Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Anse-Bertrand (La Chapelle) is primarily known as a surf destination on the north coast of Grande-Terre, where medium-sized waves over clear, reef-influenced water can produce long, peeling lines—especially during the local winter swell window. The launch/beach area is described as a small, sandy crescent with a shallow lagoon system near shore and deeper water toward the northwest. Conditions are generally tropical and visually clear, but the reef environment is central to both the wave shape and the risk level: sea urchins, reef plateaus, and shallow sections mean you need to be deliberate about where you enter the water. Wind is driven by the prevailing trade pattern from the east through north-east. That reliability makes the area workable for kitesurfing and (with higher-level experience) windsurfing and wingfoiling, but sources consistently emphasize wave + reef complexity—so sessions require caution and appropriate choice of riding style and gear. For safety, the biggest themes are reef/urchin contact and stronger current influence near the reef pass. Local guidance also flags beginner risk: use the identified surfing access from Plage de La Chapelle and avoid pushing into the spots that can end on cliff or have more hazardous takeoffs.
- World-class left-hand/reef-associated wave (La Chapelle/Anse-Bertrand)
- Reliable trade winds (NE to E) during the season
- Small sandy beach with shallow lagoon near shore
- Clear water and consistent tropical conditions
- Crystal-clear water with consistent trade winds
- Peeling, walling reef wave with strong structure
- Tropical water temperatures year-round
- Reef and sea urchin hazards
- Currents/rip currents near the reef pass
- Beginner unfriendly due to waves ending on cliff in places
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing trade winds (Alizés) from the east/north-east.
- Reliability
- High during the trade wind season
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with lagoon conditions near shore.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Crescent sandy beach; relatively narrow sandy area with some vegetation and potential for wind shadow.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy for the surfing/kiting access context, but another source describes it as moderate.
Through the year
Peak December–April (winter swells and school holidays); off-season May–November.
August to November
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible in the sheltered bay with NE–E winds for wave riding and freeride; reef hazards and wave conditions require caution. Wind with waves breaking over a reef is described as side-onshore/challenging.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Less popular than nearby spots, but possible here for wave enthusiasts.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Foilable but limited; requires caution regarding reef depth and variable launch conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A consistent left-hand, reef-associated wave at La Chapelle/Anse-Bertrand; known for peeling walling structure along the reef with winter swell.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE, NNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide referenced as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered to exposed depending on the specific break setup; local notes include a sheltered bay context.
- Wind Effect
- Trade winds can create chop; cross-shore winds can still work the break.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out on massive swells (may also hold size well during winter swells).
- Wave Quality
- World class — Sources describe the wave as world-class; other notes describe quality as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Long, walling/peeling wave behavior on the reef.
- Ride Length Details
- Long, walling wave on the reef; can hold size well during winter swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) in the full forecast view.
Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–16 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ESE105°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.2 m8s period
- Temperature
- 27–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.8–1.2 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- reefs
- reef plateaus
- sea urchins
- strong currents
- floating sargassum seaweed
- cliff (waves end on cliff for surfing)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional notes indicate limited rescue availability.
- Emergency Info
- European emergency number 112; regional emergency services referenced via SNSM and French Gendarmerie maritime services. Nearest major hospital referenced as CHU de la Guadeloupe in Les Abymes.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Be careful around the reef and shallow areas; avoid pushing for long sessions when conditions drop, especially near low tide. Use caution with urchins and strong currents near the reef pass.
- Avoid beginners (waves can end on cliff; reef hazards).
- Be careful of the shallow reef during low tide.
- Booties are recommended due to sea urchins.
- Use the dedicated local surfing area from Plage de La Chapelle; avoid beginners due to waves ending on cliff.
- Significant rip currents can be present near the reef pass.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Pointe-à-Pitre
- Nearest Town
- Anse-Bertrand
- Nearest Airport
- Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP)
- Parking
- Parking area available near the beach entrance.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus service (Kar'Ouest); rental car highly recommended for accessibility.
- Access
- North Grande-Terre, accessible from the bourg of Anse-Bertrand; by car via the main coastal road with parking near the beach entrance for Plage de La Chapelle.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French, Guadeloupean Creole
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several gîtes and small hotels available within Anse-Bertrand and Port-Louis.
- Food & Drink
- Several local restaurants and 'lolos' serving Caribbean cuisine are within walking distance of the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available locally for surfing and SUP; kitesurfing rental more common in nearby areas (Le Moule or Saint-François) (regional note).
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to specific surf clubs or specialized accommodation (regional note).
- Gear Repair
- Basic board repair shops located in neighboring Le Moule (regional note).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Dramatic limestone cliffs, coastal exploration, and a surf/wind-focused local scene on the north coast of Grande-Terre.
Dramatic 80-meter high limestone cliffs marking the northernmost point of Grande-Terre.
Historical remains of a sugar plantation and windmill.
A narrow coastal canyon ideal for hiking and observing dramatic wave action.
Local Creole cuisine specializing in fresh seafood and bokit.
Sheltered beach area suitable for swimming and family picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre)?
The best overall months at Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) are December, January, February, March, April, May, June. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, December.
Which wind directions work at Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre)?
Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) works with NE, ENE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) suitable for?
Anse-Bertrand (Grande-Terre) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.