Roatan / Camp Bay, Honduras
Camp Bay delivers consistent wind and beginner-friendly flats, but shallow reefs and ferry traffic demand careful line choices. Best for dedicated learners.
- 13.8kts
- Average wind
- 248
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- E
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Roatan
- Coordinates
- 16.4280, -86.2953
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
73%
rideable
16.1 kts
Feb
81%
rideable
15.8 kts
Mar
81%
rideable
15.9 kts
Apr
83%
rideable
17.5 kts
May
97%
rideable
17.4 kts
Jun
83%
rideable
17.9 kts
Jul
81%
rideable
16 kts
Aug
58%
rideable
14.7 kts
Sep
58%
rideable
14.4 kts
Oct
37%
rideable
14.5 kts
Nov
38%
rideable
15.9 kts
Dec
44%
rideable
14.8 kts
Best wind directions
- E
- ENE
- ESE
- NE
- NNE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Shallow coral reefs and rocky outcrops in flat water areas
- Strong currents and tidal flows around the bay
- Boat traffic from local ferries and fishing vessels
- Sea urchins and sharp coral near shore
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
- Kitesurfing schools and rental shops in Camp Bay area
- Beachfront resorts and accommodations nearby
- Local restaurants and bars catering to water sports tourists
- Equipment repair and maintenance services
Local tips
The year-round wind availability (247+ windy days) makes Roatan a reliable destination for progression. Check local tide schedules, as shallow areas can become exposed during low tide, limiting riding zones.
Launch & beach
Camp Bay's flat water and sandy beach areas provide ideal launching conditions for beginners. Wind typically arrives from the east and northeast, creating consistent offshore to side-onshore conditions.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishing boats and swimmers, staying in designated kite zones when available. Coordinate with other kiters in the crowded tourism season to avoid tangled lines.
What to wear
A 2-3mm wetsuit or rash guard is sufficient year-round due to warm Caribbean waters. Quick-dry clothing works best given the tropical climate and consistent conditions.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 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
Roatan is a working Caribbean island. Camp Bay offers the obvious launch—sandy beach, protected water, shallow enough to build skills without fighting depth. The catch: shallow means exposed reef at low tide, and ferries cut through regularly. You're navigating constraints, not floating untethered.
Wind & Conditions
247+ windy days annually is the main attraction. East-northeast pressure year-round, averaging 13.8 knots but regularly hitting high teens and low twenties—enough to progress or just ride. Wind swings from offshore to side-onshore depending on tide, meaning Camp Bay works when nearby zones don't.
Water & Hazards
Warm tropical water with decent visibility. Shallow coral reefs and rocky outcrops define the riding zones. This isn't the place to learn unhooked tricks in the shallows—reef awareness becomes background noise that kills progression. Tidal flows run hard; low tide shallows become unrideable, high tide hides hazards. Check tide schedules before launching. Water shoes required due to sharp coral and sea urchins near shore.
Who It's For
Beginners under instruction. Flat water is genuinely suited for learning, and wind consistency means reliable sessions. Intermediate kiters stacking progression hours will find value. Advanced riders wanting waves or big air should go elsewhere.
Infrastructure & Reality
Schools, rentals, and repair shops exist here. Beachfront resorts cater to kite tourists. The beach stays active—ferries run, fishing boats move through—so you're sharing space with working island life.
**Launch early in the tide window before ferry traffic peaks. Bring water shoes and respect the reef.**