Anse À La Gourde

Anse À La Gourde is a reef-and-lagoon spot on the eastern tip of Guadeloupe, where clear water and medium-sized beach exposure meet a sharp reef environment. Expect reef hazards (rocks and sea urchins) and areas where the bottom is not forgiving, especially if you need to enter or walk in the water. Wind is dominated by the East–Northeast to East–Southeast trade winds (Alizés), with steady conditions during the core season. The most favorable wind approach is NE to ENE (and also E), with typical usable winds around 15–25 knots. Daytime thermal reinforcement can add light extra lift, but the primary planning factor is the trades. For kitesurfing, the spot is often described as versatile: freeride-friendly in the lagoon while the outer reef can produce wave riding. Surfing is an exposed reef break with generally good wave quality when a northeast swell combines with the more favorable wind orientation; wave shape is often described as peeling, with moderate wave power and medium ride segments. For planning and safety: be particularly cautious around the reef pass and during outgoing tides, and protect against sea urchins (booties strongly recommended). No lifeguards are reported at this spot, and rescue capability is limited; keep emergency planning in mind and stay attentive at low tide when reef edges are more likely to be encountered.