St. Joris Bay Curaçao – Kitesurfing, Nature, Hiking & Local Life in Bandariba

St. Joris Bay (Sint Jorisbaai) is one of the most reliable and scenic kitesurfing locations on Curaçao. Located on the quieter eastern side of the island (Bandariba), it offers consistent trade winds, calm water inside the bay, sea turtles, mangroves and still largely undeveloped surroundings. This is where we teach and ride every day.

About St. Joris Bay

St. Joris Bay is a large, sheltered bay on the northeast coast.
The western side is where most of the kitesurfing takes place. The water is relatively flat and the area still feels open and local. On the opposite side of the main kite beach you will find our private teaching zone — quieter, with less traffic and often better wind (less rotor from the northern ridges).

It is ideal for learning and for riders who prefer space.The bay is rich in marine life. Sea turtles are common, and you will regularly see birds and fish while walking or kiting along the mangroves.

Impression of the St Joris Bay and the Caribbean Sea Curaçao

A Short History

In the early colonial period St. Joris Bay was one of the first natural harbours used on Curaçao.

It was later abandoned in favour of the deeper and more protected St. Anna Bay because of the shallow entrance and rougher sea access.

 

The surrounding area has been inhabited for centuries. Arawak people lived here long before the Europeans arrived, and rock drawings can still be found in the nearby ridges.

 

On the south side of the bay stand Landhuis Groot Sint Joris and the remains of Landhuis Choloma, together with old palm plantation traces. The large eastern side of the bay (towards Oostpunt) was long owned by the Maal family and remains one of the least developed parts of the island.

Impression of the history of the St. Joris Bay Curaçao

Kitesurfing at St. Joris Bay

We kite mainly on the western side of the bay, reached via the road that passes the Ostrich Farm.

JBay is located on the south-west side, directly opposite the busier main kite beach where the other schools operate. We deliberately stay on the quieter side:

Cleaner and more consistent wind, almost no other kiters and still largely undeveloped.
Perfect for focused learning and free riding

In March and April sargassum can appear. When the first 30 metres become covered in seaweed, we simply start higher up the coast.

Viewpoint Pos Salu at the south west side of the St. Joris Bay Curacao
Mangroves south west side St. Joris Bay Curacao
Two kitesurf instructors coaching one student at the St. Joris Bay Curacao
Rustic Fishermen's boat at Pos Salu St. Joris Bay Curaçao
Kiteboard coaching at the St. Joris Bay Curaçao
Watching kitesurf lessons from Pos Salu St. Joris Bay Curaçao
Learing how to kitesurf at St. Joris Bay Curacao

Wind & Conditions

The northeast trade wind blows almost year-round.
September and October are usually a little lighter, after which the wind picks up strongly again from December onwards. This makes St. Joris Bay one of the most wind-reliable spots on Curaçao.

Lessons can be given on the vast majority of days.

Graph of the average wind speed at the St. Joris Bay Curacao.

Outdoor Activities around St. Joris Bay

  • Hiking, Mountain Biking & Outdoor Activities → The area around St. Joris Bay is excellent for hiking and off-road mountain biking through still largely undeveloped terrain. Popular trails run through the old Koraal Tabak plantation area and along the bay (Cactus Trail, Endless Summer Trail, De Stoel / The Chair, Victoria’s Secret Trail and others). Enjoy open views, cactus landscapes, mangroves and quiet coastal stretches. Local clubs regularly use these routes and guided MTB tours are available.
  • Quad / ATV tours → Several operators offer east-side quad or ATV tours that pass through this area, often including stops at the Ostrich Farm, Aloe plantation, St. Joris Bay viewpoints and Playa Canoa.
  • Horseback riding → Local stables (including options near Chichi Garden and in the Sint Joris area) offer guided rides through the countryside towards the bay. Some tours even include time in the water with the horses.
  • Chichi Garden → On the same road towards the bay (near the Aloe plantation and Ostrich Farm) you’ll find Chichi Garden / Serena’s Art Factory. Here you can see how the famous colourful Chichi sculptures are made and painted by local artists, and you can paint your own to take home.
Impression of all the St. Joris Bay Curacao activities

