Coconut Bay Beach Resort
Saint Lucia
Why Visit?
Coconut Bay Resort is your tropical gateway along the exotic southern coast of St. Lucia! Just a stone's throw away from the international airport, this stretch of sandy beach is more than just a holiday destination, especially for kiteboarders and wingsurfers. Imagine stepping off the plane, and within 45 minutes, you're gearing up to get on the water.
Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned rider, or a pro, or you're into twintip riding, wave riding, or foiling, the Surf Shack caters to all levels and disciplines. With certified instructors at your service, you can dive into lessons or simply soak up the sun while watching all the action.
But Coconut Bay's beauty extends far beyond its blue waters and golden sands. For families and mixed groups, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. From exploring the vibrant marine life and freediving a World War II plane wreck to lounging by the pool or indulging in delectable cuisine at one of the eight restaurants, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
And let's not forget the island itself—St. Lucia is a gem waiting to be discovered. Home to the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasting lush rainforests and pristine beaches, it's a feast for the senses. The island's motto, 'One Love, One Saint Lucia,' reflects the warmth and unity of its people, making it a welcoming destination for all.
Getting here was a breeze, with a direct 8-hour and 15-minute flight from Gatwick. British Airways ensured a smooth journey despite the inevitable chaos of travel, leaving us refreshed and ready for Caribbean charm!
So, if you're into kiteboarding, wingsurfing, or even tagging along for the adventure, St Lucia should be on your bucket list.
Watch Jen Tyler & Chris Taylor's Travel Guide video here.
Wind and Weather
The Caribbean islands enjoy a hot, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures for most destinations ranging from the high 20s Celsius in the winter to the low 30s Celsius in the summer.
If you're planning a trip to Saint Lucia, make sure it's sometime between December and July. The windiest months are December and March. The trade winds blow 18 – 25 knots from December to March, sometimes stronger. Coming from the Northeast, this gives a cross-shore direction at Coconut Bay. Some days, the wind averages 15 – 20 knots from March to July.
Between February and May, the weather is driest. Temperatures are pleasantly warm year-round, with average highs ranging from 25c to 30c at sea level, though it can be significantly cooler up in the mountains. You can expect typical Caribbean weather changes from rain clouds passing through to blazing sunshine.
You won't need a wetsuit, but we recommend you pack a rash vest to avoid sunburn.
The Surf Shack / Kiteboarding Spot
As I mentioned before, the spot is suitable for all kitesurfers, regardless of their level. With waves on the outer reef and flat water inside the bay, there are choices for kitesurfers who like to vary their sessions. If you want to travel light, the Surf Shack has loads of kit available for rental, including kites, twin tips, surfboards, wings, foils, and more. The instructors at Surf Shack are on hand for lessons and further coaching.
The stunning area is a postcard-perfect holiday destination, so for families or mixed groups that include non-kiters, there's still plenty for them to do and enjoy. The Surf Shack is cosy with everything you need, including toilets, showers, a compressor, and a massive white sandy beach where you can land and launch your kite safely. We'd recommend you bring a snack and some water, as it's about a 10-12 min walk from the resort.
If you're travelling alone, you're in good hands! Linus, Notis, Jeremy, and Andre will instantly make you feel at home. A whole wall is dedicated to the photos and postcards of previous visitors and returning guests.
For kitesurfers not staying at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort, storage facilities are available, and it is possible to rent equipment, too, if you want to travel light. They currently offer Naish gear at the Surf Shack. They also have loads of surfboards for rental.
It's worth mentioning that if you're travelling with your family, Coconut Bay Resorts offers a Kidz Klub for children between the ages 12 and under with a variety of activities, including Finger painting, little tyke times, visits to the Animal Sanctuary, Splash Time, and more. It's a walk-in service, so you can quickly drop the kids off and go for a session without worrying about booking in advance. They'll also give you a local cell phone to call in and check on the kids. They are open from 9 AM - 5 PM daily. They also offer a babysitting service in the evening, but you must book that beforehand.
Getting Around
Getting around the island is easy. There are shuttle services and private taxi services that run for the resort daily. You can also hire a car. We used drive-o-matic, and they were brilliant. The office is located exactly 3 minutes from Coconut Bay Resort; they'll pick you up from the reception and take you to the office; they had all the paperwork ready to sign, a car seat for our 3-year-old son and the car was in mint condition. You can also drop the car off at the airport, which makes it super convenient to travel with a toddler and loads of kite gear!
