French Bay (San Salvador)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kitesurfing here combines wave riding potential with choppy near-shore conditions, with additional reef hazards that require careful awareness—particularly around the east end of the bay where waves break on the reef. Wind is described as trade-wind driven and steady, with typical ranges reported around 15–30 knots. Surfing is possible on the reef, with reports of rights and a working swell window that depends on swell wrapping around the island or rare southern swell. The reef setup is exposed and can be challenging to paddle out as size increases, so only experienced surfers are typically suited for the surf conditions.
- Crystal-clear water
- Best kitesurfing winds from SE to SW
- Surfing possible on the eastern reef end (right-hand waves when swell wraps)
- Crystal-clear water with excellent visibility
- Strong trade-wind window in winter and spring with reliable SE to SW directions
- Reef/rock hazards near the east end of the bay require careful entry and exit
- Remote spot with limited/no rescue and no on-site services
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (gradient-driven) are the primary wind source on San Salvador.
- Reliability
- High during winter and spring months (as reported for the spot/wider season).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small to medium overall conditions for the bay; surfing can vary with swell and wrap.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Described as choppy water.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with rocky outcrops/vegetation toward the back; obstacles near shoreline.
Through the year
Usually very quiet; often uncrowded.
Hurricane season runs from June through November (peak rainfall September and October).
By sport
What to expect for each.
French Bay is a kitesurfing spot for wave and freeride riding in choppy water, with best winds coming from SE through SW.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Potentially suitable for wave and freeride styles; bring equipment as there are no facilities on-site.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Outer reef provides swell for foiling, but riders must be cautious of shallow coral heads within the bay.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil friendly is described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters over the reef; deeper in the channel
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Reef break producing rights when swell wraps/conditions are favorable; can hold size but becomes challenging to paddle out on larger swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Southwest winds are side-offshore for the main reef break.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes challenging to paddle out.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long rides when the swell wrap is consistent across the reef.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for French Bay (San Salvador) in the full forecast view.
French Bay (San Salvador) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- SE146°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 25–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, French Bay (San Salvador) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.6–1.3 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
- Coral heads
- Sharks
- Strong currents
- Sharp rocks
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability reported for the spot; regional context indicates rescue services are limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Cockburn Town; contact the local clinic for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Talk to a local before going on the water; standard international right-of-way rules apply.
- The best waves break on the eastern end of the bay on the reef.
- Bring all necessary gear and water; there are no shops or services nearby.
- Ride with a partner due to remoteness.
- Be careful of reefs and rocks during entry/exit.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Salvador
- Nearest Town
- Cockburn Town
- Parking
- Unorganized parking along the dirt track and beach access areas; parking available (no specific camper restrictions confirmed for this exact spot).
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent; transport is limited to taxis, rental cars, or bicycles.
- Access
- At the south end of the island (near Sugar Loaf Settlement / Cockburn Town). Accessible by car via a rough track; 4WD or high-clearance vehicle recommended.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available on the island, with major options generally located away from the immediate shoreline around other coasts.
- Food & Drink
- No food or drink at the spot; visitors must bring supplies from Cockburn Town.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available at the beach; bring your own equipment.
- Gear Storage
- No gear storage available.
- Gear Repair
- No gear repair available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The island is geared toward nature lovers and self-sufficient wind enthusiasts, with limited organized sports infrastructure.
One of the few remaining hand-operated, kerosene-powered lighthouses in the world, offering panoramic views of the island.
Commemorates the traditional site where Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World in 1492.
Renowned for dramatic vertical walls, swim-throughs, and frequent hammerhead shark sightings.
A local favorite for drinks and island-style snacks near the main settlements.
Shallow, calm waters ideal for families to explore vibrant coral heads.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at French Bay (San Salvador)?
The best overall months at French Bay (San Salvador) are January, February, March, April, May, November, December.
Which wind directions work at French Bay (San Salvador)?
French Bay (San Salvador) works with SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at French Bay (San Salvador)?
Recommended equipment sizes at French Bay (San Salvador): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is French Bay (San Salvador) suitable for?
French Bay (San Salvador) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Advanced to Expert.