Anakao (Flameballs)
Anakao (Flameballs) is Madagascar's best-kept surf secret—a world-class left reef break on the island's remote southwest coast. The wave produces long, hollow barrels over coral reef, accessed by boat from the tiny fishing village of Anakao. Getting here is an adventure: long flights, rough roads, basic infrastructure. But for those who make the journey, the reward is pristine, empty perfection in one of Earth's most unique settings. Ultimate African surf exploration.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to TLE, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Africa is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Africa — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Anakao (Flameballs) trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat from Anakao village to outer reefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Anakao (Flameballs)?
Anakao (Flameballs) works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Anakao (Flameballs)?
Offshore wind at Anakao (Flameballs) blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 45° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Anakao (Flameballs)?
Anakao (Flameballs) wants SSW swell (170° to 230°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Anakao (Flameballs)?
The main season at Anakao (Flameballs) is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. April-September SW groundswell season. Dry season with offshore winds.
How do I get to Anakao (Flameballs)?
Fly into TLE, then allow about 120 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $50 USD). Boat from Anakao village to outer reefs.
What kind of wave is Anakao (Flameballs)?
Anakao (Flameballs) is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
April-September SW groundswell season. Dry season with offshore winds.