Green Island (Willikies)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Green Island (off the Willikies area) is a boat-access-only, sheltered flat-water destination with crystal-clear conditions and small beaches for launching. The riding area is described as calm and protected by an outer reef system, creating an easy-to-use playground for progression rather than surf-style riding. Wind is primarily driven by Northeast to East trade winds (NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE). During the core season (December through July, with strong emphasis in winter and spring), the wind is reported as consistent and often steady once it gets going—so a morning wind typically means the day stays workable. Typical reported ranges place it roughly in the teens to mid-20s knots. Kitesurfing is the primary sport, with the bay offering flat-water sessions for freeride and foil progression and, in suitable conditions, freestyle/strapless riding. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also described as strong options, with deep water just off the flats supporting foiling maneuvers. Safety planning is important: reefs/coral heads and anchored yachts are specifically called out as hazards in the bay, and riders are advised to respect yacht anchoring areas and avoid any marked swim zones. Because the island is uninhabited, riders should arrive prepared with everything needed for the day and arrange boat transport in advance. Rescue is described as limited in one source and more available in other notes—confirm on the ground before committing to the session.
- Steady trade winds with reliable winter/spring conditions
- Flat, protected bay water with excellent clarity
- Boat-only access with controlled, small sandy launch areas
- Foil-friendly deep water just off the flats
- Flat, crystal-clear water with small-launch setup suitable for steady sessions.
- Consistent trade winds during the core season; commonly winds up and stays windy all day once it starts.
- Protected bay layout supports progression and foiling-friendly conditions just off the flats.
- Boat-only access—plan transport and timing in advance.
- Reefs/coral heads and anchored boats in the bay create navigation risks.
- Island is uninhabited—limited on-site services; bring supplies.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds
- Reliability
- High during the winter trade-wind season; described as consistent in season.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady winds
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–15 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach/landing areas
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Flat water
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy launch beach at the mouth of the bay; access is by boat only.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Self-launching can be difficult; boat-assisted launches are standard.
Through the year
Highest during winter and spring break; the bay can be busy with anchored yachts.
August to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Protected flat-water kitesurfing on calm interior bay water with steady trade winds. Suited to freeride and progression in a controlled flat area; also used for freestyle/foil depending on conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Freeride and foil conditions in the bay; windsurfers commonly access the area from nearby resort centers.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Popular for learning foiling maneuvers due to consistent wind and deep water just off the flats.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Deep enough for foiling just off the flat water area (minimum depth reported at 1.0m).
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Green Island (Willikies) in the full forecast view.
Green Island (Willikies) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ESE105°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 28–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Green Island (Willikies) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.1–1.6 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Anchored yachts
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported in one source; other notes mention rescue/lifeguards—verify on arrival.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as limited; other notes indicate rescue is available. Confirm arrangements via local operators before sessions.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in St. John's. Local emergency number is 911 or 999.
Rules of the spot
Respect anchoring areas of yachts; do not kitesurf inside any marked swim zones if present. Boat-only access.
- Accessible only by boat.
- Boat-only access; arrange transport in advance.
- Advance booking is recommended because availability is limited.
- If it is windy in the morning, it is likely to stay windy all day.
- Bring everything you need for the day because the island is uninhabited.
- Keep an eye out for sea turtles in the bay.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- St. John's
- Nearest Town
- Willikies
- Nearest Airport
- V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
- Parking
- Parking is available at the mainland marinas/resorts where you catch the boat.
- Public Transport
- Public minibuses serve the main roads; rental cars or pre-arranged private transfers are standard for reaching the coast with gear.
- Access
- Only accessible by boat
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Nonsuch Bay Resort and various villas in the Willikies area.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on the island; bring your own water and food.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available via schools based on the mainland that service the island.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is available at nearby mainland kite centers.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs can be facilitated through local schools.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Quiet, scenic island setting with nearby excursions commonly centered on the protected bay and clear-water snorkeling experiences.
A natural limestone arch carved by Atlantic waves, located within a national park.
A small offshore island known for pristine beaches, clear water, and a tranquil natural setting.
A historic sugar plantation and museum offering insight into the island's colonial history.
Commonly associated with the surrounding clear-water area.
An interactive snorkeling experience where visitors can swim with southern stingrays in their natural habitat.
An upscale Asian-fusion restaurant with stunning views of the eastern coastline.
Boat access and island outings are part of the wider visitor experience in this area.
Calm water sailing and kayaking excursions suitable for all ages within the protected bay.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Green Island (Willikies)?
The best overall months at Green Island (Willikies) are December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, December.
Which wind directions work at Green Island (Willikies)?
Green Island (Willikies) works with NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Green Island (Willikies)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Green Island (Willikies): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Green Island (Willikies) suitable for?
Green Island (Willikies) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.