Kitesurfing in Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the Indian Ocean’s most compelling kitesurfing destinations, offering a rare combination of reliable trade winds, warm water and vast, uncrowded coastlines. With a long wind season running from April to November, the island appeals to riders looking for serious conditions far removed from mass-market kite hubs.
This is a destination for kitesurfers who value space, raw landscapes and consistency, and who are willing to travel a little further for a more rewarding experience on the water.
Kitesurfing itineraries can also be combined with our broader Madagascar holiday packages, allowing you to add beach stays, wildlife or guided travel before or after your time on the water.
Kitesurfing season and wind conditions
The prime kitesurfing season in Madagascar generally runs from April through November, driven by steady Indian Ocean trade winds. Conditions are typically strongest and most reliable between May and October, when wind frequency and strength are at their best.
During the season, riders can expect:
Regular trade winds, often side-on or side-shore depending on location
Warm water temperatures suitable for rash vests or light wetsuits
Long rideable days and minimal crowding
Outside of this period, winds become less predictable and the summer months coincide with the wetter cyclone season.
Best places for kitesurfing in Madagascar
Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) & the Emerald Sea region
Northern Madagascar is widely regarded as the heart of kitesurfing in the country, with the Diego Suarez region offering some of the most consistent and versatile conditions.
Sakalava Bay is the best-known spot in the area and is popular with both intermediate and advanced riders. Reef protection creates flatter water inside the lagoon, while waves beyond the reef provide opportunities for more experienced kiters. The bay benefits from long, rideable days and dependable wind throughout the main season.
Further north, the Babaomby and Emerald Sea Lagoon area delivers classic flat-water kitesurfing in a dramatic setting. The vast, shallow lagoon stretches for kilometres, offering:
Crystal-clear, waist-deep water
Excellent freeride and freestyle conditions
Space for downwinders and exploratory sessions
This region is particularly well suited to riders who want strong wind, open space and the option to kite daily without crowds.
The Diego Suarez region is also home to a small but established kitesurfing community. Operators such as MadaKitecamp, Sakalava Kite and kite facilities around Babaomby provide access to lessons, coaching and equipment rental for travellers who prefer not to bring their own gear.
Some camps are positioned directly on the beach, allowing riders to rig and launch steps from their accommodation, while others offer flexible support for independent kiters exploring the surrounding coastline.
Key kite locations and lodges in northern Madagascar
Babaomby Island Lodge
Babaomby, located near Madagascar’s northern tip, is one of the country’s most visually striking kitesurfing locations. The Emerald Sea Lagoon is a vast, shallow expanse of crystal-clear water that delivers classic flat-water conditions, particularly well suited to freeride and freestyle kitesurfing.
The area benefits from strong and consistent trade winds during the main season from April to November, with long, open riding areas and very little congestion. Conditions here are often described as ideal for riders who want space, predictable wind and the freedom to explore downwind routes across the lagoon.
Babaomby Island Lodge provides direct access to the lagoon and supports kitesurf travellers with accommodation close to the launch areas. Its remote setting makes it especially appealing to experienced riders and those seeking a focused, wind-driven trip away from busy resort destinations.
Rate: ~€80–€110 per person per night
MadaKitecamp
The Sakalava Bay area is home to a small but well-established kitesurfing scene, including operators such as MadaKitecamp.
These camps are positioned directly on or close to the beach, allowing riders to launch straight from their accommodation and maximise time on the water.
MadaKitecamp and similar operators in the area offer:
Kitesurf lessons and coaching for different ability levels
Equipment rental for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing
Local knowledge of daily wind patterns and conditions
This infrastructure makes the Diego and Sakalava region one of the easiest places in Madagascar to plan a kitesurf-focused stay, whether travelling with your own gear or relying on local support.
Rate: ~€40–€80 per night
Sakalava Lodge (Diego Suarez)
Sakalava Lodge is located directly on Sakalava Bay, one of northern Madagascar’s most established kitesurfing spots.
Its position on the bay allows riders to launch and land directly in front of the lodge, making it a practical base for a wind-focused stay. The surrounding reef system creates flatter water inside the lagoon, while stronger conditions beyond the reef suit more advanced riders. During the main trade-wind season from April to November, Sakalava Lodge provides convenient access to consistent wind conditions and the broader Diego Suarez kitesurfing area, without the need for daily transfers.
Rate: ~€110–€115 per night
Planning a kitesurfing trip to northern Madagascar
Northern Madagascar offers some of the most reliable and rewarding kitesurfing conditions in the Indian Ocean.
With a long wind season from April to November, strong and consistent trade winds, and a choice of distinct riding environments — from the flat-water expanses of Babaomby’s Emerald Sea Lagoon to the reef-protected versatility of Sakalava Bay — the region lends itself well to focused, wind-driven trips.
Most kitesurf itineraries are built around a single base in the Diego Suarez area, allowing riders to take advantage of daily conditions without long transfers.
Accommodation options range from remote lodge-based stays to kite-specific camps positioned directly on the water, making it possible to tailor a trip around riding level, comfort preferences and available time.
Careful planning around seasonality, routing and equipment ensures more time on the water and a smoother overall experience in this remote but exceptional kitesurfing destination.
To get a quote the best option is to EMAIL us and we will get back to you as soon as we receive the mail; remember to tell us when you would like to travel and with how many people.