Nosy Be
Pure island bliss off Madagascar's coast
Between pristine rainforest and mysterious crater lakes, palm-fringed sandy beaches and historic colonial charm, Madagascar's Nosy Be promises individual vacation dreams.
Around ten kilometers separate the inhabited volcanic island from the northwest coast of Madagascar. Surrounded by several small islands, this place of longing, literally referred to as the "big island", invites you to go island hopping.
Extensive plantations exude the seductive scent of ylang-ylang, vanilla, cocoa and coffee. Endemic plant and animal species such as lemurs and orchids feel equally at home on the famous perfume island. Diving or trekking, swimming fun or sightseeing: discover Madagascar's prime destination for a paradisiacal island break with Nosy Be.
Best time to travel
The best time to visit Nosy Be is from May to November.
The best time to visit Nosy Be
Temperatures on Nosy Be hardly ever fall below 20 degrees. This makes the small, large island within sight of Madagascar's main island a year-round destination with a summer guarantee. From May to October, you can look forward to average daytime temperatures of 26 to 31 degrees Celsius and plenty of sunshine. Even in the dry season, nightly rainfall allows the island's lush greenery to blossom. The high season on Nosy Be lasts until the beginning of December.
January is the rainiest month on Nosy Be. The entire rainy season between December and March is characterized by heavy rainfall. You can also expect occasional sunny spells during this period. Pleasantly warm water temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius invite you to swim in the Indian Ocean all year round.
Popular activities on Nosy Be
With its diverse natural idyll and fascinating culture, Nosy Be offers ideal conditions for a varied stay. Whether you are interested in history or long for complete relaxation: Madagascar's dream island promises exclusive vacation fun.
Beaches and water sports
Sandy beaches as fine as powdered sugar in front of a turquoise blue sea: as an unspoiled island paradise, Nosy Be is perfect for classic beach holidays. Enjoy the sweet beach life in the shade of the palm trees and discover the dazzling underwater world while snorkeling.
Intact coral reefs and a multitude of sea creatures make every dive in the crystal-clear water an unforgettable experience. You should by no means limit yourself to the waters of Nosy Be. The entire archipelago with smaller neighboring islands such as Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia offers popular diving spots:
- In Gorgonia Valley, you can experience a subterranean forest of gorgonians.
- Around the wreck of the fishing boat Mitsio, which sank in 2004, colorful schools of fish accompany you on your dives.
- You will also find the best conditions for offshore diving off Nosy Be.
Nosy Be: Which beach should it be?
Andilana Beach
Andilana Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Nosy Be. The gently sloping sandy beach is located on a headland jutting out into the sea in the northwest of the island. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are high on the to-do list here.
Ambatoloaka Beach
Ambatoloaka Beach, which is around 800 meters long and in the immediate vicinity of the island's capital Hellville, is ideally developed for tourism. Book your box seat with a sun lounger and parasol and relax after sightseeing against a fantastic backdrop.
Madirokely Beach
North of the former fishing village of Ambatoloaka, Madirokely Beach welcomes you to an idyllic bay. During the week, you can enjoy the tranquil ambience here, and at the weekend, a lively party atmosphere with traditional music.
Befandriana Beach
Are you looking for peace and quiet away from the touristy beach life? The remote Befandriana Beach is a real insider tip. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere unfold meditative powers.
Nature reserves and wildlife
A variety of endemic animal and plant species make Nosy Be a paradise for nature-loving travelers. The tropical rainforest with its crater lakes provides an ideal habitat for lemurs, chameleons, crocodiles and exotic birds.
The most beautiful excursion destinations for unforgettable nature adventures:
Lokobe National Park
Founded in 1923, the "Réserve Naturelle Intégrale de Lokobe" protected area enchants visitors with its dense rainforests and volcanic landscapes. Giant trees up to 40 meters high give the approximately 740-hectare national park a particularly pristine character. The waters of the park are considered sacred.
On a guided tour, you can approach the protected area by water. A canoe takes you straight into the jungle. Look out for the rare black lemurs, colorful butterflies and the smallest chameleon in the world.
Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba, known as Lemur Island, also offers unique nature experiences. Dare to climb the 620-metre-high volcanic crater in the center of the island. A beautiful hiking trail winds its way through the rainforest inhabited by tame black lemurs.
Lemuria Land
The lemurs, which are only native to Madagascar, are also the biggest attraction in the Lemuria Land Landscape Park. On guided tours through the lovingly designed area, you can feed the cute primates with bananas. Turtles, lizards and crocodiles can also be seen here. Fans of floral fragrances will get their money's worth with a visit to the neighboring perfume distillery. The gentle ylang-ylang accords underline the relaxed atmosphere.
Cultural and culinary experiences
Its eventful colonial history makes Nosy Be attractive for history buffs. The island even served as a pirate's nest in the past. In the island's capital, Hellville, you can trace the spirit of bygone eras. Historic villas from the colonial era line the compact town center with its small souvenir stores. The Russian military graves in the town cemetery bear witness to the military history of Nosy Bes.
To the west of Lokobe, you can admire the ruins of a 17th century mosque. Around a 10-minute drive from Hell Ville, the Espace Zeny welcomes you as a center for cultural and ecotourism.
Nosy Be culinary
Would you like to enjoy authentic island specialties? Traditional gastropubs and beach bars will spoil you with freshly caught fish and grilled seafood. The tropical postcard idyll comes free of charge. In Hellville, chic restaurants such as Le Papillon with Italian and French cuisine invite you to linger. The Chez Mama restaurant serves Madegasque soul food in a rustic ambience: The locals love it too.
Have you acquired a taste for it? Book your trip to Madagascar's most beautiful island directly with us!
Trips to Nosy Be
Let our Madagascar trips inspire you. We are happy to tailor each trip to your wishes and ideas.
- explore Antananarivo
- experience nature reserves around Andasibe
- Beachdays up North
from 4.545 € per Person excl. flights
Nosy Be - a true paradise in the Indian Ocean. Let yourself be enchanted by the gleaming white sandy beaches, the fragrant ylang-ylang plantations and the colorful coral reefs. Here you will experience unforgettable sunsets and the warm hospitality of Madagascar at its best.
To book a trip or for more information, contact us. We'll help you plan and guide you through your upcoming adventure!
