It may come as a surprise, but Madagascar is indeed a surf destination. Undiscovered by crowds, yet well-known on the international stage. The beauty of it is that you won't be jostling for waves. The only others in the water beside a few holidaymakers are young Malagasy who live in coastal villages—they'll be delighted to guide you and share their knowledge of the best breaks. Sharing this moment with you will be their true pleasure.

So if you're ready to embark on a surf trip to Madagascar, don't hesitate to reach out to Détours Madagascar. We'll create a custom itinerary just for you!

Where to Surf in Madagascar?

Several breaks are renowned for surfing in Madagascar. Generally, the far south boasts the greatest reputation, though excellent spots can also be found in the northeast. You can practice this activity year-round, though the best season remains September through October.

Here are some of the island's most celebrated locations:

West Coast:

The finest and most stunning surf spot lies at Lavanono, a small village at the extreme southern tip of Madagascar. Below a vast plateau and a 60 km-long cliff face, Lavanono sits 250 km from Fort-Dauphin.

Set against sumptuous scenery, a beautiful left-hander awaits you over a coral reef. This break suits surfers of all levels.

Anakao is Madagascar's most celebrated surf break. Located on the southwestern coast, it's a premier surf destination, recognized internationally. That doesn't mean it's crowded. It's equally a powerful left-hander that peels across a reef, better suited to experienced surfers.

Several waves are known near Anakao:

• Flameballs: North of Nosy Ve, you'll find a world-class left that runs fast and far. Best to avoid low tide, as the coral sits dangerously close.
• Jelly Baby: Directly opposite Anakao's southern point, a more accessible wave awaits beginners and experienced riders alike.

East Coast:

In the southeast, Fort-Dauphin benefits from south-southeasterly winds that bring hefty swells and excellent surfing conditions.

In northeastern Madagascar, the small island paradise of Sainte-Marie awaits. Its eastern shore is bordered by an extensive coral reef. Two modest breaks offer themselves to you—at Ampanihy Point and to the north, near the village of Ambodiatafana, where both a right and a left-hander peel.

Further north, beyond Sainte-Marie, on the mainland, lies the Sambava break, in the vanilla capital. South of town, a fine right-hander breaks at a river mouth. Further south still, the Mahambo break is celebrated for its consistent waves throughout the year. A word of caution regarding all east coast breaks: there's a real possibility of encountering sharks. Stay alert.