Kiteboarding over the magical aquarium
Located on the coast of the Red Sea, Hamata is a wonderful beach in Egypt and one of the most popular kiteboarding spots in Africa. It’s just so different from other popular kitespots all over the world in many ways.
Hamata combines crystal-clear waters, green forests (unlike the vast majority of Egyptian beaches), three fascinating islands with reefs, good kiting facilities, and a wide area- ideal for kitesurfing lessons and practice for more experienced kiters.
If you can, try to get out and go kiting around the islands. It will feel like you’re flying over an aquarium seeing all the life in the reef below you. You’ll find exactly what you chase: an awesome reef and coastline and some of the strongest winds blowing in Egypt.
Wind season in Hamata
Winds are present in Hamata all year round. If you prefer to find the strongest wind and at the same time avoid hot summer temperatures, the best period to choose is the first part of the year (January to June), as well as months between October and December.
The wind starts blowing stronger in the morning and slows down a little going into the afternoon. All sized kites can prove pretty useful, smaller for stronger winds, keeping the bigger ones for days when the speed decreases.
A wetsuit is necessary for months between January – March, and October – December where the water temperature drops down significantly, but for the rest of the year, you’ll be alright.
Kiteboarding spots in Hamata
Kite Village Hamata
For the local kitespots, Hamata has only one, but a really big one! It’s an almost endless space with crystal clear water and always enough space for everybody. The spot is just a gem for kitesurfing lessons or practicing beginners. The water is flat with no waves although it could get choppy sometimes with the wind, but in general it’s a pretty smooth ride. The water depth is typically up to your waist (if not the knee) with pretty consistent cross on-shore winds.
How to get to the Kite Village?
You can reach Hamata by air. There are several flights from Europe landing at the airport of the city of Marsa Alam. If you’re planning your kiteboarding holidays in Hamata, it would be a good idea to get your airport transfer organised beforehand. There are several options at the airport, but you know how it works. You usually end up paying 3 times more than normal thinking you cracked a hell of a deal, especially when there is a language barrier. So plan ahead and pre-book your ride. SunTransfers is what we usually go for as you get the best price.
Marsa Alam is the closest airport to Hamata, about 180km away, so you should be there in just a couple of hours and a bit.
No Wind? Stand-up paddle or diving might be an alternative.
If you choose to have a break from kiting, the area is also famous for diving and snorkelling, especially on no wind, no ride days. If you feel like doing something different, an exploration trip on a SUP board or diving would be another great way to get out on the water here.
Food is a combination of European flavours with a touch of Arabic and Egyptian cuisine. Local hotels usually do their best at mixing spices with typical dishes of the Old Continent and making them more exciting and exotic. You can also find traditional cafes with an atmosphere from another world and stay there, as there is absolutely no nightlife in Hamata.
What next? How about Zanzibar? Checkout this guide to some of the best kiteboarding spots that Zanzibar has to offer.
