Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
40 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
800 m
Frequently asked questions
Ankarena Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal clear, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +28.0°C in the warmest season. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible even at depth — ideal for snorkelling. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Ankarena Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Ankarena Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 40 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Ankarena Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 800 metres.
Ankarena Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in April, May. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Ankarena Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Ankarena Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks, sea urchins, scorpions. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Ankarena Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Ankarena Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Ankarena Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Adonys Eden Lodge Restaurant, Local eateries. Cuisines available: Malagasy, French. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Ankarena Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Water, Mosquito repellent.
Ankarena Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time for kitesurfing is April to October when steady trade winds blow. For whale watching — July to September.
Ankarena Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave litter. Respect forest vegetation and wildlife. Do not disturb whales during observation.
Ankarena Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Ankarena Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for kitesurfers of all levels thanks to the lagoon with flat shallow water and steady trade winds, and for lovers of secluded white sand beaches with forest vegetation. Not suitable for those seeking developed tourist infrastructure.
Ankarena Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Lagoon with flat shallow water and steady trade winds, recognised as the best kitesurfing spot in Madagascar. The beach is surrounded by Ikalalao forest with lemurs and orchids.
Ankarena Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Lagoon with flat shallow water for kitesurfing, Steady trade winds from April to October, White sand beach, Forest vegetation along the shore, Waterfront cave, Whale watching from July to September, Secluded atmosphere. Cons: Limited infrastructure, No lifeguards, Can be windy during trade wind season, No large hotels directly on the beach, Access requires transport, Limited entertainment outside kitesurfing.
Ankarena Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Ikalalao Forest, Waterfront Cave, Île aux Nattes, Pirate Cemetery. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Ankarena Beach: how do I get to the city of Sainte Marie?
The beach is located near the city of Sainte Marie. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Sainte Marie.