Green Island (Willikies)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleWingfoil wave
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–29 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard or 1-2mm shorty during winter months
Crowds by Season

Highest during winter and spring break; the bay can be busy with anchored yachts.

Storm/Rain Season

August to October

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideFoilFreestyleStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Freeride and foil conditions in the bay; windsurfers commonly access the area from nearby resort centers.

FreerideFoilSlalom
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestBootsHarness

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.

Restrictions
  • Accessible only by boat.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Quiet, scenic island setting with nearby excursions commonly centered on the protected bay and clear-water snorkeling experiences.

Best time to visit: December to May is described as the best time to visit for peak wind season and optimal weather.
Devil's Bridge5km

A natural limestone arch carved by Atlantic waves, located within a national park.

Green Islandlocal area

A small offshore island known for pristine beaches, clear water, and a tranquil natural setting.

Betty's Hope8km

A historic sugar plantation and museum offering insight into the island's colonial history.

Snorkelinglocal area

Commonly associated with the surrounding clear-water area.

Stingray City3km

An interactive snorkeling experience where visitors can swim with southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

Rokuni2km

An upscale Asian-fusion restaurant with stunning views of the eastern coastline.

Boat excursionslocal area

Boat access and island outings are part of the wider visitor experience in this area.

Nonsuch Bay Sailing1km

Calm water sailing and kayaking excursions suitable for all ages within the protected bay.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.