Welcome to Nosy Be, Madagascar's famed "Perfumed Isle," a jewel of the Indian Ocean. This enchanting island captivates visitors with its intoxicating aroma of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and spices. Major lines like Silversea Cruises and Ponant bring travelers here for an authentic encounter with unique wildlife, including the island's famous lemurs.
Nosy Be offers a rare blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant Malagasy culture, making it a truly unforgettable stop on any African adventure.
One of the top attractions is the Lokobe National Park, the last remaining primary Sambirano rainforest on the island. Here, guided tours offer a chance to spot endemic wildlife, including black lemurs, chameleons, and unique bird species. For a more accessible wildlife experience, Lemuria Land is a private park featuring various lemur species, giant tortoises, and a historic ylang-ylang distillery.
A boat excursion to the nearby islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park is a must-do for snorkeling and seeing friendly lemurs. For breathtaking panoramic views, a trip to Mont Passot, the island's highest peak, provides a stunning vantage point over volcanic crater lakes, especially at sunset.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
A popular day trip from Nosy Be is an island hopping excursion to its smaller neighbors. Nosy Komba, often called "Lemur Island," is just a short boat ride away and is famous for its semi-tame black lemurs and vibrant artisan market.
Often combined with a visit to Nosy Komba, the island of Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park is a protected marine reserve. It offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of sea turtles and colorful fish. The journey to these islands by speedboat typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships visiting Nosy Be typically anchor in the bay and transport passengers ashore via tender boats. The tenders arrive at the main port in Andoany, also known as Hell-Ville, which is the island's capital and largest town.
The tender pier is conveniently located, placing you directly in the heart of the bustling town. From here, you can easily explore Andoany's colonial-era architecture, lively market, and waterfront on foot. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available at the pier for travelers wishing to explore other parts of the island.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). While some larger hotels and tour operators in tourist areas may accept Euros, and occasionally US Dollars, it is highly recommended to have local currency for smaller purchases, market shopping, and taxi fares.
ATMs and currency exchange offices are available in the main town of Andoany (Hell-Ville), but can be unreliable. It's wise to exchange a small amount of money beforehand or upon arrival. Credit card acceptance is very limited, so be prepared to use cash for most transactions.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Nosy Be is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to exercise common sense and situational awareness. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas like the market in Andoany, so keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
While exploring the main town during the day is safe, it is highly recommended to use guided tours for excursions to more remote areas like Lokobe National Park. Always drink bottled water and use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. At night, it's best to take a taxi rather than walking long distances.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Nosy Be enjoys a tropical climate that is hot and humid throughout the year. The primary cruise season aligns with the dry season, which runs from April to November. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather with average temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F - 86°F) and significantly less rainfall.
The wet season, from December to March, brings heavy afternoon downpours and higher humidity. This period is also the cyclone season in the Indian Ocean, which could potentially impact itineraries. Visitors should pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, a hat, and sturdy walking shoes. A rain jacket and insect repellent are essential year-round.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Getting around Nosy Be is an adventure in itself. The most common transportation options for visitors are taxis and auto-rickshaws, known locally as tuk-tuks. Taxis can be hired for point-to-point trips or for a full-day tour; always negotiate the fare before setting off as they are not metered.
Tuk-tuks are perfect for shorter journeys within and around the main town of Andoany. For visiting nearby islands like Nosy Komba or Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park, organized boat tours are the best and most efficient option. While public bush taxis (taxi-brousse) exist, they are not recommended for cruise passengers due to their fixed routes and unpredictable schedules.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Shopping in Nosy Be is a colorful and aromatic experience, centered around local crafts and products. The main covered market in Andoany (Hell-Ville) is a must-visit, offering a sensory overload of spices, fresh produce, and local life. Here and at various craft markets, you can find the island's famous products: vanilla beans, peppercorns, cinnamon, and ylang-ylang essential oil.
Handmade souvenirs include intricate wood carvings, woven baskets, and vibrant textiles known as 'lambas'. Haggling is a common and expected practice in the markets, so feel free to negotiate prices politely. Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are rarely accepted by local vendors.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
On a full, day exclusive private tour of Nosy Be, our guests with their families can discover the wonders of Nosy Komba for its lemurs and the marine park of Nosy Tanikely for incredible snorkeling. During the day we will also explore the Lokobe Nature Reserve to see chameleons and native flora, or immerse ourselves in the island's culture by visiting the bustling markets and ylang-ylang distilleries. You can relax on stunning beaches with magnificent snow-white sand, making for a perfect tropical escape.
Snorkel at the Tanikely Marine Reserve, selected as one of the 10 most beautiful sites on Earth. Enjoy the snow-white beaches or try a 10-15 minute mini scuba dive to see coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles, no license required. Your day also includes an optional trek to the island's lighthouse and a delicious Malagasy lunch served on the coast.
Journey into Lokobe, one of the last primitive forests of Madagascar, for a true naturalistic experience. The name Lokobe means "many colors," which you will admire throughout this beautiful, uncontaminated environment. Keep an eye out for centuries-old plants, cute lemurs, giant turtles, and various reptiles.
Visit a protected island ecosystem where proud local guides will show you their home's natural wonders. You will gently approach and observe sea turtles from a paddleboard, taking advantage of the crystal clear waters. This island also features postcard-perfect beaches, rare birds, and unique endemic plants.
