Nosy Be Travel Guide

Plan your stay in Nosy Be with local insight: best season, areas to sleep in and how to hop between the nearby islands without wasting a minute.

Contenu

Nosy Be follows the tides. From April to December the weather is dry and calm, perfect for boat trips; January to March is more humid yet rewarding for spotting turtles and dolphins. Stay in Ambatoloaka for nightlife, in Madirokely for a relaxed beach atmosphere, or in Andilana for postcard sunsets.

Move around by taxi, scooter or with a trusted driver. Daytime rides in the tourist belt range between 10,000 and 15,000 Ariary. To explore the islands (Tanikely, Komba, Iranja), secure your private boat ahead of time—this keeps you away from crowds and lets you adjust to the tide.

Carry enough cash: ATMs are concentrated in Hell-Ville and occasionally out of service. Only a handful of upscale hotels accept cards. Pack mask and snorkel, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent and a dry bag to protect phones and cameras.

For connectivity, pick up a Telma or Orange SIM at the airport (passport required). Finally, book excursions and transfers with a certified guide: they handle park permits, safe equipment, fresh drinks and a clean Malagasy lunch on each outing.

FAQ

Departures & seasons

Boats leave between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. to enjoy calm seas. From June to October, trade winds can raise swell mid-afternoon, so aim to be back before 4 p.m. During cyclone season (January–March) always check the marine bulletin in the morning.

How many days should I stay?

Plan at least four nights to cover the highlights: one day in Lokobe, one in Tanikely & Komba, another in Nosy Iranja, plus a half-day at Mont Passot. With a full week, alternate beach downtime with slower outings to Sakatia or the ylang-ylang plantations.

Why choose a private guide?

A private guide helps you dodge crowded departures and keeps schedules flexible. Ginot takes care of park permits, snorkeling gear, chilled drinks and liaises with local cooks for a clean lunch. You save time and avoid last-minute price surprises.

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