Around the Bay – Local Spots

  • Pos Salu → Pos Salu is our usual meeting point at St. Joris Bay. This relaxed local spot features art, simple play equipment, a covered seating area, a built-in BBQ and a free book-exchange cupboard, with a perfect view over the bay and the kiters.
  • The Ostrich Farm is located right on the access road to St. Joris Bay and is a convenient stop for coffee, lunch or a short visit.
  • HAloe Vera Farm (Curaloe) → At the beginning of the road to St. Joris Bay you will find the Aloe Vera Farm (Curaloe), a large organic plantation offering tours and a shop.
  • The St. Joris Bay area remains quiet, local and not over-developed, while Willemstad and Jan Thiel are only about 20 minutes away by car.
Kitesurf viewpoint impression St Joris Bay Curacao

Nearby Beaches & Activities

  • Caracasbaai → Caracasbaai is one of the best free local beaches on Curaçao, with palapas, Pop’s Place restaurant on the water and a lively atmosphere at weekends. Fort Beekenburg overlooks the bay.
  • Directors Bay → Directors Bay is a quiet pebble beach near St. Joris Bay with good snorkeling and frequent pelican sightings.
  • Playa Canoa → Playa Canoa is the only easily accessible free beach on Curaçao’s rough north coast and is popular for wave surfing when conditions allow.
  • Spanish Water → Spanish Water is home to Windsurfing Curaçao, offering windsurfing, foiling and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
  • Sandals (Barbara Beach) → Sandals Resort at Barbara Beach is a large all-inclusive resort. We regularly pick up and drop off guests here for kite lessons at St. Joris Bay.
Things to do in Bandariba, Eastern part of Curaçao

Where to Stay Near St. Joris Bay

Small B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday homes in the Sint Joris / Santa Catharina / Hofi Sint Joris area put you only minutes from the kite spot. One convenient option is Saint Joris Boutique Resort, located between the aloe plantation, the Ostrich Farm and the bay.

St. Joris Bay is still one of the most authentic and wind-reliable kite locations on Curaçao.

Whether you want to learn in a quiet private zone, enjoy long free rides, or combine kiting with hiking, biking or a Chichi workshop — this is the place.Ready to kite here?

Check our courses and packages or send us a message — we’re happy to help you plan your sessions.

Impression of a quiet kitesurf spot St. Joris Bay Curaçao

St. Joris Bay FAQ

 Here are the answers to the ones we get asked most often 

Yes, it is the absolute best spot on Curaçao for learning. The western side of the bay offers sheltered, relatively flat water and plenty of space. Because our private teaching zone is located away from the busier main kite beach, beginners can focus entirely on their board control without having to worry about traffic or other kiters.

The wind at St. Joris Bay is incredibly reliable. The northeast trade wind blows almost year-round. The only slightly lighter months are September and October, but even then, conditions are often suitable. From December through August, the wind picks up strongly, making it a guaranteed spot for daily sessions.

Absolutely. The area surrounding the bay is famous for its off-road trails, such as the Cactus Trail and the Endless Summer Trail. It winds through the historic Koraal Tabak area, offering open views of the rough north coast, cactus landscapes, and unique mangroves. Local clubs use these routes daily, and guided mountain bike tours are available.

Yes, the access road to the bay is packed with local highlights. You can visit the Aloe Vera Farm (Curaloe) and the Ostrich Farm for tours or coffee. Right next to them is Chichi Garden (Serena’s Art Factory), where you can see or paint the famous colourful Curaçao sculptures. Horseback riding and ATV/quad tours also pass directly through this area.

Our main meeting point is Pos Salu, a relaxed local spot on the south-west side of the bay with a covered seating area, a built-in BBQ, and a perfect view over the water. It is ideal for friends or family to watch the action from the shade. To accommodate international guests and agents, all coaching and communication can be done fluently in English, Nederlands, Papiamentu, and Español.

Yes. To make transitions seamless for island visitors and travel agents, a private hotel pick-up and drop-off service is available. We regularly pick up guests directly from their hotel lobbies—including Sandals Royal Curaçao and resorts around Jan Thiel or Willemstad—and drive them straight to the bay. (Note: a pick-up fee applies depending on the location).

More questions? → See the full Q&A page or message us on WhatsApp