Wind & turquoise lagoon

Sakalava Bay: a comprehensive guide to the spot

Q: Where is Sakalava Bay?

20 km from Diego-Suarez (Antsiranana) , on the north coast of Madagascar. About 40–45 minutes from the airport.

Q: When is the best time to go riding in Sakalava?

From 15 March to the end of November. The wind is strongest from July to September (25–35 knots); the spot is calmer at the start and end of the season.

Q: What are the three bays?

Sakalava Bay, Pigeons Bay and Dunes Bay. You can explore them on foot along the coast. It’s a walking tour, not a boat trip.

Located 20 km from Diego Suarez in northern Madagascar, Sakalava Bay is one of the most consistent kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing spots in the world. With over 98 per cent of days suitable for sailing from 15 March to the end of November, a lagoon protected by a coral reef, white sand and turquoise water between 23 and 28°C.

Overview of the bay

Sakalava Bay, the jewel of northern Madagascar

Sakalava Bay is an open bay situated on the north coast of Madagascar, in the Diego-Suarez region (Antsiranana).

Protected by a coral reef, it forms a lagoon with shallow, turquoise waters, a white sandy seabed and a gentle slope. At low tide, a sandbank approximately 200 metres long appears in the centre of the lagoon.

The bay is one of a group of three bays accessible on foot from the lodge: Sakalava Bay, Pigeons Bay and Dunes Bay. These three bays can be explored by hiking along the coast: this is a land-based excursion, not a boat trip.

Unique conditions

Wind and riding conditions in Sakalava

The prevailing wind is the Varatraza, a south-easterly trade wind strengthened by the wind-showing effect of Madagascar’s northern tip and a Venturi effect.

It blows mainly from mid-March to the end of November. It is at its most consistent between July and September.

Its side-to-side onshore direction consistently carries you back towards the beach. This is what makes the spot as safe for beginners as it is enjoyable for experienced riders.

Throughout the season, over 98% of days are suitable for riding (wind strength above force 4). This is a rare statistic on a global scale: if you come for ten days, you won’t leave without having had a go at sailing.

Period	Wind	Kitesurfing kites	Wingfoil wings	Windsurfing sails	Water	Ideal for:
Mid-March → April	15–25 knots	9–14 m²	4–6 m²	5–7 m²	27–28 °C	Beginners, returning learners
May → June	20–30 knots	7–12 m²	3–5 m²	4–5,5 m²	26–27 °C	All levels
July – September (peak)	25–35 knots	5–10 m²	2,5–4 m²	3,5–4,7 m²	23–25 °C	Confirmed, strong wind
October	20–30 knots	7–12 m²	3–5 m²	4–5,5 m²	26–27 °C	All levels, families
November	15–25 knots	9–12 m²	4–6 m²	5–7 m²	27–28 °C	Beginners: a gentler end to the season

*Approximate sail areas for an adult weighing 75 to 80 kg. The larger sail area is for the lightest wind, the smaller for the strongest. Our team will be happy to advise you on site.

A rare feature

Two spots in one: a flat lagoon and reef waves

Flat (lagoon)

At mid-tide, the lagoon offers a vast expanse of calm, shallow water. The seabed is sandy, with no rocks. It’s ideal for beginners to kitesurf, practise freestyle tricks and ride in a relaxed atmosphere.

Waves (reef)

For experienced surfers, the coral reef situated around 500 metres from the shore offers clean, consistent waves ranging from 1 to 2.5 metres. The height varies depending on the swell. Ideal for wave riding and more challenging sessions.

Tides: Range from 40 cm to approximately 2.5 m. Lessons are best undertaken at mean tide. Wingfoiling is possible for around 3 hours before and after high tide (75 cm mast), i.e. 4 to 6 hours a day.

Kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing in Sakalava

Three sports in one place

Sakalava Bay offers the perfect conditions for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing all in one place. The flat spot is ideal for beginners and freeriding; the reef waves add an extra dimension for experienced riders.

