directly to Varadero. Or, fly to Havana and 2 hour drive. Taxis readily available. Best way to get there from Varadero town site is to jump on the red tourist bus for $5 all day ride. Tourists are not allowed to ride the "locals" bus.
None. The Barcelo Marina Palace is a popular all-inclusive, so just stay away from the crowds. When the wind is at 20 kts, they close the beaches. There is no limits to kiting in strong wind in Cuba. The lifeguards, if around, just won't let the tourists in front of the resorts go swimming. Several of the local kiters run schools. They provide lessons to kiters of all levels. I took several hours, and was surprised by the level of teaching. Whilst illegal to operate an independent business in Cuba, more and more young people 'work around' this problem. Ask around at the beach. A general note on Kitesurfing in Cuba: Kitesurfing has a growing scene in Cuba. New spots are being discovered. New riders are taking up the sport. The first few kiteschools are being set up. In general, the kiters I met were incredibly friendly and helpful towards tourists and fellow kiters. But, there is one major problem for Cuban kiters; It is impossible to import or buy any kind of kite equipment in Cuba. Kites, boards, harnesses, pumps, simply everything is in short supply. Because of this local riders and schools are looking to buy any kind of gear. If you are traveling to Cuba, and have any kind of gear, new or old, you would like to sell, you will really help the local kite scene if you bring it along. You will get a low, but fair price, but more importantly you will really help a stoked crowd keep growing the sport. The same goes for all kite movies and kite magazines.
Nightlife in Varadero is centered mostly at the larger hotels. Lots of clubs, too, up and down the main road. Taxis are easy to get, even at night. Parties start around 11pm. Excellent food at non-hotel restaurants.
08-11-17 Unknown: We where there from 8 to 14-11-2008 and have ridden the Varadero penninsula downwind everyday. OK, it was an exception to get 10-20 knots in november (thanks Paloma). The trick is to get back to your starting point with the red bus (called BeachTour) . The normal price is 5$ for a whole 'hop in-hop off' day, but as we explain that both of us just get back to hour hotel, we paid nothing on one day, and $2/pers. the other day. Take care of the small blue jellyfishs (they can have a 1 meter very painfull tail), and of the small beaches (no pause) along the downwind. We first did a walk to recognize the rocks.
Gilles
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