MG
Nosy Be
Madagascar’s main beach island, with lemurs, coral reefs and offshore islets
Madagascar’s main beach island, with lemurs, coral reefs and offshore islets
A short boat ride away, this small island is known for black lemurs that live close to the village and for embroidered tablecloths.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
The last remaining primary forest on Nosy Be, reached by pirogue, is home to lemurs, tiny chameleons and boas.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
A protected marine park around a small island, with good snorkelling over coral and frequent sea turtles.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Two islands joined at low tide by a long sandbar, a popular day trip by boat, about 1–2 hours from Nosy Be.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
The island’s highest point overlooks crater lakes and the coast and is a favourite sunset spot.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Seafood dominates: grilled fish, lobster, octopus curry and coconut-based Malagasy dishes.
Restaurants in Ambatoloaka and Hell-Ville (Andoany) range from beach shacks to French-run bistros.
Fascene Airport on Nosy Be has domestic flights from Antananarivo and some international connections. Ferries also cross from Ankify on the mainland.
Taxis and rented scooters get around the island; boat trips leave from Ambatoloaka and Hell-Ville. Most visitors need a visa, available online or on arrival for short stays; check current rules and fees before you travel.
Madagascar uses the ariary (MGA). Cash is king outside cities; ATMs are found in larger towns, and some lodges and tours price in euros. Park entry fees and guide fees are charged separately at national parks.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Islands, lemurs and reefs.
Visit the black lemurs on Nosy Komba, then snorkel at Nosy Tanikely.
Take a pirogue to Lokobe National Park to look for lemurs and chameleons.
Spend a day on the sandbar islands of Nosy Iranja.
Explore Hell-Ville’s market and watch sunset from Mont Passot.
Whale sharks are often seen from about October to December; humpback whales pass from about July to October.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch coral.
Choose operators with life jackets.
Use repellent; malaria is present.
Quick answers for planning time in Nosy Be.
Fly to Fascene Airport, or take a ferry from Ankify on the mainland.
Yes, in Lokobe National Park and on nearby Nosy Komba.
Usually from about October to December.
Popular beaches include Andilana and Ambatoloaka, and Nosy Iranja is a favourite day trip.
April to November, during the dry season.
French and Malagasy are the main languages; English is limited outside hotels.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Madagascar travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.