Embark on a unique 2-day adventure, sleeping in special air-tents mounted high in the jungle trees. Choose your destination from three stunning islands: the lemur-filled jungles of Nosy Komba, the famous sandbar of Nosy Iranja, or the sacred island of Nosy Faly for a cultural experience. Whichever you choose, your evening will be spent enjoying a seafood barbecue with exotic fruits.
Explore the incredible islands of Nosy Iranja and Nosy Antsoha for a perfect mix of fairytale sea and enchanted forests. Your adventure is made unique by friendly, multilingual guides who share interesting stories about local culture and history. You will also enjoy a fantastic meal prepared with fresh, local products in compliance with high hygiene standards.
Enjoy the extraordinary experience of swimming under a waterfall hidden deep within a tropical jungle. You will also visit the bustling local market and witness an African folk dance performance in the quiet village of Ambanoro. For a special memory, you can even try joining the women in the traditional Lemur or Crocodile dance.
Experience the unique atmosphere of a night jungle trek, using headlamps to find extraordinary nocturnal creatures like night lemurs, special chameleons, and giant snakes. Your adventure includes sleeping in the middle of a national park, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle and waking to the cries of lemur families. The tour also offers a chance to relax on a private sandy beach, snorkel on coral reefs, and paddle a traditional Malagasy canoe.
Begin your day diving into the colorful hustle of Hell Ville's main market before visiting the beautiful jungle park of Lemuria Land. Here, you'll get up close with over 10 species of lemurs, giant tortoises, and chameleons, and visit a fragrant ylang-ylang distillery. After lunch, you will see the famous Sacred Tree and take a short jungle walk to a hidden waterfall for a cooling swim. If time permits, the tour concludes with a visit to Andilana beach or the magnificent Mont Passot lookout.
Journey to a true paradise island, considered one of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. You will discover stunning white beaches and swim in pristine, crystal clear water. This is the perfect destination to simply relax and soak in the magnificent surroundings.
Experience an island recognized and protected as a Nature Reserve, where life moves to the rhythm of nature. The clear waters are the ideal habitat for giant sea turtles, and you can swim very close to them as they are accustomed to human presence. The island is also world-famous for its natural pools under the Sacred Mountain and a coral reef that is easily reached by swimming from the shore.
Discover the natural wonder of Nosy Iranja, where two islands are connected by a fabulous, snow-white sandbar at low tide. Experience local hospitality as guests of the native fishing village, which provides a traditional Malagasy lunch and a private palm hut for your use. Enjoy the coral sands, snorkel with turtles, walk to the island's lighthouse, or even try a special 10-minute scuba experience without a license.
Our high-quality tours are led by a multilingual team of Italian and Malagasy guides who share authentic stories and experiences. We focus on providing a special service with unique itineraries to hidden places, ensuring a personalized atmosphere with small groups. We can tailor the tour for you where possible, but please note our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
This is a real 6-hour jungle trek, offering a wonderful adventure for prepared travelers. You will encounter amazing flora and fauna, including funny lemurs, chameleons, and exotic plants like vanilla and cocoa. The trek includes encounters with friendly indigenous people in jungle villages and the chance to taste fresh jungle fruits like cocoa pulp and raw sugar cane.
This tour explores the remote archipelagos of either Mitsio or Radama. The Mitsio archipelago is a diver's paradise composed of five islands, but its magnificent beaches also make it ideal for non-divers. Alternatively, discover the four islands of the Radama archipelago, which feature amazing tropical vegetation, beautiful and rarely visited beaches, and welcoming fishing villages.
Take a private, full-day tour to explore the incredible Lokobe Reserve. During your visit, you will have the chance to see the smallest chameleon in the world in its natural habitat. The experience also includes an authentic crossing in a traditional rowing canoe to reach the reserve.
This tour allows you to visit two of the most fascinating islands that surround Nosy Be by boat. You will discover pristine environments, as the islands are both marine and terrestrial natural parks. This unforgettable experience includes the possibility of snorkeling in the clear waters.
Embark on an authentic discovery of the "island of perfumes" and its beautiful lakes with a passionate guide. This tour allows you to meet the local population and discover the unique culture of Nosy Be. You will also get to enjoy the beach and finish the day perfectly with an aperitif at sunset.
Embark on an exciting tour to discover the fascinating region of northern Madagascar. This area is mainly inhabited by the Antakarana and Sakalava ethnic groups, offering a rich cultural experience. You will visit a variety of habitats, landscapes, National Parks, and other tourist sites worth exploring.
Visit the fairytale island of Nosy Iranja, where two small islands are connected by a magical 1.5 km snow-white sandbar at low tide. You can relax on the soft coral sand beach or snorkel over a sprawling, colorful reef with fish and gentle sea turtles. For the entire day you will be accompanied by your own guide and be the guest of the friendly local fishing village, where you will enjoy lunch.
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Madagascar that offers a perfect blend of culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. The itinerary begins with a city tour of historic sites in the capital, Antananarivo, before you delve into the lush forests of Andasibe. Experience the rich biodiversity of the island with up-close lemur encounters and witness stunning sunsets at the Avenue of Baobabs.
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Prices are roughly steady throughout the year. On average cruises visiting Nosy Be are fairly affordable compared to other itineraries. See the graph below for the average cost per day by month.
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