Free airport transfers are included for those staying at the Coconut Bay Resort, and other excursions can be booked through the resort tour desk. Alternatively, taxis are readily available at the airport and most resorts, which is a simple solution to get around.
Food and Drink
Coconut Bay is an all-inclusive Resort with nothing short of variety when it comes to food. They have eight excellent restaurants to choose from, from casual beachside to top-end fine dining, including Coconut Walk Market Place, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers pretty much everything you could think of, including Miss Emee's Mamma Mia station, a grill, seafood, salads you name it. There are also themed dinners on the pool deck (including Caribbean Night and Country & western), Flip Flops restaurant, a casual made-to-order grill, Jerk Tree House, Caribbean cuisine and more!
We tried Silk, which serves Asian cuisine, and it was sensational; La Trattoria, which is a little more casual and set outdoors near Flip Flops and serves the most delicious Italian cuisine; and Calabash on our final night, which offers Caribbean cuisine and that I would have to say was my personal favourite.
There are so many choices to keep things interesting during your stay!
Nightlife
Carribeans like to party - FACT! And we loved every second of it.
The resort has plenty of entertainment for all ages, with themed evenings, films under the stars suitable for families, adult-only pool parties, music and poolside bars. There isn't much on offer locally around Coconut Bay Resort, but if you stay a little further up North, Rodney Bay and surrounding areas offer an abundance of restaurants and nightlight.
During our stay, we were lucky to witness Saint Lucia's 45-year independence day, which was one of the highlights! Singers and dancers overtook the pool deck, leaving the crowd in awe.
On a full moon, if everything aligns and it's windy, the Surf Shack crew kiteboard with LED lights on their bodies and equipment during the full moon party!
No Wind?
If the wind isn't working in our favour, there is loads to do at the resort, including the pool and waterslides, daily entertainment, themed nights, foam parties, and more. Coconut Bay Resorts also offers daily activities, including Poolside Bingo, volleyball, Aquacise, pilates, yoga, and more.
We highly recommend that you scout Vernon and take one of his Aquasize classes at the main pool—his energy is hard to miss!
Or if you decide to leave the resort, we recommend you contact Jean-Pierre or Tage from Travel Saint Lucia and ask them to take you to Soufriere. We spent a day out with them, starting at the Sulpher Springs Mud Bath, located to the southwest in the part of Soufriere, a name given by the French meaning 'sulphur mine' because of the town's proximity to the site. This is the most popular tourist destination on the island (If you time it to get there for 9:30ish, you'll easily beat the crowds), with about 200,000 visitors annually, and after that, make sure you visit the world's only drive-in volcano - which last erupted in the 1700s.
The tour guide mentioned that they watch for signs that the volcano would likely erupt with monitors. If SO2 is detected at a non-erupting volcano, it could be a sign that it will erupt soon. By monitoring the amount of SO2 being emitted from an active volcano, it is possible to calculate the amount of magma that is supplying the eruption) They also monitor the animals' behaviour in the area; it was exciting to see, and we'd recommend you check it out.
Another recommendation, especially if you're into walking and photography, you should head to Tet Paul. You'll get gorgeous views of Gros and Petit Pitons, Jalousie Bay, and the yachts in the Caribbean Sea. You'll also be able to spot other towns, including Choiseul, Maria Island, and Vieux Fort. The views are truly breathtaking!
Another activity we'd highly recommend you check out is Fond Doux, located on a historic 19th-century working cocoa estate. Surrounded by rainforest, cocoa fields, and tropical gardens, this experience is authentic history, culture, and character. It's 100% Saint Lucian-owned, managed, staffed, and considered among St. Lucia's leading sustainable resorts. Make sure you ask for Clinton! We had him as our guide, and he was brilliant. He was knowledgeable and funny and known to be one of the best cocoa dancers in Saint Lucia, and we got to witness it first-hand.