Kitesurf

Pulled along by a kite, you glide across the water at high speed. Suitable for beginners right from your very first session, kitesurfing can be practised on the flat lagoon or out on the reef waves, depending on your ability.

Discover our courses →

Windsurf

Standing on a windsurf board, you use the power of the wind to glide and manoeuvre. It’s a well-rounded sport that combines balance, reading the wind and the thrill of pure speed.

Discover windsurfing →

Wingfoil

A wing in your hands, a foil under your feet: you’ll be soaring above the water in just a few sessions. The newest of the three disciplines, and one that’s growing rapidly.

Get started with wingfoiling →

Ocean Lodge

A lodge equipped for all three disciplines

Ocean Lodge is one of the few lodges in the bay to maintain a substantial fleet across all three disciplines: kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoiling.

Kitesurfing: Airush and Cabrinha.
Windsurfing: Goya sails, carbon masts, 72–180 L boards (freeride and wave).
Wingfoil: F-One Strike wings, F-One and Quatro boards.

Sun and UV protection

Sun and sun protection on the water

In these latitudes, the sun shines generously all year round. Out on the water, the breeze provides a pleasant coolness and you quickly forget how strong the sun is: a few simple precautions are all it takes to enjoy yourself without getting sunburnt.

We recommend riding in Lycra or a light wetsuit, with water-resistant SPF 50 sun cream, reapplied between sessions. A sunstick for your face and lips, sunglasses with a cord and a hat when on land complete your kit.

Choose a reef-safe sun cream, free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. The coral reef that protects the lagoon is a fragile ecosystem.

Water safety

Safety and assistance on site

During sailing hours, our team is on hand at the spot and assistance is available. The spot is ideal: the side-to-side onshore wind naturally carries you back towards the beach.

The lagoon is protected by the coral reef; the seabed is sandy and the slope is gentle. At low tide, you can stand on the seabed almost everywhere.

Real-time weather

Windguru Sakalava: live wind forecasts

To prepare for your sessions, check the real-time Windguru forecasts for Sakalava Bay: wind speed, gusts, direction and trends over several days. For tide times, check the Sakalava Bay tide calendar on Windfinder.

Preparing properly

Temperatures and recommended equipment

Temperatures:

Air: 27–30°C during the day; slightly cooler from July to September (maximum temperatures around 27°C, nights around 22°C)
Water: 27–28°C at the start and end of the season, 23–25°C from July to September
Wetsuit: shorty or lycra, depending on the season

Recommended equipment:

SPF 50 reef-safe sun cream
Sunglasses with a cord
A lycra top: this is the essential item; it’s usually all you need
A 2 mm shorty or a lightweight neoprene jacket, for those who prefer

Getting to Sakalava

How do you get to Sakalava Bay?

From Europe, the easiest way to get to Sakalava Bay is to fly with Ethiopian Airlines to Nosy Be, arriving at around 2.30 pm.

From Nosy Be, allow around 6 hours to reach Sakalava Bay: a boat crossing to Ankify, followed by a drive to Diego-Suarez.

This journey takes you through northern Madagascar: picturesque villages, rivers, rice fields, cocoa plantations in the Ambanja region, and the Montagne d’Ambre as you approach Diego.

If you arrive at Antsiranana Domestic Airport (formerly Diego-Suarez), allow 40 to 45 minutes by road to reach the Bay.

From Réunion or Mayotte, direct flights operate to Diego-Suarez (operated by Ewa Air).

Partenaire Fun & Fly

A spot recognised by experts

Ocean Lodge is listed and marketed by Fun & Fly, the French tour operator specialising in kitesurfing and windsurfing holidays. If you’re unsure about booking accommodation 9,000 km away from home, this should put your mind at ease.

Experience the adventure

Plan your stay in Sakalava

Please contact us to confirm your dates of stay. We will put together a bespoke package including your accommodation in a bungalow or chalet overlooking the lagoon, half-board or full-board, and your water sports activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions about Sakalava Bay.