Madagascar's largest island resort has white-sand beaches, ylang-ylang plantations, and warm waters where whale sharks swim between October and December.
Nosy Be, Madagascar’s largest coastal island, invites you to snorkel near Nosy Sakatia’s coral reefs, hike Lokobe National Park’s trails to see black lemurs, and spot humpback whales in the Mozambique Channel. Climb Mount Passot’s slopes to see eleven volcanic lakes, and visit Hell-Ville during the Donia Music Festival for live performances. Walk along Andilana Beach’s white sand or explore Nosy Iranja’s sandbar at low tide.
Getting to Nosy Be
Fascene Airport, 15 minutes from Ambatoloaka, has daily flights from Antananarivo and Paris via Air Madagascar. Book flights early between June and August. From Madagascar’s mainland, take a 30–60-minute ferry from Ankify Port to Hell-Ville. Overland trips from Antananarivo involve a 28-hour shared taxi-brousse to Ankify, then a boat ride. Water taxis run between Ankify and Nosy Be, but departure times depend on demand.
When to Go
Visit between May and October for cooler weather (around 20°C) and less rain, making hiking and swimming easier. July to September brings humpback whales near the coast—join boat tours from Hell-Ville. Skip November to April due to heavy rains and high humidity. Plan around the Donia Music Festival in May or June for reggae and jazz performances. August and September have the clearest water for diving.
Key Places to Explore
Lokobe National Park in southeastern Nosy Be protects black lemurs, panther chameleons, and rare birds like the Madagascar fish eagle. Guided walks through the forest last 2–4 hours. Mount Passot, rising 329 meters, has trails through ylang-ylang fields leading to views of lakes like Antsidhy. Go near sunset. Nosy Iranja, two islands linked by a sandbar, has shallow lagoons for snorkeling and shell collecting. Most day trips include lunch and equipment.
Nosy Komba, known for its lemurs, lets you see them up close near village paths. Boat tours from Hell-Ville often stop here and at Nosy Tanikely’s coral reefs. Andilana Beach in the north has soft sand and gentle waves, with local bars serving coconut drinks.
Water-Based Adventures
Scuba dive near Nosy Sakatia and Tsarabanjina to see parrotfish, clownfish, and moray eels. PADI courses are available in Ambatoloaka. Snorkel at Nosy Tanikely with green sea turtles. From July to October, join whale-watching trips to spot humpbacks. Rent a fishing charter to catch marlin or tuna—gear is included.
Festivals and Daily Life
Hell-Ville’s market sells vanilla, pepper, and ylang-ylang oil. Walk past 19th-century buildings with colorful facades and a seaside promenade. Most locals speak Malagasy and French. The Donia Music Festival, started in 1994, hosts musicians from Réunion and Mauritius for five days. In nearby villages, Pentecost celebrations involve dancing and shared meals.
Where to Stay and Eat
Resorts near Madirokely Beach have private bungalows and spas. Budget-friendly guesthouses in Ambatoloaka suit travelers watching costs. Try grilled lobster, octopus curry, or coconut brochettes at beachside spots. Tour rum distilleries near Hell-Ville to sample local sugarcane varieties.
Helpful Advice
Rent a scooter or tuk-tuk to reach beaches and villages via dirt roads. Bring Ariary or Euros, as ATMs in Hell-Ville and Ambatoloaka sometimes lack cash. Use reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray for hikes. Confirm ferry times a day ahead during rainy months. Always ask before taking photos of people or religious sites.