We also highly recommend exploring the northern part of the island. Rodney Bay has gorgeous views of yachts moored in the marina and at anchor, accompanied by loads of vibrant bars and restaurants. As you venture beyond Rodney Bay, don't miss the opportunity to visit Pigeon Island. Originally an isolated island in the Caribbean Sea, it was ingeniously connected to the mainland in 1972 through the construction of an artificial causeway, utilising soil excavated during the creation of the Rodney Bay Marina. Pigeon Island, characterised by its twin peaks, holds historical significance, boasting numerous forts, including an 18th-century British fort and Fort Rodney, strategically utilised by the British to surveil French ships from nearby Martinique. Recognised as a national park in 1979 and subsequently designated as a national landmark under the stewardship of the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) in 1992, Pigeon Island stands as a testament to the island's rich heritage and natural beauty, awaiting your exploration - don't forget a good pair of walking shoes for this one, especially if you want to make it to the very top!
Internet
The Internet on the island is generally quite good, but of course, it depends on the connection available where you are staying. If necessary, check the details with the resort before you arrive. At Coconut Bay Resort, the standard connection is available in all rooms and central areas, and you can pay to upgrade to the premium, faster connection if required.
Watch our interview with Coconut Bay's Guest Relations Manager, Mia Chin, here.
Accommodation
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is right on the spot and is an award-winning, all-inclusive resort. This is your best bet if you want to be as close as possible to the kitesurfing action and first on the water when the wind picks up. The resort is split into two sides – Harmony, which is adults-only, and Splash, which is family-friendly and offers more for kids. There are 250 rooms with a garden or ocean view and several suites. There are other accommodation options with resorts and hotels along the coast, though you will need transport to get to the kite spot if you stay elsewhere. If you decide to stay off-site, the watersports complex Surf Shack offers secure kit storage (for a charge) and equipment rental, which is available if needed.
There is no shortage of accommodations on the island, ranging from luxurious resorts to cosy Airbnbs and hotels. During the final leg of our trip, we stayed at the SeaView Apartments in Morne. True to its name, the property boasted breathtaking views of the sea. What pleasantly surprised us, however, was its prime location on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the ocean, the rainforest, the domestic airport, and the lively cruise ship terminal. Lounging on our terrace, we found ourselves in a state of relaxation, yet still able to witness the vibrant energy and occasional rain showers coming in. And as if that weren't exciting enough, we were treated to the several majestic rainbows gracing the horizon - Truly unforgettable!
For more information on booking your trip, please click here.
Flights
Rating 3.8
Map
Saint Lucia
XCD (Eastern Caribbean dollar)
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183,629
Castries
UTC-04:00
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Been to Coconut Bay Beach Resort? What did you think?
Where are the Best Kitesurfing Beaches in Coconut Bay Beach Resort?
Coconut Bay’s exclusive Surf Shack is ideal for all disciplines of kitesurfing and skill levels. Freeride to freestyle, beginner to advanced, there’s usually something to suit everyone. Take off on the spectacular flat water inside the reef or ride the waves outside.
There is a relatively undiscovered wave spot 10 minutes upwind that really comes alive in the right conditions, with overhead-height left-handers coming in nicely with no one around to get in the way!
- Wind: Easterly
- Waves: Yes (on the outside)
- Shorebreak: Yes (on the outside)
A c-shaped bay in the Northeastern part of St Lucia, Cas en Bas is on the Atlantic side of the island and benefits from the constant breezy trade winds. It is protected by an outer reef, meaning the water is always flat inside the bay, with the swell breaking upwind outside the bay.
It is in Cas en Bas, where most of the local riders enjoy the fresh trade winds and beautiful Caribbean water. With only a few locals who kitesurf on the island, they are a pretty friendly bunch who are more than willing to help at any time or share their knowledge of the island to help you enjoy your stay.
- Wind: Easterly
- Waves: Yes (on the outside)
- Shorebreak: No
When is the Best Time to go Kitesurfing in Coconut Bay Beach Resort?
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Coconut Bay Beach Resort are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, December
Statistics
Map
Saint Lucia
XCD (Eastern Caribbean dollar)
English
183,629
Castries
UTC-04:00
Do you know a good kitesurfing school here?
Kitesurfing Articles that Mention Coconut Bay Beach Resort
Issue 104
Jen Tyler heads to St Lucia to check out what Coconut Bay offers the travelling kiteboarder: stunning backdrops, smooth winds, and warm waters!