Baie de l'Etoile

The Baie de l'Etoile is a shallow lagoon on the Nouadhibou peninsula, almost enclosed by a sandspit and connected to the sea by a narrow entrance, which makes the water inside flat while the Atlantic works outside. Waders, flamingos and terns feed on the mudflats at low tide. The steady wind and flat water have made it one of the better kitesurfing spots on this coast.

The landscape

• The enclosed lagoon - flat water inside a sandspit with a narrow sea entrance.
• The mudflats - the feeding ground exposed at low tide.
• The waders and flamingos - the birds using the flats through the winter.
• The wind - steady conditions that draw kitesurfers to the bay.

When to go

November to March is the cool season and best for birds. Wind is strongest from spring through summer, which suits kiting. Tide determines how much flat is exposed.

What to expect

There are no facilities at all and the track in needs high clearance. Kitesurfing must be self-supported or arranged in Nouadhibou. The water is cold because of the Canary current.

Nearby

Nouadhibou is south, and Banc d'Arguin is southeast.

Key facts