8 Days • 7 Nights
Nosy Be Island Escape: Beaches, Reefs & Diving
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Diving and snorkelling the vibrant coral reefs of Nosy Be is a wonderful highlight of this journey. The warm, clear seas around Nosy Be are rich in marine life, and the island is among the finest diving destinations in the western Indian Ocean. On boat trips you descend or glide over vibrant coral gardens alive with clouds of colourful reef fish, turtles, rays, moray eels and, on deeper dives, dramatic drop-offs and the chance of larger pelagic species. Certified divers can explore a variety of sites, while beginners can take a course or a try-dive, and snorkellers enjoy shallow reefs teeming with life.
- Snorkelling the marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely is a magical highlight of this journey. The tiny protected island of Nosy Tanikely, ringed by pristine coral, is one of the loveliest and easiest snorkelling spots imaginable, a marine reserve where fish and turtles thrive under protection. You wade in straight off a beautiful beach to glide over gardens of coral among sea turtles, rays, colourful reef fish and perhaps a resting nurse shark, the water warm, clear and shallow, and you can climb to the island's lighthouse for sweeping views before a fresh lunch on the sand. It is snorkelling at its most effortless and rewarding.
- Island-hopping to castaway isles and tame lemurs is an idyllic highlight of this journey. Around Nosy Be lies a scatter of exquisite smaller islands, each with its own charm, and exploring them by boat is pure island magic. On Nosy Komba you meet the island's famous tame black lemurs in a village reserve and browse craft markets, on Nosy Iranja a dazzling white sandbar links two islands and can be walked at low tide, and the orchid island of Nosy Sakatia offers snorkelling with turtles in clear shallows. Empty beaches, coral reefs and seafood picnics complete the days.
- In season, swimming with whale sharks and watching humpback whales is a thrilling highlight. The seas around Nosy Be become one of the great marine-wildlife stages of the Indian Ocean at the right times of year. Between roughly October and December, gentle whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, gather to feed, and you can sail out to snorkel alongside these harmless giants, an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Between July and September, humpback whales pass on migration, and boat trips offer wonderful chances to watch them breach and hear them sing. These are wild, seasonal encounters we time your visit around.
- The beaches, ylang-ylang and gentle rhythm of Nosy Be are a blissful highlight. Beyond the reefs and islands, Nosy Be is simply a wonderful place to relax. Its sweeping beaches of pale sand invite long, lazy days of swimming, sunbathing and reading under the palms, its warm air is scented by the ylang-ylang and vanilla that grow across the island, and its sunsets over the sea are spectacular. You can visit a fragrant plantation, wander the lively main town of Hell-Ville, enjoy a spa treatment scented with island oils, and feast on fresh lobster and grilled fish at laid-back beachside restaurants.
- Above all, this journey offers the perfect Indian Ocean island escape with a Malagasy twist. In eight days you immerse yourself in the beaches, reefs and turquoise seas of Nosy Be, diving and snorkelling vibrant coral, island-hopping to castaway isles and tame lemurs, and, in season, encountering whale sharks and humpback whales, all at a relaxed, sun-filled pace. Nosy Be combines classic tropical-island pleasures with the unique wildlife and warm culture of Madagascar, making it far more than an ordinary beach holiday. Whether as a blissful finale to a wildlife journey through the island or as an escape in its own right.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your island escape begins as your flight lands at Antananarivo's Ivato International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the capital, known as Tana. As most international flights arrive in the evening and the connection to Nosy Be departs the next day, you overnight in the highland capital, a striking city of tall brick houses spilling across a dozen hills. Spend the evening settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps enjoying a first taste of fresh Malagasy cuisine at a welcome dinner as your guide outlines the island days ahead. If you have time in the morning before your flight, you may glimpse a little of the city's markets and viewpoints. As the evening ends, you look forward to the beaches and reefs to come. Rest well, ready to fly to the fragrant island of Nosy Be tomorrow.
Today you fly northwest to the island of Nosy Be, Madagascar's most beautiful and beloved island escape. On arrival the air is warm and fragrant with ylang-ylang, and you are transferred to your beach hotel, trading the highland capital for sweeping sands and turquoise seas. Nosy Be is a lush, green island ringed by beautiful beaches and blessed with glorious sunsets, and the rest of the day is yours to unwind and settle into island time, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, relaxing on the beach with a cool drink, and strolling the sand as the sun begins to set. You might arrange your diving or excursions for the days ahead with the local team. As the day ends, you savour fresh seafood as the sun sinks into the sea. Rest well, for tomorrow you take to the water among the islands and reefs.
