Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Pointe d'En Tal is a secluded, sandy spit on Houat Island with crystal-clear water and a large beach area, reached only by ferry from Quiberon followed by a walk to the northwest end of the island. The riding conditions are typically choppy, with small to medium waves that suit freeride and wave-style kitesurfing sessions, and the sandy spit shape can offer multiple riding angles depending on the wind direction. Seasonally, the most reliable window is from May through September, when wind speeds are commonly in the ~12 to 25 knots range. On sunny summer afternoons, light sea-breeze development can reinforce the wind, especially around late afternoon, with conditions still possible under relatively low cloud cover. Wind direction opportunities are broad (N, NE, E, SE, W, and NW), but westerly flow can be turbulent due to the village and cliffs to the west. Safety is a key consideration at this spot. Submerged rocks are present toward the far ends and near rocky coastlines, and stronger tidal currents can occur around the point. In summer, there are swimming zones—while kitesurfing is often tolerated, you must stay well clear of the crowd and follow any seasonal zone or timing restrictions (notably in July and August). Overall, the spot is suited to intermediate riders who are comfortable managing chop, currents, and self-sufficiency logistics. Because the island has limited services for sport gear, plan to bring the necessary equipment and repairs, and be mindful of the ferry schedule to avoid being stranded.

  • Crystal-clear turquoise water
  • Large sandy spit with room for launching
  • Afternoon sea-breeze reinforcement in summer
  • Remote island atmosphere
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilKitesurfing straplessWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyle
What's great
  • Crystal-clear, turquoise water with a sandy beach and dunes
  • Large beach area with space for rigging and launching
  • Good conditions for freeride and foiling, with options depending on wind direction
  • Remote, wild character suitable for riders seeking less crowding
Heads up
  • Access is by boat and requires a walk to reach the launch area
  • Chop and small-to-medium waves can make sessions busier than flat-water spots
  • Rocks/submerged rocks at the far ends and near rocky coastlines
  • Tidal currents can be strong around the point
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE, E, SE, W, NW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Mixed Atlantic pattern with thermal sea-breeze reinforcement on sunny summer afternoons
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusting described
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves
Beach
Sand — Sandy spit with dunes
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Described as small wave / small-to-medium conditions
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Choppy water
Launch
Big — Large sandy spit with ample space for rigging and launching at most tide levels

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
9–20 °C
Water Temperature
6–23 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 5/4/3mmJun–Sep: 4/3mm or 3/2mmOct, Nov: 4/3mmDec: 5/4mm with hood + Hood
Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and winter (October to March) see frequent depressions and storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Freeride and wave/foil-friendly riding in choppy conditions with small waves; the sandy spit offers multiple riding angles depending on wind direction.

FreerideWaveFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Freeride and slalom possible in suitable conditions, but logistics can be challenging because gear needs ferry transport and then a walk to the beach.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Deep-water just off the spit combined with usually clean conditions makes it a good wingfoiling location.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) in the full forecast view.

Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–28 ktsGusts 40 kts
Direction
WSW238°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2428 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–2.4 m9s period
Temperature
11–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–28 kts, peaking around 28 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 40 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.4–2.4 m with a period of about 9s. 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

  • Rocks
  • Tidal currents
  • Remote location
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHarnessHelmet

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is on the mainland (Auray or Vannes). Call 112 for emergencies.

Rules of the spot

In summer, stay well away from swimming zones; kitesurfing may be tolerated but you must keep clear of swimmers and respect any seasonal zone restrictions.

Restrictions
  • No motorized vehicles on the island.
  • Seasonal restrictions for water sports; kitesurfing may be restricted to specific zones or prohibited during peak hours in July and August to protect swimmers.
Local Tips
  • Bring all necessary gear and repairs, as there are no shops on the island.
  • Watch the ferry schedule closely to avoid being stranded.
  • In summer, be extra mindful of swimming zones and keep well away from the crowd.
  • The walk from the port to the point is about 20-30 minutes.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Quiberon
Nearest Town
Île-d'Houat
Parking
No cars allowed on the island; parking available at ferry terminals in Quiberon.
Public Transport
Accessible exclusively by ferry from Quiberon
Access
Take a boat from Quiberon (Port Maria) to Île-d'Houat, then walk to the northwest end / point (about 1.5 km; roughly 20-30 minutes).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Camping
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping municipal near the beach; small hotels and guesthouses in the village.
Food & Drink
Several restaurants, cafés, and a small grocery store in the main village.
Equipment Rental:
No specialized wind or water sports rental available on the island.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: June to September
Coastal Path (GR34 variant)0.1 km

Scenic hiking trail circling the island for panoramic Atlantic views.

Village d'Houat0.1 km

Traditional Breton fishing village with narrow streets and white-washed houses with blue shutters.

L'Éclosarium0.5 km

Museum and research center dedicated to marine biology and the island’s history.

Chez Loulou0.3 km

Local establishment serving fresh seafood and traditional island dishes.

Grande Plage (Treac'h ar Goured)1.0 km

Expansive white sand beach suitable for swimming, picnicking, and beach games.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)?

The best overall months at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)?

Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) works with N, NE, E, SE, W, NW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) suitable for?

Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.