Ile Flamand (Mauritius)

Île Flamand is a small sandbank in the lagoon off eastern Mauritius, known for crystal-clear water and predominantly flat conditions, sometimes with a little chop and small-wave character. The launch is from a narrow sandbar that can be very small or even submerged at higher tide, so launch timing and careful on-site awareness are important. Wind is trade-wind dominated, with the best direction identified as SE, and reliable conditions during the winter season (June through October). Typical wind is in the 15–25 knot range, described as steady. This makes the spot well suited to intermediate riders looking for calm, glassier lagoon riding rather than rough open-water sessions. Because the spot is remote and access is by boat only, safety planning is central to using it. A support boat is expected to remain nearby and be able to assist/rescue if needed, and visitors should check tide charts since the sandbank can disappear at high tide. Reported on-water hazards include animals such as rays, stonefish, and sea urchins, and there is no shade on the islet—sun protection is strongly advised. For equipment planning, kitesurfing is commonly set up for winds in the winter range with typical kite sizes often in the 9–12 m range (with smaller kites like 7 m for stronger days). Nearby lagoon depth generally supports foiling, but the immediate launch area around the bank requires careful walking to reach deeper water.