This week balances Nosy Be’s beaches and wildlife with a few memorable boat trips and relaxed evenings. Excursion timings depend on the sea and weather, so confirm schedules locally and leave a little flexibility.
Budget
About Ar 1,200,000–2,000,000 per person for the listed activities, local transfers and meals, excluding accommodation and international flights. Prices vary by season, group size and what boat excursions include.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–November, when conditions are often pleasant and rainfall is generally lower. July–August is popular but can be busier; check seasonal weather and sea conditions before booking boat trips.
Hell-Ville and the island’s west coast
Get oriented in Nosy Be, then head west for a sunset by the water.
Morning
Explore Hell-Ville’s market and old town
Walk through the lively market and nearby streets to get a feel for the island’s main town. The market and central sights are close together on foot.
FreeAfternoon
Visit
See lemurs, chameleons and other Madagascan wildlife in a landscaped reserve. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Hell-Ville; arrange a taxi or driver.
About Ar 55,000Evening
Sunset at
Relax on the northwest coast and watch the light fade over the water. Allow about 35 minutes by car from ; arrange your return ride before sunset.
Free
Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely
Take a boat from the west coast for a wildlife encounter and an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling.
Morning
Boat to
Visit the island’s village and lemur reserve, and take time to browse local handicrafts. Boats commonly depart from the area; agree the fare and return time with your operator.
About Ar 100,000–180,000Afternoon
Snorkel at Nosy Tanikely
Continue by boat to the marine reserve for clear-water swimming and reef snorkelling. It is typically a short boat ride from ; park and boat fees may be charged separately.
About Ar 50,000–100,000Evening
Dinner in
Return by boat and settle in for dinner in the lively seaside village. The landing point and restaurants are generally a short walk apart.
About Ar 25,000–60,000
Lokobe Reserve and Ampasipohy
Spend the day on Nosy Be’s southeastern shore, pairing a guided forest walk with a village visit.
Morning
Take a pirogue to Lokobe Reserve
Travel by pirogue from , then explore the reserve with a local guide in search of lemurs, chameleons and native plants. Reach by road from the west-coast resort area, usually in around 30–45 minutes.
About Ar 80,000–150,000Afternoon
Meet local artisans in
Return by pirogue and spend time in the village, asking before taking photographs and considering a purchase from local makers. The landing area is right by the village.
About Ar 10,000–30,000Evening
Dinner back in
Head back to the coast for a relaxed meal and an early night after the forest excursion. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes by road from , depending on traffic and your lodge location.
About Ar 25,000–60,000
Mont Passot and the island’s lakes
Explore Nosy Be’s volcanic highlands and finish with a sunset viewpoint.
Morning
Visit the sacred lakes around
Take a guided drive through the uplands and learn about the crater lakes and local traditions. The lakes are reached by road from the western resort area; ask your guide which sites are open and appropriate to visit.
About Ar 20,000–50,000Afternoon
Walk at
Enjoy the island views and a gentle walk around the summit area. Allow about 20–30 minutes by car from the lake area, with the exact time depending on your route.
About Ar 10,000–30,000Evening
Watch the sunset from the summit
Stay for the changing colours over Nosy Be and its surrounding islands, then return before it gets too dark. The viewpoint is at the top, so there is no extra transfer from the afternoon stop.
About Included
Nosy Iranja day trip
Dedicate the day to ’s white-sand isthmus, turquoise water and small island villages.
Morning
Boat to
Set out early from the west coast on a full-day boat excursion; the crossing often takes around 1.5–2 hours each way, depending on the boat and sea conditions. Confirm what the excursion includes before booking.
About Ar 200,000–350,000Afternoon
Walk the sandbar and swim
Explore the striking strip of sand linking the islands, then swim or relax on the beach as tides allow. The sandbar and main beach are reached on foot from the usual landing area.
About IncludedEvening
Return to Nosy Be
Ride back to the island and keep the evening easy after a long day on the water. The boat journey back is generally around 1.5–2 hours; dinner near your accommodation avoids another long transfer.
About Ar 25,000–60,000
Ambatoloaka and Madirokely
Keep close to the southwest coast for beach time, a leisurely lunch and a low-key evening.
Morning
Swim and unwind at
Enjoy a slower start with a swim or a walk along this popular stretch of coast. It’s an easy walk or a short ride from , depending on where you are staying.
FreeAfternoon
Browse ’s shops and waterfront
Return to the village for small shops, seaside cafés and time to arrange any final excursions. Madirokely is roughly a 5–10-minute drive away, or a pleasant walk along the coast.
About Ar 10,000–40,000Evening
Dinner by the sea
Choose a restaurant along the village waterfront and enjoy a relaxed final full evening. The dining options are within a short walk of the central beach area.
About Ar 25,000–60,000
Dzamandzar and a gentle farewell
Finish with a cultural stop in the west, then return to the coast for a final swim and dinner.
Morning
Visit
Explore this west-coast town and its local market area at an unhurried pace. It’s typically around a 15–25-minute drive from ; ask locally about any operating hours or visits to the sugar estate.
FreeAfternoon
Return to
Spend your last afternoon swimming, resting or enjoying a beachside drink. Allow about 15–25 minutes by car back from , depending on traffic.
FreeEvening
Farewell dinner in
Have a final dinner close to the water and make any onward travel arrangements. is a short ride or walk from Madirokely, depending on your accommodation.
About Ar 25,000–60,000
Good to know
Currency
Madagascar’s currency is the ariary (Ar). Carry cash for markets, smaller shops, guides and boat operators; confirm the fare and what is included before setting off.
Getting around
Agree taxi fares in advance or arrange a driver through your accommodation. For boat trips, verify the departure point, return time, park fees and weather plan.
Local customs
Ask permission before photographing people, follow your guide’s advice around sacred lakes, and avoid touching or feeding wildlife.
Sea and sun
Bring reef-safe sun protection, water and a dry bag. Boat schedules and snorkelling conditions can change with wind, swell and tides.