Baie des Singes (Tolanaro)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves, Big waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) is a reef-influenced bay launch on southeast Madagascar where both kitesurfing and surfing are primarily driven by trade-wind conditions. The beach area is described as medium-sized with sandy composition and clean water, while the wave zone is reef-based with rocks/submerged reefs nearby. For kitesurfing, the most consistently cited wind window is August through October, with NE/SE trade winds and typical speeds reported around the mid-to-high 20s knots (one source also cites a broader 15–25 knot band). Wind is generally treated as steady for the trade-wind pattern, and conditions are described as good even when the surf is active, with low crowding reported overall. For surfing, the spot is described as a reef break that can produce both right and left waves and generally prefers south swells. High tide is repeatedly noted as the best period to ensure enough water over the reef, and offshore northwest wind is reported to groom the waves. Providers also warn that on very large south swells the surf can become heavy and close out quickly. Safety is a key factor here: hazards reported include rocks, reefs/submerged reef, rips, swimmers in sheltered parts of the bay, and occasional sea-life hazards. Rescue and lifeguards are not reported, and the nearest medical help is described as far away; riders are advised to talk to a local before entering, use high tide when needed, and manage sun exposure with strong sun protection.
- Reliable trade-wind window for kite (Aug–Oct) with NE/SE directions.
- Reef break surfing favored by south swell and high tide; NW wind helps groom waves.
- Isolated, nature-focused feel with generally low crowds, but high reef hazard and limited rescue/lifeguards.
- Strong trade winds in the drier season with best kite months August through October.
- Clean water and medium-size sandy launch area reported; low crowd density described even when waves are running.
- Surf and kite can be reliable on south swell / reef conditions depending on tide and wind direction.
- Reef and rock hazards with rips/tidal currents near the reef; wave breaker structures in the vicinity.
- No rescue service and no lifeguards reported; emergency access is limited (medical care reported ~2-hour drive).
- Wind can be strong; reef depth varies and high tide is important for safer water depth.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, SE
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeasterly trade winds (Alizés / “Masoala”) with NE/SE directions reported for this bay launch.
- Reliability
- good in peak season (Aug–Oct); high during peak wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Trade-wind style steadiness reported by kite/spot guides; one provider also notes gusts can be moderate.
- Best Months
- August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Close to cliffs and hills on the southern edge
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves, Big waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Surf spot guides describe small to medium waves, with the possibility of big/hugely heavy conditions in winter months.
- Launch
- Medium — Medium-sized sandy launch area; medium slope reported by one guide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty is described as easy by one provider, and moderate by another; reef zone makes entry and landing conditions variable.
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round; can get busier with local swimmers on weekends
December–February (cyclonic period; rare but can affect conditions)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is the best match: strong NE/SE trade winds with typical 25–30 knots cited for Aug–Oct. Reef hazards and swimmers mean careful launch/landing and controlled entry are important. One provider also describes wave/kite conditions shaped by swells on outer reefs with cross-onshore riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Reported as challenging wave riding and bump-and-jump conditions; wind and reef hazards require advanced experience.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Possible but limited by foil clearance over reef sections; minimum depth reported as ~1.5 m over reef at high tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil clearance over reef is a significant concern.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters over reef at high tide
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Reef break producing right-hand waves that can hold on a south swell; also described as producing lefts and rights. Best on south swells, typically at high tide; can work on all tides but is best at high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — Best at high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break; one provider describes semi-sheltered conditions, but overall the spot is treated as reasonably exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest winds are reported as offshore and help groom the waves.
- Bigger Swell
- On massive south swells it can become heavy and close out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good; one provider rates it as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Providers describe moderate to good quality reef surf depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling reef break; right/left waves reported.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling/defined wave face reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Standard reef rides commonly last on the order of tens of meters (one provider cites ~50–100 m).
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- ~50–100 meters on standard reef rides (provider-specific).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) in the full forecast view.
Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–18 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- E91°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2618 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.5 m8s period
- Temperature
- 20–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.3–2.5 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- rips
- reef
- swimmers
- sea urchins
- jellyfish
- wave breaker structure
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No organized, dedicated water rescue service reported for kite/wind sports.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is reported as no. Nearest medical facility reported as ~2-hour drive away; no lifeguard reported. Police emergency number: 117 (regional info).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism/access friction reported.
Rules of the spot
No official rules reported; follow local best practices (e.g., talk to a local before entering the water).
- Talk to a local before entering the water.
- Avoid surfing at dawn or dusk and avoid murky water.
- Do not surf with open or seeping wounds.
- High SPF sunblock and long-sleeved lycra are important due to very strong sun.
- High tide is recommended to ensure enough water over the reef.
- Be aware of local swimmers in the sheltered parts of the bay.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tolanaro (Fort-Dauphin)
- Nearest Town
- Tolanaro
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach area
- Access
- Accessible via local roads from Tolanaro city center; parking near the beach is limited; the launch area is reported as isolated/desert-like with no beach users reported by some guides.
- Local Language
- French, Malagasy
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Several hotels and lodges are reported within a few kilometers in Tolanaro.
- Food & Drink
- Basic food stalls and restaurants available in Tolanaro; some town amenities within reach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is limited; bringing your own gear is advised. One regional context notes equipment rental is generally not available at the spot.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Day-trip nature and cultural experiences are available around Tolanaro, with multiple reserves in reach and a coastal scenery focus.
Private forest reserve famous for large populations of ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas.
Botanical garden and nature reserve with lemur sightings and canoe trips.
Remains of a 17th-century French fortification overlooking the bay.
Botanical garden and nature reserve with lemur sightings and canoe trips.
Popular seafood restaurant with views over the coastline.
Sheltered sandy beach suitable for swimming and family relaxation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Baie des Singes (Tolanaro)?
The best overall months at Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) are August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Baie des Singes (Tolanaro)?
Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) works with NE, SE winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Baie des Singes (Tolanaro)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Baie des Singes (Tolanaro): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) suitable for?
Baie des Singes (Tolanaro) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.