THE SET-UP

Southeast trade winds kick in from May to October, making the north, east and south coasts a playground filled with the most incredible conditions a kiteboarder could wish for. 

Mauritius offers impeccable kitesurfing conditions for every type of rider, largely due to the combination of incredibly reliable wind, perfect flat water and of course world-class waves. The small volcanic island boasts more than 150 kilometres of white sandy beaches and is surrounded by coral reef, which not only forms protective lagoons, but also offers up some big rolling waves like the infamous ‘One Eye’ at Le Morne.

Ninja Bichler / Photo: Ion Club

Working clockwise from the north of the island, the main spots are Anse La Raie located in the northern tip, with Belle Mare just 45 minutes south down the east coast. Pointe d’Esny is the closest spot to the airport located in the south-east, with Bel Ombre and the most popular spot - Le Morne - in close proximity to each other in the south and south-west.

The windiest spot on the island is Le Morne which happens to also be on most kitesurfers’ bucket lists. Despite being well known for its waves, Le Morne is very suited to all kitesurfing abilities. Clean winds blow all day long and beginners will have every opportunity to get up and riding quickly in the safe, knee to chest-deep lagoon that also serves as a freestyle playground. Tack out about 600 metres offshore to the outer reef and you’ll discover a gradual progression in wave types available, from the easy shredders at ‘Small Reef’, to ‘Manawa’, which is one kilometre from shore and offers bigger, rolling waves at high tide. Both waves are serviced by the rescue boat if needed. For the truly experienced wave rider, ‘One Eye’ lies to the right where the wind blows consistently cross off-shore from the left. However, approach with extreme caution as there are no rescue facilities once the waves get over a certain size as the boat can no longer get beyond the reef. One Eye is a serious wave, occasionally breaking quite shallow.

There are plenty of waves here to keep you stoked without needing to venture to One Eye and possibly get yourself in trouble... no matter how many images and videos you’ve seen from there!

Bel Ombre shares the same lagoon waters as Le Morne but is the much less crowded spot of the two and has lovely protected flat waters being in the upwind corner, so feels like it’s in its own lagoon. The flat water and cross on-shore winds are perfect for beginners and the entire area is surrounded by a reef belt offering up some nice waves, too. Bel Ombre is a great spot for downwinders which can be run all the way to Le Morne, 20 kilometres along the coast and takes around two-and-a-half-hours.

At the opposite end of the island, Anse La Raie is another great alternative to Le Morne and has a vast lagoon reaching out almost 2.5 kilometres from the shoreline, creating a huge flat water playground. The spot is a very safe location to learn at as it’s in a protected bay. There are some small waves on the outer reef, however, there is no rescue cover here so kiting is at your own risk (but there is an ION Club there, so check in with them for guidance on these waters / waves).

A short drive south from Anse La Raie down the east coast you’ll find Belle Mare, which offers beautifully flat and uncrowded water inside a closed turquoise lagoon.

The easterly prevailing cross-onshore winds here tend to be calmer than Le Morne in the south. Expect to be riding your nine to 12 metre kites in the awesome lagoon waters around Belle Mare.

Pointe d’Esny is a quiet kiting paradise that’s gaining a reputation for foiling with a huge flat water lagoon, away from the mass tourism of other parts of the island. Located in the south-east of the island, this spot offers a tranquil playground where you can really enjoy your time on the water. The wind here is generally south or south-east which is cross-shore, but to enjoy the freedom of the spot you will need basic skills to navigate beyond a line of small boats that anchor close to the shore. The wind is consistent and clean but is lighter than some of the more popular kitesurf spots on the island, so bigger kites are needed.

Waist-deep learning at Anse La Raia / Photo: Planet Kitesurf

At the opposite end of the island, Anse La Raie is another great alternative to busy Le Morne and has a vast lagoon reaching out almost 2.5 kilometres from the shoreline, creating a huge flat water playground. The spot is a very safe location to learn at as it’s in a protected bay. There are some small waves on the outer reef, however, there is no rescue cover here so kiting is at your own risk (but there is an ION Club there, so check in with them for guidance on these waters / waves).

From bed to beach in Belle Mare / Photo: Planet Kitesurf

A short drive south from Anse La Raie down the east coast you’ll find Belle Mare, which offers beautifully flat and uncrowded water inside a closed turquoise lagoon.

The easterly prevailing cross-onshore winds here tend to be calmer winds than Le Morne in the south. Expect to be riding your nine to 12 metre kites in the awesome lagoon waters around Belle Mare.

Foiling in the huge lagoon at Pointe D’Esny / Photo: SK – Planet Kitesurf

Pointe d’Esny is a quiet kiting paradise that’s gaining a reputation for foiling with a huge flat water lagoon, away from the mass tourism of other parts of the island. This spot located in the south-east of the island offers a tranquil playground where you can really enjoy your time on the water. The wind here is generally south or south-east which is cross-shore but to enjoy the freedom of the spot you will need basic skills to navigate beyond a line of small boats that anchor close to the shore. The wind is consistent and clean but is lighter than some of the more popular kitesurf spots on the island, so bigger kites are needed.

Sky Solbach on a small but perfectly formed specimen at Le Morne / PHOTO: Toby Bromwich / North

It’s not all hairy-scary conditions in big waves. Le Morne really does offer something for everyone all on the same day! / PHOTO: Sportif