Cocoa Beach Kiteboarding Vacation
Cocoa Beach is just 45 minutes East of Orlando; home to the Orlando WaterSports Complex, Disney Theme parks, Universal Studios, a bustling nightlife at Downtown Disney (Lake Buena Vista), CityWalk and Downtown Orlando.
It may be a surprise that Cocoa Beach is a well hidden Kite Surf destination, but it is much more than that. It is the birthplace to “I Dream of Jeannie,” The Kennedy Space Center, Apollo Space Missions and the Space Shuttle. It is also the hometown of several world class surfers such as Kelly Slater.
Located on the east coast of Central Florida, you can expect warm and sea-breezy weather year round. Yes, we are known to hit the beach on Christmas day while many envious others around the country are snuggled up indoors by the fireplace. It can get cool in the winter, but not so much that a 3 mil wetsuit won’t have you feeling toasty. Cocoa Beach is a barrier island and as such you will be rewarded with bountiful marine life, lovely rivers and lagoons and kitesurfing in any wind direction.
How to Get Here
You could surely catch a ride in a surf wagon full of friendly local surfers, but we still recommend flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) just a 45 minute straight shot East on the 528 Beach Line to get here. We also have Melbourne International Airport (MLB) which is 30 minutes south, or if you have the means, Merritt Island Airport (MCOI) is 10 minutes away, but that is mostly for small, private aircraft. Yachts and other watercraft can moor right next to most of our kiteboarding spots as well.
Best season/typical conditions (best months for wind, wind range, direction, water/snow/water temps, choppy, flat, etc):
One of the reasons we love kiting in Cocoa Beach is that you can kite in ANY weather condition and wind direction year round. For the more wind aware connoisseurs, October through May are the windiest months due to high pressure weather fronts. For the normal folks out there with kids and schedules, don’t fret, summer (June-Sept) will still serve up great sea breeze’s in the 12-17 meter range.
Main Riding Spots
Great riding spots are found EVERYWHERE in Cocoa Beach! We are blessed with two inland waterways and a pristine coastline with no kiting restrictions. Some of our favorites:
1. The “famous” 520 Slick, named so because of the butter flat and shallow water and located conveniently on the 520 causeway across from the Cape Canaveral Hospital. The Slick is best on N, NW or SW conditions. Recommended for experienced riders only on any other wind directions as it blows directly onto a causeway.
2. Also worth visiting is Kelly Park which is best on a SW or E wind. It is located just west of the Cape Canaveral cruise terminals off of State Road 528. It is a popular wind surfing spot, so pay your respects and bring some cold drinks to make the locals happy. J It’s a favorite spot of ours because it has bathrooms, BBQ pavilions and a great playground and a boat launch. With all these amenities, it’s easy to sneak in a quick session while the coals warm up and the rest of the family plays and watches the manatees.
3. Jetty Park Beach and Campground is a state park located in Cape Canaveral just inside of Port Canaveral with pay per entrance. Jetty Park is one of the most sought-after points of interest in Brevard County. With 35 acres at your fingertips, we're sure you can find something to do here. Whether relaxing on the beach or kitesurfing, Jetty Park is convenient and has something for everyone. Jetty Park offers Beach, Concessions, Fishing Pier, Playground Areas, Pavilion Rentals, Tent, Cabin and RV camping. You can also enjoy a perfect view of the cruise ships leaving and returning to their port of call.
Who can blame you for wanting to finally try out the brand new surfboard you just bought? This is why you will love the 7+ miles of unrestricted beach access. Cocoa Beach is extremely family and beach goer friendly with multiple parks with amenities and countless beach access points with parking. Expect waist to head high waves and gentle sandy bottoms. You will find most of the local kiters at Cherie Down Park or any south of Minutemen Causeway streets.
Local Rules and Safety
There is a US Air Force installation located just south of the Cocoa Beach/ Cape Canaveral area. This is a no fly area for kites and dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches. Other than that, go wild and kite, play, BBQ, surf, tan or whatever lights you up.
Local Transportation
Because of the cruise lines, rental cars are plentiful and cheap. Plenty of taxis are available as well as a very convenient Trolley (bus) system. You can do down winders and come right back to your location for $1.25 or catch the bus to the many popular kite spots from your hotel all of which are less than 4 miles from any Cocoa Beach hotel. Make sure you have a shirt and some type of foot covering or they won’t let you ride the Trolley.
PLACES TO STAY
Budget
Moderate
- Four Points by Sheraton
- International Palms Resort and Conference Center
- Wakulla Suites
- Radisson Resort at the Port
- Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach
- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Cocoa Beach
Luxury
- Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
- Beach Island Resort
- Ocean Landings Resort and Racquet Club
- Holiday Inn Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
FOOD
We have everything from German to Great Asian food sure to please everyone’s palate. Our seafood is caught locally and to die for, so please do be sure to indulge in one of our local favorites.
Gourmet Dining:
- Fat Kahuna’s ($10-$25)
- The Fat Snook ($25-$35)
- Yen Yen ($12-$25)
- The Pompano Grille ($15-$35)
- Heidelburg ($20-$35)
Moderate:
- Coconuts ($10-$19)
- Sunset Café ($6-$20)
- Sand Bar ($8-$16)
- Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill ($10-$20)
- Port of Canaveral
Budget Dining:
- Taco City ($5-$10)
- Frankie’s Wings & Things ($8-$12)
- The Green Room Café ($10-$12)
- Simply Delicious Café and Bakery ($8-$12)
- Epic Burrito ($7-$8)
Local Resources
Check the wind here: IkiteSurf
All local happenings: http://www.cocoabeachchamber.com/
For Rentals/Lessons/Gear: www.321kiteboarding.com
Cocoa Beach is the ultimate, budget conscious, family friendly, watersports and kitesurfing destination. Home to friendly locals, world class surfers, great local seafood with a quaint beach town vibe with awesome weather all year round, we are sure you will love it here as much as we do. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the beach!
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