Today you enjoy a wonderful island-hopping boat trip among the beautiful islands around Nosy Be. You sail first to Nosy Komba, a lush volcanic island where you meet the famous tame black lemurs in a village reserve, wander craft markets selling embroidery and carvings, and relax on a pretty beach. You continue to Nosy Tanikely, a protected marine reserve ringed by vibrant coral, where you snorkel straight off a beautiful beach among turtles, rays and clouds of colourful fish in warm, clear water, and perhaps climb to the lighthouse for sweeping views. A fresh seafood lunch is served on the sand. The combination of tame lemurs, coral gardens and castaway beaches is idyllic. As the day ends, you sail back to Nosy Be under a golden sky. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore more of the island's reefs and seas.
Today is devoted to the underwater world around Nosy Be, among the finest in the western Indian Ocean. Certified divers can head out with the local dive centre to explore a variety of sites, gliding over vibrant coral gardens and along dramatic drop-offs among turtles, rays, reef fish and, with luck, larger species, while beginners can take a try-dive or start an open-water course in the warm, clear water. Snorkellers can join boat trips to shallow reefs teeming with colourful life. If you prefer, simply relax on the beach and swim from the shore. In season, this is also a chance to sail out for whale sharks or humpback whales in the surrounding seas. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, exhilarated by the marine life, and watch another spectacular sunset. Rest well, for tomorrow brings more island beauty.
Today you discover a different side of Nosy Be at the Lokobe Reserve, the island's last pocket of primary lowland rainforest, reached by a traditional pirogue paddled quietly along the coast. Landing at a fishing village, you walk with a local guide through the forest in search of black lemurs, sportive lemurs sleeping in tree hollows, chameleons, boas and colourful frogs, a lovely reminder that Nosy Be too has the extraordinary wildlife for which Madagascar is famous. Afterwards you relax on a quiet beach and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before paddling back. The gentle pirogue journey, the forest wildlife and the village life make for a memorable, authentic day. As the day ends, you return to your hotel and the beach, savouring the island's gentle rhythm. Rest well, for tomorrow you have time to relax or explore further among the isles.
Today you can sail to one of the most beautiful spots in the Indian Ocean or simply relax on the beach. A wonderful option is a boat trip to Nosy Iranja, where a dazzling white sandbar links two islands and can be walked barefoot at low tide, the sea shimmering turquoise on either side; you swim, snorkel over coral, laze on empty sands and enjoy a relaxed lunch in a castaway setting. Alternatively you might visit the orchid island of Nosy Sakatia to snorkel with turtles, take another dive, or spend a blissful day on Nosy Be itself, swimming, sunbathing, enjoying a spa treatment scented with ylang-ylang and wandering a fragrant plantation. As the day ends, you take in another glorious sunset over the sea, reflecting on your island days. This evening, savour fresh seafood at the water's edge. Rest well, for tomorrow you have a final day on the island.
Today is a free day to enjoy Nosy Be entirely at your own pace, savouring the island before your journey home. You might spend the day on the beach, swimming in the warm turquoise sea and relaxing under the palms, take a final snorkel or dive, or sail out once more among the isles. You could visit the lively main town of Hell-Ville, browse its market and craft stalls for keepsakes, tour an ylang-ylang or vanilla plantation, or indulge in a spa treatment. As evening approaches, a sunset dhow cruise offers a beautiful farewell to the island, with the chance to spot dolphins in the golden light. Fresh seafood and sunset cocktails round off a blissful stay. As the day ends, you take in a last spectacular sunset, reflecting on your island escape. Rest well, for tomorrow you begin your journey home.
After a final morning by the sea, perhaps a last swim or walk on the beach, you are transferred to Nosy Be airport for your flight back to Antananarivo and your onward international departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the beaches, reefs and turquoise seas of Nosy Be, diving and snorkelling vibrant coral, island-hopping to castaway isles and tame lemurs, exploring the rainforest of Lokobe by pirogue, and perhaps encountering the giants of the sea in season. The images stay vivid long after you land, the coral gardens of Nosy Tanikely, the white sandbar of Nosy Iranja, and the sun sinking into the Indian Ocean. Nosy Be has offered the perfect island escape with a uniquely Malagasy twist, sun, sea and coral alongside lemurs and warm culture, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this fragrant and beautiful island.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation, a welcome dinner in Antananarivo and daily breakfast on Nosy Be
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers with private driver-guides in comfortable 4x4 vehicles
- Touring, national park visits and guided nature walks as per itinerary with expert local guides
- National park entrance fees and mandatory local park guides as per itinerary
- , domestic flights to and from Nosy Be, private transfers, a shared island-hopping boat trip to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely with snorkelling, a Lokobe Reserve pirogue excursion, and beach time at leisure
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Scuba diving, whale watching and whale shark excursions
- Additional island trips and tips for guides and boat crews
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities need a visa for Madagascar, which is issued on arrival at Antananarivo (Ivato) International Airport and at other entry points, or in advance as an eVisa online; short stays are typically straightforward and a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact current process for your nationality and help you prepare the paperwork before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), and it is largely a cash economy; carry enough cash for meals, tips, crafts, park guides and rural areas where cards are not accepted. Cards work in some hotels and larger establishments in Antananarivo and Nosy Be, and ATMs are found in cities and larger towns but are scarce in remote areas, so we advise drawing cash before long overland stretches
