Cas en Bas Beach

Cas en Bas faces the Atlantic on Saint Lucia's northeastern side, a broad bay with steady trade wind blowing across it that has made it the island's kitesurfing beach, with a school on the sand and a beach bar behind. Horses are ridden along the shore from a stable nearby. The wind and the swell make it a different proposition from the sheltered west coast beaches. The bay is one of several small ones along this stretch, and a coastal walk links them for anyone willing to scramble.

What you actually see

• The trade wind - the steady blow that makes the kitesurfing work.
• The Atlantic bay - the broad windward shore.
• The horse riding - the rides run along the beach from the stable.
• The beach bar - the place operating behind the sand.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the windiest, which suits kiting. Summer is calmer and hotter. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Honest expectations

The track in is rough and low cars struggle. Swimming is affected by wind, chop and current. Facilities are one bar and the kite school.

Nearby

Rodney Bay is southwest, and Pigeon Island is west.