Madagascar

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KITESURF IN MADAGASCAR

KITESURFING SEASON IN MADAGASCAR

The kitesurfing season in Madagascar is from March to November. The wind blows daily more or less as follows: In March, April, May between 20 and 30 knots. In June, July, August between 30 and 40 knots. The wind is constant and blows side shore every day. The most used kite is 5, 6 and 7 m between May and October. 7, 9 and 10 in April and November. Possibly one of the best and most unknown spots in the world, almost virgin and where the wind blows with absolute guarantee, let yourself be carried away by Madagascar and the essence of Africa.

KITESURFING SPOTS IN MADAGASCAR

SEA ESMERALDA
To the north of the country there are more reliable wind conditions for navigation, where Mar Esmeralda stands out, which is one of the most unknown wind spots for navigation but without a doubt one of those unexploited paradises that still remain in the world. Located in the northern passage of the Diego Suarez Bay (the second largest bay in the world), located on the Babaomby peninsula, this spot dazzles with its beauty.

With approximately 30 square kilometers of navigation area, Mar Esmeralda is like a huge lake protected from the Indian Ocean by a barrier of corals and 6 small islands. Throughout the year the climate is very pleasant and with a water temperature between 25º and 28º degrees. The name of the spot comes from the crystalline emerald color of its waters, which due to its shallow depth and the white sand bottom allow a surprising visibility of the animals that live in this marine oasis: the green turtle, octopuses, manta rays and countless fish multicolored.

The predominant wind is the powerful wind called “Varatraza” that blows constantly from March to November in Mar Esmeralda, rarely falling below 20-25 knots and from a southeast direction (onshore). In the highest wind season, which runs from June to October, it is common for it to reach 40 knots.

Find ou the best kite spots in Madagascar

Find out magagascar kitesurfing spots and seasons

The “Varatraza” wind constantly blows from 10 am to 5 pm and with a force that ranges between 20-35 knots but also reaches 35-45 knots on many occasions. The most used sizes are between 5 and 7 meters between May and October and between 7 and 10 meters in April (beginning of the season) and November (end of the season).

The Mar Esmeralda lagoon offers kitesurfing conditions for all levels. The lagoon is surrounded by a large coral reef and many paradise islands. There is a wide area for very safe navigation since both the wind and the current follow the onshore direction. Lovers of freeride, freestyle and those looking for waves will find their niche here; there are 36 km2 of warm and crystal-clear turquoise waters to navigate. The average depth of the Mar Esmeralda lake is 3 meters, and the bottom is sandy, but there are also areas of rock, so some booties are recommended.

It is also possible to navigate in other spots within the Bay of Diego Suarez, such as the small bay of Sakalava or the French bay with its old shipwrecks. There are options of downwind passing near the small fishing villages, discovering the beautiful Baobabs forest, the mangroves located to the north or the mythical “The Pool”, an area of especially flat waters near the islet of Nosy Antaly Be.

Lastly, there are several wave spots near the reefs where the waves coming from the Indian Ocean break. The best waves are from July to October.

Babaomby, a super friendly kitesurfing spot!

There you will find a large lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, perfect for sending tricks, as well as a small, very playful wave spot. There is something for everyone at Babaomby!

This place is also super friendly and is very suitable for solo travelers: it is a real little kite camp.

Babaomby is also a great place to learn and start kitesurfing. You will find quality lessons there, you will learn in turquoise water where you will have feet everywhere, and there is even assistance by jetski if necessary.

In short, you can go there with your eyes closed to learn kitesurfing!

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN YOUR KITE TRIP TO MADAGASCAR

In addition to being able to navigate in excellent conditions, Madagascar offers other activities for those days you want to rest from the wind or do something different and enrich your trip.

– Go on an excursion on a traditional boat to Nosy Antaly Be. It is the largest island in the Emerald Sea, with its peculiar Baobab forest and its particular fauna, it is possible to climb to its highest point to have panoramic views of the lake. Or stay in the sweet “farniente”, enjoy the water and a picnic.

– Red Tsingy: geological park near the navigation spot, which can be done by 4 × 4 jeep or by trekking. It is a huge canyon of red sands, with strange rock formations due to erosion and extraordinary colours. It can be combined with an excursion to the Pointe du Tonnerre, a viewpoint of Diego Suarez Bay where, with a bit of luck, whales are observed in September and October.

– Madagascar is also a paradise for divers with its turquoise sea and the wealth of marine fauna. The diving spots are not yet very visited and for this reason they are intact, full of wildlife and shipwrecked ships.

– Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, was named by Portuguese explorers in 1506, when modern man discovered Madagascar. The city is located on the shores of one of the largest natural bays in the world, with a fabulous coastline, numerous white sand beaches and crystal clear waters protagonists of ancient pirate stories. It is also the largest city in the north, of French colonization, with a huge market, many shops and good restaurants. It’s worth a visit while you decide on other walks in the region.

– Ramena Beach is a small fishing village that is 40 minutes by boat from Mar Esmeralda. Here life follows its calm and simple rhythm. It has many restaurant options for traditional northern Madagascar food. It is the place to see and enjoy a little of the local culture.

– Amber National Park, located 35km from Diego Suarez, is a mountainous area, covered by tropical jungle, lakes and waterfalls. Many of the symbolic animals of Madagascar can be spotted here.

– Another option to observe the ecosystems of the area is the Ankarana National Park, 100 km from Diego Suarez. It is a karst plateau, where water erosion has created caverns and fissures in the limestone, with several underground rivers. It is a sacred place for some local cultures and also the home of several species of lemurs.

You must have a link to some of the tours that we recommend the most, and we can book to complete your vacation.