Madagascar Surf Resort

Madagascar is the world’s 4th largest island. A mountainous central ‘spine’ separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south. From our surf resort, you will have direct access to a private beach and a variety of perfect waves on the outer reef that suit different levels of surfers' abilities - from beginners to elite athletes.

Our surf spots get a direct hit from the SW swells with mainly offshore conditions and 700km (438mi) of varied coral reef to explore. We can also arrange exploration of new undiscovered spots for surfers with an adventurous spirit.

Low-pressure systems moving east, away from South Africa pump swell up and along the Mozambique Channel. SW-facing reefs will receive up to 12ft (4m) surf but most of the quality surf will have to wrap around the NW-facing reefs so SE trades can blow fully offshore. From April to September, expect regular swells producing 4-12ft (1.2-4m). Unlike the rest of Madagascar, the tide factor rises in the Mozambique Channel and can reach 6ft (2m) on spring tides, which is enough to bring the live coral close to the surface and cause slow navigation at low tide in the lagoon.

Typical surfing day

Early rise for a 6 am-ish breakfast (depending on tide and weather) and surf our waves out front till around 12 pm. Then back to the camp for a warm solar-heated shower and lunch. Trade winds in southern Madagascar come out of the SSW and blow every afternoon so afternoons are usually dedicated to relaxing, yoga, drinking beer, kite surfing (bring your own gear) visit the local village or go sailing with the locals on a pirogue.

Located at the north end of the remote beach village of Befasy, we are one of the last remaining surfing frontiers in this region, just a few hours by boat ride from the southern port of Toliara, or “City of the Sun”.

In our resort, guests have access to a fully-staffed restaurant, bar, and a chill-out area with breathtaking 360-degree views of the bushes, beach, and the multiple surf breaks on the outer reef. Our energy is provided solely from wind generators and solar panels powering the entire camp. We use local people to supply us with fresh water and this is dispersed simply to the resort by gravity, having a water point on the highest area.

The resort accommodates both surfers and non-surfers and can be a perfect gateway for families and couples. For a better experience, we run a policy of a maximum of 10 surfers at any time.

Sustainability/responsibility

At Madagascar Surf Resort we have minimized our footprint by getting our power solely from wind generators and solar panels powering the entire camp. We use local people to supply us with fresh water and this is dispersed simply to the resort by gravity, having a water point on the highest area.

We have started a project to help build a bigger school for the local village and also supplying the schools with packages of pens, pencils, notebooks etc. Some of our staff are from the local village and our boat captain/camp manager has some relatives from Befasy.

Fishing

A morning of fishing can be arranged off our surf boat or with one of the locals on a pirogue. Fishing off our surf boat will be with rod and reel and you have the opportunity to catch king mackerel, tuna, dorado, or whatever else happens to swim past one of our delicious-looking lures (if interested feel free to bring your own gear too). On a local pirogue will be the traditional Malagasy style of bottom fishing with a hand line (bring your own gloves).