James Point (Eleuthera)
- Freestyle, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves, Big waves, Mixed, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
James Point (Eleuthera) is an Atlantic-facing wind-sports spot centered on a sandy beach launch and reef-associated water hazards. Water is described as crystal-clear, and sessions range from flat water with chop to small-to-medium and even big-wave conditions depending on the setup. Wind is predominantly trade-wind driven, typically working well across northerly to westerly directions (N, NE, SE, and W). The best months repeatedly align with winter through early spring—specifically December through April—with typical winds in the ~13–25 knot range. Gusting is described as light, and winter reliability is emphasized, while very close-in turbulence can occur when winds are too northerly. Kitesurfing is the primary highlight: the spot is described as versatile, offering flat water/chop and also wave riding on the point for riders seeking more variety. Recommended kite sizes commonly reported fall in the 9–12 m range (with smaller kites used on stronger days). Skill levels are described broadly, including beginner suitability for some conditions, while other reports characterize intermediate capability for wave-focused sessions. Surfing is also notable: the break is described as exposed reef/pointer with a left-hand character, best when a North swell meets suitable winds (with W/SW winds tending more offshore, and N/SE shifting conditions more side-shore). Rides can be longer on the right combination of swell and wind, but quality and consistency vary, and the environment is sharp and hazardous—especially around the reef—so foot protection and self-sufficiency are important. Safety-wise, the biggest recurring warning is animals and rocks/reef hazards, including urchins and sharks. The approach can be rough and requires clearance (and high-clearance or 4WD is recommended), while services are limited—treat this as a remote launch: bring what you need, manage risk with a buddy system, and heed the local wind/reef conditions before committing to water.
- Crystal-clear water
- Reliable winter trade winds (Dec–Apr)
- Versatile kitesurfing: flat water/chop plus wave riding options on the point
- Reputable exposed reef point surfing when swell and winds line up
- Exceptionally clear water.
- Trade-wind driven sessions with a strong winter window and reliable winds.
- Versatile kiters: flat water and chop with options for wave riding on the point; also noted as a reputable surfing destination.
- Remote access with rough, sandy track; rough parking/approach conditions.
- Reef/rocks and sharp sections near the point; hazards include urchins, coral/reef, and rocks.
- Limited on-site support (no indicated rescue or gear services).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, SE, W
- Wind Range
- 13–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Predominantly trade winds (easterly-driven), with frequent winter northerly frontal systems; works well across N to W directions.
- Reliability
- consistent trade winds
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusting reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves, Big waves, Mixed, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach launch.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Reported ranges from small to big/medium depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop described alongside flat-water sessions.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch with space for rigging, but can become narrow at high tide.
Through the year
Generally quiet; may see a few local and visiting surfers on a good North swell.
Hurricane season from June to November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat water with chop and waves ranging from small to big; also reported to offer wave riding on the point. Works best with N, NE, SE, and W winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave sailing on the point during winter swells and north-easterly winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Possible in deeper sections, but extremely cautious approach needed due to shallow reef heads and rocks near shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed reef/pointer break with reasonably consistent surf; a north swell combined with suitable winds can produce longer peeling rides.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid-tide preferred.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef point; limited protection from prevailing wind/swell.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore with W or SW winds; side-shore with N or SE. Wind can become onshore/cross-onshore and worsen conditions depending on direction.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but can require strong paddle skills to navigate the point.
- Wave Quality
- Good — One source rates quality as good; another rates wave quality as poor (likely reflecting variability by conditions).
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful surf on good sets.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling, with a left-hand character reported for the point break.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling sections; medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer medium rides; up to about 150 meters on best days reported.
- Typical Ride Length
- 80–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides up to about 150 meters on best days; one source cites typical rides around 80 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for James Point (Eleuthera) in the full forecast view.
James Point (Eleuthera) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–15 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- ENE63°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2315 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.5 m10s period
- Temperature
- 25–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, James Point (Eleuthera) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.1–2.5 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- animals
- rocks
- urchins
- sharks
- coral
- sharp ironshore rocks in certain sections
- shallow reef
- rips
- coral heads
- rocky point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No formal beach-side rescue services indicated; treat as self-rescue/self-sufficient with buddy system.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical clinic is in Governor's Harbour. Rescue availability is described as no / not indicated; riders should be self-sufficient and use the buddy system.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Talk to a local before you go on water (best practice). Use standard international right-of-way rules where applicable.
- Be careful of animals and rocks when on the water.
- The track into James Point is very sandy and rough—don’t try it in a small rental car; you need clearance.
- The point can be very sharp; booties are recommended if you plan to walk on the reef.
- This is a remote location with no nearby services—bring plenty of water and a repair kit.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nassau
- Nearest Town
- James Cistern
- Nearest Airport
- Governor's Harbour Airport (GHB) (~10 km from the central region)
- Parking
- Informal parking available at the end of the dirt track near the beach.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus service; car or rental scooter recommended for accessing different parts of the island.
- Access
- Accessible via a rough, unpaved sand track from the main highway; a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD is recommended.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation options are concentrated around James Cistern and Governor's Harbour.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and grocery stores available in James Cistern.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental described as limited on-site; bring all your own gear, with rental available through local wind sports schools.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is generally not available at launch sites; most riders store gear at private accommodations.
- Gear Repair
- No dedicated professional kite/sail repair shops are indicated; minor repairs must be handled using personal kits.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at James Point (Eleuthera)?
The best overall months at James Point (Eleuthera) are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, December.
Which wind directions work at James Point (Eleuthera)?
James Point (Eleuthera) works with N, NNE, NE, SE, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at James Point (Eleuthera)?
Recommended equipment sizes at James Point (Eleuthera): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 13–25 kts.
What skill level is James Point (Eleuthera) suitable for?
James Point (Eleuthera) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Advanced.