Overview

Paddle
Kitesurf
Wingfoil
Windsurf

Baie de l'Étoile is Mauritania's main kitesurf spot, nicknamed "Dakhla's little sister". Located in the extreme north of the country, just 12 km from Nouadhibou (economic capital) and 400 km south of Dakhla. A vast, almost enclosed bay within a lagoon, offering a virtually untouched setting between desert and ocean.

The spot is completely wild and deserted — pelicans, flamingos and camels are practically the only spectators. Perfect flat near the launch area, slight chop in the middle of the lagoon. Huge expanse of water for freeride, freestyle and speed. Kilometres to explore for downwind lovers.

A still very confidential kite destination — conditions comparable to Dakhla but without the crowds. Protected area with a unique ecosystem: green turtles, monk seals, crustaceans, numerous bird species. Banc d'Arguin National Park nearby (UNESCO World Heritage).

Accommodation at the Auberge des Dauphins facing the bay. Oyster farm with tasting opposite the lodge.

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Spot forecast for Baie de l'Étoile

Sunrise 07:05 · Sunset 18:40

Open-Meteo

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Baie de l'Étoile: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

414h

in March · 31 rideable days

The season runs from March to October, peaking in March: 30 rideable days a month and 414 hours of usable wind, at 29 °C. The low point is January, at 21 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 32%13-20 knots · 64%21-30 knots · 4%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 64% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is March, at 25 °C. The wettest month is April, with 8 mm.

Monthly averages: Baie de l'Étoile

Monthly averages — Baie de l'Étoile — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	21.0	181 h	27 °C	0 mm
February	23.0	263 h	28 °C	0 mm
March	31.0	414 h	25 °C	0 mm
April	29.5	411 h	28 °C	8 mm
May	31.0	464 h	28 °C	3 mm
June	30.0	450 h	28 °C	0 mm
July	29.5	415 h	28 °C	0 mm
August	28.5	361 h	30 °C	5 mm
September	29.5	393 h	31 °C	0 mm
October	30.5	362 h	31 °C	0 mm
November	26.5	261 h	29 °C	0 mm
December	22.5	208 h	26 °C	0 mm

Photo gallery of Baie de l'Étoile

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Technical details of Baie de l'Étoile spot

The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, WNW, NW, NNW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot functioning

Lagoon — vast almost enclosed bay. Perfect flat near shore, chop in the middle. Side-on and offshore wind, strengthens through the day with lull around noon. NW to NE trade wind. Kites 7-12m. Virgin spot — nobody on the water.

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Year-round. Best wind: March-October. Conditions comparable to Dakhla but still very confidential destination. Recommended vaccinations (yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid). Check security advisories.
Required level: Beginner

On the water

Flat to choppy. Large lagoon. Sandy bottom. Water 19-24°C. Wetsuit in winter, shorty spring and autumn, lycra possible in summer.

Parking

12 km from Nouadhibou. Access: flight Paris-Nouadhibou (stopover Nouakchott, Casablanca or Gran Canaria — flights not daily). Or via Dakhla + 4x4 transfer through the desert (400 km, border crossing). Accommodation: Auberge des Dauphins facing the bay. Oyster farm nearby.

Wind specificities

NW to NE trade wind. Side-on and offshore depending on orientation. Strengthens through the day with lull around noon. 12-30 knots. Conditions comparable to Dakhla. Consistent wind almost year-round, best March-October.

Hazards

Isolated spot — no rescue, always ride with company. Country security: check official travel advisories before travelling. Border crossing from Western Sahara/Mauritania can be complex. Intense sun. No medical facilities on site. Protected national park area — respect wildlife.

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Live

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Webcams near Baie de l'Étoile

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Nearby spots

All spots: Mauritania

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Baie de l'Étoile kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot