How to Get to Diego Suarez
Flights, visa, transfers: everything you need to reach Sakalava Bay stress-free.
The easiest route
Sakalava Bay is in northern Madagascar, a few kilometers from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana). No matter your departure point, the route is always the same: an international flight to Antananarivo (TNR), then a domestic flight to Diego Suarez (DIE), Arrachart airport.
Domestic flight TNR → DIE
Allow about 1h35 of flight between Antananarivo and Diego Suarez. Several airlines serve this route in season (Tsaradia, Air Madagascar). Book early during wind season when demand spikes.
The journey in 4 steps
- 1 Arrive at TNR (Ivato) — international flight from Europe / Africa / Indian Ocean.
- 2 Domestic flight to DIE (Arrachart airport), about 1h35.
- 3 Transfer to Sakalava — 10 minutes by car from the airport.
What you need to know before leaving
Visa
E-visa or visa on arrival at the airport, about €35 for 30 days. Check requirements for your nationality before departure.
Currency
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency. Bring euros or dollars to exchange on-site — ATMs are scarce in Diego.
Health
No mandatory vaccines for Madagascar. Anti-malarial treatment recommended outside dry season. Drink bottled water only.
Location
Sakalava Bay is 10 minutes by car from Arrachart airport. We organize your transfer upon arrival.
Tips from an expat coach
Luggage & gear
Malagasy domestic airlines are strict on checked baggage weight. Don't want to fight with your kite bag? Rent your gear on-site and travel light.
Car rental
A 4x4 can be useful to explore the far north (Pirate Bay, Emerald Sea, Montagne d'Ambre). Otherwise, taxis and shared taxis work fine for daily life.
When to book
Wind season (April to November) attracts riders from around the world. Book your flights 3 months in advance for the best domestic fare deals.
The travel budget
Here are the ballpark figures to plan before reaching the spot, excluding coaching and accommodation:
| Item | Range |
|---|---|
| Return international flight from Europe | €900 to €1,500 |
| Return domestic flight Antananarivo → Diego | €150 to €250 |
| Tourist visa | €10 to €40 |
| Airport → spot transfer | Included with our organised transfer |
Book early during the wind season to lock in the best fares on the domestic route. Visa details (prices, e-visa, extension) are in our Madagascar visa guide, and the full arrival logistics in our article on the Diego Suarez airport transfer.
Combining travel and kitesurf without hassle
Travel light
Kite bag, board, harness: checked weight is a real headache on Malagasy domestic routes. Renting gear on-site (€50 half day, €70 full day) makes it all simple.
Plan around the wind
The ideal season runs from April to November with the Varatraza. To organise your itinerary day by day, follow our kitesurf itinerary in Diego Suarez.
Money and payments
The ariary is the local currency (€1 ≈ 5,000 Ar). Plan cash for the visa and daily life: read our money and payments guide before you leave.
Your questions about arriving
Do you fly directly to Diego Suarez?
Yes, several carriers connect the mainland (via Paris and Réunion) to Arrachart airport. After the international flight, a domestic flight links Antananarivo to Arrachart in about 2 hours.
How do you reach Sakalava Bay?
From the airport, a private transfer of about 40 minutes drops you at the spot. We organise every transfer for our students, as explained on the airport transfer page.
Do you need a visa for Madagascar?
Yes, obtained on arrival, from €10 to €40 depending on the length of stay (15, 30 or 60 days). See our Madagascar visa guide for the 2026 rates.
Do card payments work?
In Diego Suarez, prefer cash. There are a few ATMs in town, a 25-minute drive from the spot. Plan to pay the visa in cash, as explained in our money guide.
How many days should you plan in Diego Suarez?
1 week
Ideal for a refresh: 9 to 12 hours of coaching, 4 to 6 sessions, and a level up by +2. Perfect for nailing a first waterstart.
2 weeks
The most popular format: 20 to 24 hours of coaching, progression to your first jumps, plus a few free days to explore the bay.
3+ weeks
For advanced riders: freestyle, transitions, tight upwind navigation. Windier 9 days out of 10, you get at least 15 hours on water each week.
To pick the perfect length for your goals, read our sample kitesurf itinerary and ask for a quote for a tailor-made stay.
Smart ways to combine destinations
Paris → Nosy Be → Diego
Some travellers add Nosy Be before the bay: two spots in one trip, with easy domestic flights from Antananarivo.
Réunion as a stopover
Stopping at Saint-Denis lets you catch the sirocco before the Varatraza. A popular option in September-October when the wind hasn't picked up everywhere yet.
Extend to Tsarabanjina
Half a day by boat, the archipelago offers off-piste kitesurfing and snorkelling. Build your itinerary with us.
To plan your stay, compare accommodation near Sakalava Bay, book your kitesurf coaching and reach out via the contact form.