- Best time to visit: The dry season from April to November is the best and most popular time, with pleasant, sunny weather ideal for wildlife, parks and the RN7 road trip; October and November are superb for active lemurs and newborns. Humpback whales gather off Ile Sainte-Marie and the coast from July to September. The hot, wet season from December to March brings rain and a cyclone risk on the coasts, and some parks and roads can become difficult
- Language & etiquette: Malagasy is the national language and French is widely spoken, while English is growing in tourism; a few words of greeting are always welcomed. Malagasy culture is gentle, courteous and rich in tradition, with local customs known as fady (taboos) that vary from place to place; your guide explains them, and following their advice at sacred sites, tombs and villages is important and appreciated
- Getting around: Madagascar is a vast island with long, often rough and slow roads, so distances take far longer than the map suggests; touring is by private 4x4 with an expert driver-guide, and we build in realistic, comfortable pacing with scenic stops. Domestic flights link far-flung regions such as Nosy Be, Morondava and the south, saving long drives, and we arrange these where they make your journey smoother and more enjoyable
- Health & safety: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations and antimalarial medication, as malaria is present especially in coastal and lowland areas; bring insect repellent, sun protection and any personal medication, and drink bottled or purified water. Madagascar is generally welcoming and rewarding to travel in; we use trusted guides and drivers, advise sensible precautions in cities, and monitor conditions so your journey is smooth and safe
- Wildlife & nature: Madagascar is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with over ninety percent of its species found nowhere else, from lemurs and chameleons to extraordinary plants; sightings are wild and never guaranteed, but our expert guides and well-chosen lodges give superb chances. Please keep a respectful distance, never feed animals, follow park rules, and bring binoculars, a torch for night walks, sturdy shoes and layers for cool highland and early mornings
- Power & practicalities: Power is 220V with European-style round two-pin plugs (types C and E), so bring an adapter, and note that electricity in remote lodges may run on generators or solar with limited hours; a torch and power bank are useful. Internet and phone coverage are good in cities but patchy in the wilds. Pack light, breathable clothing, a warm layer, a rain layer, and modest attire for towns and villages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nosy Be good for diving and snorkelling, and for beginners?
Yes, Nosy Be is one of the best diving and snorkelling destinations in the western Indian Ocean, with warm, clear water, vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life and a good choice of dive sites for all levels. Reputable local dive centres offer try-dives and courses for beginners as well as guided dives for the certified, and there are many easy, shallow reefs ideal for snorkellers, including the superb marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely. We can arrange diving and courses to suit your experience and interests.
Can this island escape be combined with a wildlife tour?
Absolutely, and it makes a wonderful finale. Many travellers pair Nosy Be with a lemur and rainforest journey or an RN7 road trip to enjoy both Madagascar's extraordinary wildlife and its idyllic beaches, and the domestic flight network makes this easy to arrange. We can combine this island escape with any of our Madagascar journeys, adjusting the length of your beach stay to suit, so you finish an active adventure with pure relaxation by the turquoise sea.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary, which typically means dinners and some lunches at remote lodges and in the national parks where few other options exist. Malagasy cuisine is fresh and flavourful, built around rice, zebu beef, seafood on the coast, tropical fruit and fragrant vanilla, and we usually leave other meals free so you can sample local restaurants, recommending the best places at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert English-speaking driver-guide and comfortable 4x4 vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you and to Madagascar's long, scenic roads; small-group and self-drive alternatives can be arranged if you prefer. In the national parks you are also accompanied by a mandatory local park guide whose sharp eyes and knowledge greatly enrich every walk and wildlife sighting.
Do I need a visa for Madagascar?
Most nationalities need a visa, which is issued on arrival at the airport or obtained in advance as an eVisa online; short tourist stays are typically straightforward. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help you prepare the paperwork so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required.
Is Madagascar safe to visit?
Madagascar is generally a welcoming and rewarding country to travel in, and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. We use trusted local guides and drivers, choose well-run lodges, advise sensible precautions in Antananarivo and other cities, and continuously monitor conditions and official guidance. The greatest challenges are practical, long rough roads and remoteness, which we plan around with realistic pacing, reliable vehicles and, where helpful, domestic flights.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from April to November is the best and most popular time, with pleasant, sunny weather ideal for wildlife, the parks and the RN7 road trip, while October and November are wonderful for active lemurs and their young. Humpback whales gather off Ile Sainte-Marie and the coast from July to September. We advise on the ideal timing for your chosen regions and interests, from rainforests and Tsingy to the beaches of Nosy Be.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforests, the RN7 route, the western Tsingy and Baobabs, the southern deserts and the island beaches, add domestic flights to save long drives, include whale watching off Ile Sainte-Marie or the reserve at Berenty, extend your time on Nosy Be, and tailor the comfort, pace and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through beautiful Madagascar.
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