Sint Joris Bay

Sint Joris Bay cuts into the windward side of the island, shallow and flat in its inner reaches and open to the trade wind, which makes it the island's main flat-water spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing away from the developed south coast. Mangroves line parts of the shore and hold birdlife. The surroundings are undeveloped scrub with the ruins of old plantation buildings, and the roads in are rough dirt.

What you actually see

• The flat shallow water - the inner bay used for windsurfing and kiting.
• The trade wind - the steady easterly that makes the bay work.
• The mangroves - the vegetated shore holding herons and waders.
• The undeveloped surroundings - scrub, dirt tracks and plantation ruins.

When to go

January to July has the strongest and steadiest trade wind. The autumn months are lighter. The bay is exposed and choppy at the mouth.

Honest expectations

Facilities are almost nonexistent and gear must be brought or arranged in advance. The access roads are rough dirt. The windward coast outside the bay is dangerous for swimming.

Nearby

Willemstad is southwest, and Spanish Water is south.