Mayotte
Indian OceanLevel of surfing
Evolved
Quality of surf
Very Good
Call code
262
Net code
yt
Area
374
Coastline
185 km
Climate
Tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May)
Hazards
Difficult Access
Best Months
July - September
Population
201234
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
(UTC+3)
Special Requirements
Limited Surfing Supplies Available
surfing
Julien Noel; Mamoudzou, Mayotte; 2004
Sitting mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the easterly tracking sub antartic storm cells South of Africa that peel up and supply most of the area with swell. Mayotte is no exception. April to September is the best season for spots requiring SE to SW groundswell. Island groups in the region can create some swell shadowing but generally, the sheer frequency of the southerly swells will make those spots your better option. Rarer northerly swells that descend from the Arabian gulf from May to July can light up novelty spots and mysto treats but swell decay is a problem.
Bear in mind that the southerly swells do need to 'bend' up quite a bit to feed this coast so not every system is going to yield results for you. Reliance on onshore winswells is a reality of surfing on the western side of the Indian Ocean. In betwwen the flat periods though, chances are you are going to have some serious fun in generally uncrowded waves.
what to pack
Flashdance: A pair of very simple Moroccan flip flops called "Cabjuks"; 25 May 2007
Trainers, loose clothing - everything for the hot weather. Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more. By the way, getting medical insurance would be a good idea.
Take your camera and all the equipment for it with the protection from the sand. Don't forget a backpack and rehydration sachets, that might be usefull if your planning to travel around or sail. And you won't regret swimming and snorkelling gear!