Kitesurfing in Bahía Salinas

Bahía Salinas, the last bay before Nicaragua, gets some of the steadiest wind in Central America. From November into spring the trade winds funnel through the low ground along the Nicaraguan border and blow across the bay at around 20 to 25 knots day after day, while the bay itself keeps the swell low. That combination draws kiteboarders and wing foilers to the kite beach near Playa Papaturro, about 12 km from La Cruz.

The first kite school in Central America opened here in 2000, and lessons are taught by certified instructors using radio helmets, with gear for rent and repairs on site. Beginners can learn here. The wind also pushes warm surface water out to sea and pulls cold water up from below, so in the dry season the bay can drop to around 15°C. Bring or rent a wetsuit. The main school is open from November to the end of July.