Saint Marie
Pirate island off Madagascar's east coast
Where tropical idyll meets real sailor's yarn: Sainte Marie is your happy place in the Indian Ocean. The small island with its paradisiacal palm beaches is located just a few kilometers from the east coast of Madagascar. Dense mangrove forests line the island, which is only 50 kilometers long, and rushing waterfalls and rivers run through the lush greenery. Famous privateers turned Sainte Marie into a pirate's nest in the 18th century and left their mark - to this day.
The melody of the seas tells many more stories. Of humpback whales from the distant Antarctic and sweet beach life in the shade of coconut palms. Write your own chapter and discover Sainte Marie as an exclusive travel destination!
Best time to travel
The best time to visit Saint Marie Island is between April and November.
The best time to travel to Sainte Marie
Thanks to its warm and humid tropical climate with average daily temperatures of around 29 degrees Celsius, Sainte Marie is a year-round vacation destination. The dry season between April and November is peak season. You can look forward to up to nine hours of sunshine a day and pleasant water temperatures of over 25 degrees Celsius. Nightly rainfall allows the mangrove forests to flourish.
The months of July to September are ideal for whale watching. The rainy season between December and March is characterized by heavy rainfall with some sunny spells.
Saint Marie: Natur und Tierwelt
Madagascar is internationally renowned for its endemic animal and plant species such as lemurs and orchids. You can discover other special features in the Cap Sainte Marie nature reserve on the southern tip of the island. Whether mouse lemurs with their cute beady eyes, sand iguanas or turtles: get up close and personal with the island's animal inhabitants.
Spectacular: The dance of the whales
The migration of humpback whales into the strait between Madagascar's main island and Sainte Marie is a seasonal event. Maritime festivals accompany the annually recurring natural spectacle in the summer months of July to September. The giant marine mammals travel over 6,00 kilometers from their Antarctic home waters to the Malagasy coast. From the mating rituals to the birth and rearing of the young, animal lovers can follow the humpback whales during their stay.
The whale watching tours offered locally are all about ecotourism. Certified operators organize the boat trips in such a way that the whales and other marine animals remain undisturbed.
Sandy beaches and bays
Sand as fine as powdered sugar in front of a turquoise blue sea: Sainte Marie's palm-lined beaches offer picture-postcard romance. They look so natural and untouched that inner peace comes naturally here. The shallow lagoon invites you to snorkel in the crystal-clear water. Sheltered bathing bays take you back to the golden age of piracy. Just close your eyes and listen to the secrets of the waves!
Popular activities in Saint Marie
Are you looking for more than just a classic beach vacation? On Sainte Marie, you can choose from a wide range of activities. Whether it's sporty and active or cultural and historical: set your own individual priorities for an eventful stay.
Water activities
Lush coral reefs, sunken shipwrecks and exotic fish species make the dive sites around Saint Marie a sought-after underwater world. The thrill for experienced divers: night dives to premium spots such as La Grotte, Pointe Albrand and the atoll of the sand islands. While you feel the adrenaline while kitesurfing, discovery tours by kayak provide a soothing way to slow down.
Land adventures
Thanks to its compact size, Saint Marie is perfect for excursions on foot or by bike. Take long walks along the coast with its miles of sandy beaches. Alternatively, wander through the mangrove forests to the nearest waterfall, which provides welcome refreshment.
Another highlight awaits you in the lively island capital of Ambodifotatra in the southwest of Saint Marie. Sample local specialties at the traditional markets and visit the oldest church in Madagascar.
Pirate stories
The peaceful island idyll of Saint Marie as a feared pirate nest? Hard to imagine, but no less real for that. Famous privateers such as William Kidd settled here at the beginning of the 18th century. In strategic proximity to important trade routes, thousands of pirates found ideal living conditions and hiding places for captured treasures.
There are no longer any witnesses to this bygone era. Only the much-visited pirate cemetery south of the island's capital remains. This unique place can only be reached at low tide, via a causeway lined with shipwrecks. The final resting places of the legendary buccaneers await you on a small hill.
Would you like to delve deeper into the exciting island history of Saint Marie? Book your trip to Madagascar directly with us!
Île Sainte-Marie - Madagascar's hidden gem. This enchanting island beckons with palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters and historic pirate hideaways. Immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world, experience the grace of the humpback whales and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
To book a trip or for more information, contact us. We'll help you plan and guide you through your upcoming adventure!
