Vezo Reefs
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Positives
- Quality coral reefs
- Varied waves for most abilities
- Deserted spots
- Cheap local costs
- Great weather
Negatives
- Strong erratic trade winds
- Lack of beachbreaks
- Undeveloped infrastructure
- Expensive flights and transfers
Vezo Reefs surf travel guide
The 60km stretch of Madagascar surf coastline between Ifaty and Anakao hosts more than 18 breaks, most of which are only accessible by boat from the well-protected harbour in Toliara (formally called Tulear). Located in the middle of the Mozambique Channel the Toliara region has been likened to how Indonesia was 30 years ago. The harsh complexities of swell, wind, tide and access make for a difficult trip without the help of some local knowledge.
Surf spots in Vezo Reefs
Research the 17 surf breaks in Vezo Reefs and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 17 breaks in Vezo Reefs.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Vezo Reefs
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Vezo Reefs.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 291,000
- Population
- 27,691,018
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MGA
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 9,050 MGF MGA
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +261
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Malagasy, French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cdejk
Visas
15 day ($10), 30 days ($37) Visa on arrival. You can get a visa before arrival which will save a bit of time at the airport, which can be especially handy if trying to make connecting flights. For updates and latest news check
Getting There
Antananarivo is one of the most difficult and expensive capitals to fly to. Get to Mauritius, Réunion or South Africa. Air Madí is reliable and don’t charge much for boards. Flights to Toliara are $350r/t and get full, book early. It’s a 1h ride by Snipper Euro boat (8h overland by 4x4) from Toliara to Anakao ($40, r/t) and 1h15 to Ifaty. Dep tax: $15
Getting Around
Land transport (rickshaws, zebu cart, Taxi Brousse) is extra slow. A 4WD with driver is the way to speed up but is expensive ($100+/d). It’s hard to rent motorised dugouts, most are beam pirogues, highly dependant on wind & tide. There are 3 boats: Hoonos, Sweet Sunshine and Free Spirit (Jubilation Charters: $150/day).
Accommodation
Mada Surf Tours provide mobile surf tour packages, hitting all the main spots (fr $70p/n). True Blue Travel also offer packages. Stay in Sunshine Resort in Anakao ($85/dbl, incl meals). Bamboo in Ifaty ($45/b’low), L’Escapade in Toliara ($22/n). Local food costs are ridiculously low and seafood is good.
Activities
Wild ringtail lemurs live near St Augustin Bay, where a visit to the Sarodrano Cave is a must. In Toliara check the ‘Zaza Club’ and dance the Minotsobe. Bird watching in Anakao and awesome forest hikes around Ifaty. Good diving facilities.
Hazards & hassles
Shark threat is low since the local Vezo fisherman have been catching everything that moves and the sharks have long ago relocated. The sunburn factor is high. Getting stuck in transit happens, take plenty of water and an emergency kit. Regular swarms of jellyfish (hence Jelly Babies).
Handy Hints
Bring everything including a step-up for big days. Flame Balls is 30-40mins by local motor pirogue but can take an hour coming back into the windchop. Sailing pirogues are way slower and can’t sail into the wind. Expect small crowds at Jelly Babies and Flame Balls.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.