The beauty of windsurfing holidays is that they offer fun for all the family. Kids and grown-ups will both love hitting the water and building confidence while learning new skills. Another part of the attraction is that even when you’re not on the water, there are plenty of other activities to try. After all, you’re at the beach, often in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Combine this with high-end accommodation and facilities, and you have the recipe for a perfect family getaway.
However, not all windsurfing destinations can offer all of the above. In fact, there are only a select few that tick all the family windsurfing holiday boxes. If you’re looking for the perfect family break – both on and off the water – then the following really fit the bill:
1. Mauritius
This island nation is a unique combination of French, Portuguese, British, Dutch, Arabian and African culture. It also manages to combine paradise island good looks with superb windsurfing conditions. Reliable south-east trade winds mean there are more than 300 windy days a year at the windsurfing spots like Le Morne. Add in large flat-water lagoons, some of the world’s best windsurfing waves and a choice of luxury accommodation right on the beach (with great kids clubs!) and you’ve virtually described the best windsurfing holiday you can imagine.
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2. Bonaire
Located in the exotic Dutch Antilles, Bonaire may be the most striking of the three islands in the chain. It’s also the least developed, meaning there is plenty of open water where you can get out and windsurf. With a year-round stable climate and a huge flat-water lagoon to explore, the conditions are ideal. What really sets it apart for families, however, is the availability of other activities to enjoy, such as the world-class diving and snorkelling. So, when you’re not having fun on the water, you can be exploring a magical and colourful world under it. Plus, as an added advantage, Bonaire is considerably cheaper than many other Caribbean islands, so you can travel with the whole family on a reasonable budget.
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3. Fuerteventura
The Canary Islands are renowned around the world for windsurfing, and perhaps the best of them all is Fuerteventura. With a choice of three world-class windsurfing spots – including Corralejo, Costa Calma and Sotavento – conditions are ideal in several periods throughout the year. One of the main attractions of the Canary Islands is the ease of access to the UK. With a choice of airlines offering affordable flights and relatively short flight times, it’s a great place to go with the family. Perhaps the best time of year is from March to September but it can also be very good in the winter months.
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4. Langebaan
This idyllic seaside town 100km north of Cape Town has 95% wind reliability and a huge flat-water lagoon. It’s a real hit with nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts and is part of a protected area, which adds to its tranquil family appeal. There are easy overnight flights from the UK and a choice of world-class food, wine and service. But perhaps the biggest draw is that its great value for money.
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The best destinations for a family windsurfing holiday The beauty of windsurfing holidays is that they offer fun for all the family. Kids and grown-ups will both love hitting the water and building confidence while learning new skills.