North Madagascar
Kitesurf Holidays
A Kitesurf holiday to North Madagascar is an exhilarating mix of super reliable stong wind, warm turquoise waters, rich culture, endemic wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes. The area, particularly around the North East (Sakalava Bay, Babaomby, and the Emerald Sea), is renowned for its steady trade winds, which blow consistently from May to November, making it one of the world’s top kitesurfing destinations. These winds, usually between 15 to 30 knots, create ideal conditions for all levels, with flat waters and small to medium waves that suit freestyle, wave riding, and those seeking smooth, effortless cruising along the shore.
Beyond the perfect conditions for kiting, Northern Madagascar offers a raw, untouched beauty that sets it apart. The beaches are pristine, with soft white sands, calm blue lagoons, and lush tropical forests lining the coast. You’ll often find yourself kiting in solitude, surrounded only by nature. The biodiversity here is extraordinary, with species found nowhere else worldwide. Between kitesurfing sessions, you can explore the nearby forests and nature reserves, spotting Madagascar’s famed lemurs, colourful chameleons, and rare plants.
As always, Planet Kitesurf Holidays, we have scored the destination during a comprehension site visit for the very best locations and accommodation options, both on the coast and inland. From a kitesurf perspective, there are three options:
Sakalava Beach - This is the easiest kitesurf beach to access, just 40 minutes by 4x4 from Diego Suarez. Sakalava is also per have the easiest spot for kit siring as there is a huge flat water bay, and you can launch straight from the beach. This is perhaps the best location for Learning To Kitesurf in Madagascar. Most of the properties along this beach (of which there are around 10, plus around 6 kite schools), are very basic. There is really only one property (Sakalava Kitesurf Bungalows) that has reasonable quality, plus the very best kitesurf school for training next door.
The Emerald Sea and Babaomby Beach - The Emerald Sea is a little North of Sakalava, and can only be accessed by boat. At the Northern end is Babaomby Beach, which has the best access to the top kitesurf areas in this huge lagoon. Although there are some small beaches to launch from, it is best to take a trip by boat to the best spots in the Emerald Sea. Our partner kitesurf school here takes our client every day to the best sport in the lagoon, as well as arranging epic downwinders. The Emerald Sea is also great for learning, as there is a huge space. As with Sakalava, most of the properties dotted along this coast line are very basic. Planet works with the very best available here, based in a prime location. See our Emerald Sea Kitesurf Lodge.
Miavana Island - This is an ultra luxury island resort, only accessibly by private Helicopter from Dieo Suarez (30 mins), or Noise Be (50 mins). The Kitesurfing here is either directly from the resort or from a number of surrounding small uninhabited small islands and lagoons, which are perhaps some of the very best kitesurfing spots on The Planet. Included in your stay is a private power boat with kitesurf instructor/guide, crew, and use of the latest F-One kitesurf equipment. There are endless lagoons and pristine beachs to kitesurf from in and around Miavana, some accessed by boat, and some only accessible by Helicopter.
Outside of kiting, you’ll experience a rich, warm culture. Malagasy cuisine, based on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique spices, is full of flavour. Dishes like romazava, a flavorful stew, and freshly grilled seafood are local specialities, often served right on the beach with an ocean view. Venturing into local villages and markets adds an extra layer to the experience, where you can meet artisans, explore traditional crafts, and get a feel for daily life in Madagascar.
We strongly recommend comb dining your kitesurf stay in North Madagascar with tours in the and around the region, to include Amber Mountains, the Ankarana Special Reserve, and the stunning islands around North West side surrounding Nosie Be. Planet Travel are specialising in Northern Madagascar, and all our Kitesurf Holidays to this incredible destination, will be tailored to you specific requirements.