Mauritania · Dakhlet Nouâdhibou
21.03 | -17.02
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.
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
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.
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. Bar height is the month's rideable days; the split shows how its wind hours break down by strength.
| 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 |
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
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.
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.
Beginner
Flat to choppy. Large lagoon. Sandy bottom. Water 19-24°C. Wetsuit in winter, shorty spring and autumn, lycra possible in summer.
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.
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.
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.
If you notice any outdated information:
Suggest an editCurrently, there is no weather station at this spot. If you want to change this, help us fund one: Weather Station Project
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