Africa Kiteboard Spot in Madagascar

Mer d Emeraude

Kitesurfing in the beautiful clear seas of Madagascar's Emerald Sea, AKA Mer d'Emeraude, is a fantastic excursion option. The Emerald Sea, near Diego Suarez in the far north of the island, is a hidden kitesurf spot with tons of space, perfect flat water on the inside of the lagoon and waves on the outside. 

The Emerald Sea lagoon, separated from Diego-Suarez Bay by the Babaomby Peninsula, is an incredible kiteboarding playground. With a length of 12 kilometers, it offers a vast kitesurfing area with different options for different riders. If you are at a good enough level it’s well worth organising a downwinder here to see the lagoon while passing through fishermen's villages and surfing some perfect waves on the reef.

Mer d Emeraude Kitesurf season

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
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Mer d Emeraude Kitesurfing wind conditions

Because the launching and riding conditions are a bit challenging, the Emerald Sea lagoon is better suited to riders with some experience, but there are schools here if you want to learn and a vast area to do so. 

The wind in the main season ranges from 20 to 40 knots, so it can get strong here, maybe pack a small kite! The trade wind kicks through between April and November, but June-September generally offers the most consistent wind conditions. Depending on what you’re after you can ride waves or freestyle here, so it offers a nice mixture.

  • body wear

    • board shorts
    • short neo

  • downwinder

    • Yes

  • ride type

    • freeride
    • freestyle
    • hydrofoil
    • wakestyle
    • wave

  • skill level

    • beginner
    • intermediate
    • advanced
    • professional

  • spot type

    • island
    • lagoon
    • ocean
    • reef

  • starting area

    • sandy beach

  • water condition

    • choppy
    • flat water
    • medium wave

  • wind daytime

    • all day

  • wind type

    • passat
Cäsar riding with red kite at Mer D’Emeraude
Turquoise paradise waters at Baie d'Emeraudes, Madagascar

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Historical Wind Stats for Mer d Emeraude Kiteboarding

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Forecast for Mer d Emeraude the next days

Infrastructure

Around the Kiteboarding Spot Mer d Emeraude

Madagascar is not a well developed kite hotspot, so don’t expect bars and nightlife here. Locally you can go snorkelling or fishing, maybe meet some lemurs and hang out with the locals for a bbq on the beach. It’s still very much a wild island with not a lot to do except enjoy the beauty and fierceness of nature, and travelling around is an adventure in and of itself. But it’s an island with a lot to offer if you are willing to put the effort in. There are multiple national parks to visit, the famous Baobab trees in the West of the island and an incredible variety of wildlife all over. 

  • camper parking

    • Not allowed, but possible

  • car parking

    • Far away

  • emergency

    • A rescue service

  • has restaurant

    • Yes

  • has toilet

    • Yes

  • has shower

    • Yes

Logistics

How to get to Mer d Emeraude

Public transport in Madagascar means 12+ hour minibus rides, and flying is expensive, so don’t expect an easy and cheap trip to get to the spot, it’s either easy and expensive, or long and cheap! You can fly to Arrachart airport (DIE) with a connection through Ivato international, or go local and catch the bus from there, it’ll be a crazy experience!

  • accommodation

    • at the spot

  • public transport

    • Not existing

  • rental cars

    • Not recommended

Notice

Very remote spot, only possible to get there by boat, which cannot pass if it’s low tide. Best arrange the transfer in advance.

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Questions

Read our answers

Can I learn kitesurfing at Mer d Emeraude, Madagascar?
Yes, there are schools available if you want to learn kitesurfing, but the conditions are better suited to riders with some experience.
What is the best season for kitesurfing or kiteboarding at Mer d Emeraude?
The main season for kitesurfing in Mer d Emeraude is between April and November, with the most consistent wind conditions typically from June to September.
Are there rescue services available at Mer d Emeraude?
Yes, there is a rescue service available at Mer d Emeraude to ensure your safety while kitesurfing.
What type of riding opportunities does Mer d Emeraude offer?
Mer d Emeraude caters to riders of all levels and offers a range of riding opportunities, including wave riding, freestyle, and big air maneuvers.
What are the wind conditions like at Mer d Emeraude?
The wind at Mer d Emeraude ranges from 20 to 40 knots during the main season, offering a mix of wave and freestyle riding options.
How can I get to Mer d Emeraude?
Getting to Mer d Emeraude is either easy and expensive by flying to Arrachart airport (DIE) with a connection through Ivato international or a longer and more affordable journey by bus.
What are the attractions near Mer d Emeraude, Madagascar?
While Mer d Emeraude itself is not a well-developed kite hotspot, you can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and experiencing the local culture. Madagascar also offers national parks, Baobab trees, and a variety of wildlife.
Is there nightlife at Mer d Emeraude?
No, Mer d Emeraude does not have nightlife or bars, as it is a remote and wild island with a focus on nature and outdoor activities.
What is the length of the Emerald Sea lagoon in Mer d Emeraude?
The Emerald Sea lagoon has a length of 12 kilometers, offering a vast kitesurfing area with different options for riders.
Can I go on a downwinder at Mer d Emeraude?
Yes, if you are at a good enough level, it's worth organizing a downwinder at Mer d Emeraude to explore the lagoon, pass through fishermen's villages, and surf waves on the reef.