Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido)
- Freestyle, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) is a kitesurf-focused spot on the eastern side of Palawan with clear, warm water and a large sandy launch beach. The area is described as crystal-clear, and the shoreline transitions from shallow water near the beach/inside the lagoon to deeper areas further out beyond the reef. Wind is centered on stable trade winds associated with the Amihan season, commonly coming from the north-east quadrant (NNE through SSE). During peak winter months (notably November through March), the wind is described as very steady and often blowing most of the day, with a tendency to peak in the afternoon. Typical on-site wind strength is given around 15-25 knots, and the spot’s open exposure is noted as producing very minimal wind shadowing. Kitesurfing is the best-supported discipline here, with a mix of freeride, freestyle, and wave opportunities. Sources describe conditions ranging from flat water to small waves, with side-onshore trade-wind behavior. Recommended adult kite sizes are most commonly around 9-12 m², with smaller sizes mentioned for stronger days. Safety planning is important: rocks, shallow reef patches, and sea urchins in rocky areas are specifically flagged hazards. Local guidance emphasizes scouting at low tide and watching for rocks, and riders should maintain safe distance from swimmers and respect designated launch/landing zones. Rescue availability is described as limited, and while small clinics exist locally, serious emergencies require transport to Puerto Princesa.
- Stable Amihan trade winds during the winter season
- Crystal-clear water with good underwater visibility
- Large sandy beach for launches
- Lower wind-shadowing due to open exposure
- Stable, reliable trade winds during the Amihan season
- Crystal-clear water and clear visibility for spotting underwater hazards
- Wide sandy beach with ample space for setup and launching
- Limited rescue availability
- Rocks and shallow reef patches require careful launch planning, especially at low tide
- Conditions are less consistent outside the Amihan period (rainy/off-season months)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Stable trade/Amihan winds; N-E to SSE directions during peak season.
- Reliability
- High during the winter months (Amihan season).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as very stable during the Amihan season.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave conditions reported; also described as small waves at times.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach providing ample space for setting up and launching.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Low to moderate; much quieter than the main lagoons of El Nido.
June to October (Habagat season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier kitesurfing destination with side-onshore trade winds and a mix of flat water and small waves.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Consistent trade winds and a large bay can support windsurfing, though kitesurfing is the dominant sport.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Foil-friendly outside the shallow reef sections; clear water helps spot underwater obstacles.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Variable; deeper water is found approximately 100-200 meters from the shoreline.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) in the full forecast view.
Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–11 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- E79°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2811 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.9 m6s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.3–0.9 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Rocks
- Shallow reef patches
- Sea urchins in rocky areas
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Small medical clinics are available in Sibaltan and El Nido town; serious emergencies require transport to Puerto Princesa.
Rules of the spot
Maintain safe distance from swimmers and the resort beachfront; respect designated launch and landing zones.
- Watch for rocks at low tide.
- Scout the area at low tide due to rocks and reef patches.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto Princesa
- Nearest Town
- Sibaltan
- Nearest Airport
- Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) or El Nido (Lio) Airport (ENI) cited
- Parking
- Parking is available at the resort and near the beach access points in Sibaltan.
- Public Transport
- Poorly developed; public transport not easily available (regional context).
- Access
- Approximately 1 hour drive northeast from El Nido town. The road is paved for the first third, followed by gravel and dirt tracks.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Tagalog, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Qi Palawan Resort is located directly on the beach; several guesthouses are available in nearby Sibaltan village.
- Food & Drink
- Onsite restaurant and bar; local eateries in Sibaltan village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Full kitesurfing equipment rental is available at the onsite kite school.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is typically available for guests of the resort or school.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can often be handled by the kite school staff.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido)?
The best overall months at Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) are November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido)?
Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) works with NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) suitable for?
Qi Kiteboarding (El Nido) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.