With shallow, flat waters and wide-open spaces, lagoons often make the best places to kitesurf. This is especially true if you’re a beginner learning the ropes or if you’re wanting to nail down that handle pass that’s been besting you recently. There’s also generally less traffic in lagoons than on the beach, not to mention fewer nasty surprises lurking under the water (which can be an issue in some places).

With all this in mind, we’ve listed some of the best kitesurfing lagoons in the world.

Cumbuco, Brazil

One of the most popular spots in kitesurf-crazy Brazil. And for good reason. The water can get choppy and a little crowded but the facilities are excellent and there’s always something going on in the town. When to visit: August to December

Dakhla, Morocco

Suitable for all levels of rider. This is your chance to kitesurf with dolphins and flamingos along the edge of Western Sahara. Being out on the water doesn’t get too much more spectacular than this. Learn the ropes on the vast lagoon or experienced riders can hit the three top wave spots that are close by. When to visit: February to March

Isla Blanca, Mexico

Around half an hour north of Cancun, this flat saltwater lagoon is surrounded by the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Isla Blanca offers safe kitesurfing thanks to its really flat waters. Plus it’s a lot quieter than back down the coast in Cancun. When to visit: November to March

Puttalam, Sri Lanka

With its perfectly flat water Puttalam is ideal for downwind trips, freeriding and even a spot of camping on the islands. With a little something for everyone, it’s suitable for all ability levels. When to visit: May to October, December to March

Union Island, The Grenadines

Flat water and incredible colours define Union Island. You’ll need to be a fairly experienced rider to go upwind constantly, so not ideal for beginners without instruction. But with the town and all its facilities right next to the beach, there are other advantages too. When to visit: December to March

Langebaan, South Africa

No sharks, no waves and even some warm water (which you won’t get in Cape Town), Langebaan is around 40 minutes from the city so close enough to travel – which is good news as there’s not much else around. When to visit: October to April

Taiba, Brazil

Warm water, constant winds and plenty of sunshine make Taiba a superb kiting lagoon. To get here you’ll need a car, or you can just kitesurf downwind from the village. The lagoon is ideal for beginners trying to get up for the first time or more experienced riders practicing new moves. When to visit: August to January

Lagos, Portugal

Close to the buzzing surf town of Lagos in Portugal’s sunny Algarve, the Portuguese north wind, or ‘nortada’, makes this a reliable spot. The Alvor lagoon is a wide river mouth and one of the best places in Europe to kitesurf. Plus, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the evenings. When to visit: Year round

Every lagoon is different, each offering conditions suitable for different styles and abilities. But the best spots manage to be inclusive, allowing groups of different levels to kitesurf together safely, and in some of the most beautiful spots on the planet.