Nosy Be Archipelago

Lying eight kilometers off the northwest coast of mainland Madagascar in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel, Nosy Be ('Big Island' in Malagasy) is Madagascar’s premier tropical island paradise. Scented with the sweet, heady fragrance of flowering ylang-ylang blossoms, vanilla vines, cinnamon, and sugarcane plantations, the island has long been known as 'The Perfume Island' (L'Île aux Parfums).

Pristine Beaches & Laid-Back Island Life

Nosy Be is blessed with glorious tropical coastlines free from strong ocean currents. Relax on the broad, palm-fringed sands of Andilana Beach in the north, celebrated for calm turquoise waters, beachside seafood shacks serving freshly caught grilled lobster, and magnificent sunsets over the Indian Ocean. In the southern fishing village of Ambatoloaka, lively beach bars and restaurants celebrate local Malagasy Salegy music late into the tropical night.

World-Class Marine Safaris & Whale Sharks

The waters surrounding Nosy Be and its satellite islets provide some of the richest marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean. Between October and December, the island is world-famous as one of the most reliable locations on the planet to snorkel alongside peaceful migrating whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Surrounding coral reefs are frequented by green sea turtles, manta rays, spinner dolphins, and seasonal humpback whale pods (July to September).

Idyllic Satellite Islands

Embark on day trips by speedboat to exquisite neighboring islands:

• Nosy Komba ('Lemur Island'): A lush volcanic island where friendly, habituated black lemurs (Eulemur macaco) jump onto visitors' shoulders to nibble bananas.
• Nosy Tanikely: A marine reserve island offering world-class snorkeling right off the beach over coral gardens teeming with sea turtles and parrotfish.
• Nosy Iranja: Two islands connected at low tide by a breathtaking two-kilometer-long curving sandspit of blindingly white coral sand surrounded by glowing turquoise waters.

Lokobe National Park: Ancient Island Rainforest

On the southeastern tip of Nosy Be lies Lokobe National Park, the island's last surviving tract of primary Sambirano rainforest. Accessible by traditional wooden outrigger canoe, guided jungle walks reveal black lemurs, pygmy kingfishers, boa constrictors, and the tiny miniature Brookesia chameleon.