Kitesurf at Anse la raie

The Anse la Raie spot is located at the extreme north of the island of Mauritius (on the east side), just a few minutes south of Cap Malheureux.

At one point, the main road crosses the bay, where you have water on both sides (at high tide): the spot is on the sea side. You should park under the filaos, preferably after the bridge (coming from the south of the island), turning just before the Cove Paradise hotel. Otherwise, you may have difficulty leaving from the bottom of the bay (strong wind shadow!)

It is a versatile spot that is suitable for beginners, freeride enthusiasts, and wave lovers. Indeed, the water is divided into 3 parts:
– a kind of basin that is flat and almost closed by rocks and islets in front of the spot, very shallow and therefore ideal for learning and freestyle
– a huge freeride area when you pass the rocks to exit the bay: the water is flat with sometimes a slight chop, and the area is just gigantic. We are still in the lagoon, the water is turquoise, and we have a view of a good part of the coast
– a wave zone on the barrier, very far from the shore! (you can’t even see the reef from the bay). For wave enthusiasts, the waves that break there are really clean. However, be careful to calculate your moves well, as once you are there, you are far from everything!

There is a large grassy area for rigging and takeoff. However, getting into the water can be tricky because there are rocks at the edge, and you have to walk on foot to get into the basin and be able to leave (you generally have the wind at your back for takeoff, you need to edge well). Once you are clear, the wind becomes side, and very consistent.

The spot is less crowded than those in the southwest of the island, and therefore has fewer facilities and schools. There are still kites on windy days, tourists, locals, and schools, enough to create a friendly atmosphere.

Pros: versatile spot – low crowds – turquoise lagoon
Cons: less consistent wind than in the southwest of the island – few facilities for beginners – tricky water entry

Note: If you have kiteboarding experience, treat yourself to a session all the way to the Cap Malheureux spot, which is simply paradise.