Grand Cul-de-Sac

Grand Cul-de-Sac on the northeast coast is a shallow lagoon closed off by a reef that runs across the mouth of the bay, so the water inside stays flat while the swell breaks outside it. That combination, flat water and steady trade wind, is why the island's kitesurfing and windsurfing happen here. The lagoon is waist deep across much of its area and turtles use it, and the salt pond behind the beach is kept for nesting birds and breeding crabs.

What's there

• The enclosing reef - the barrier that keeps the lagoon flat.
• The shallow water - waist depth across much of the lagoon.
• The kitesurfing - the flat water and steady trade wind together.
• The turtles - the animals feeding on the grass beds inside.

When to go

December to April is the dry high season and the wind is steadiest. Kitesurfing depends on the trade wind. June to November is the hurricane season.

Things to know

The water is too shallow for proper swimming in much of the lagoon. Kitesurfers and swimmers share the same water. Sea grass and rock underfoot make wading awkward in places.

Nearby

Petit Cul-de-Sac is east, and Marigot is west.