Nosy Be

This volcanic island, located in northwestern Madagascar and nicknamed the Perfume Island, is famous for its dreamy beaches washed by crystal-clear waters, shallow marine depths, and sunny paradisiacal islets nearly all year round. Nosy Be is truly a dream destination!

History of Nosy Be

The island's history began long before colonization, during the 9th century when Nosy Be was called "Assada" or "Sada." Around 900 AD, Arab traders who periodically visited the island to resupply established the first trading post, Mahilika. By 1200, Mahilika became the most important city in Madagascar.

Following Mahilika's decline around 1400, Indian settlers moved to Ambanoro. It wasn’t until 1839 that the French discovered Nosy Be while searching for a new military port to replace Port-Louis (Mauritius). Marine infantry captain Pierre Passot was tasked with the mission. With the assistance of sailors and a missionary (Abbé Dalmond), he selected the safest harbor on Nosy Be, where he established a military post named Hell-Ville in honor of the governor of Bourbon. Rapidly colonized, Nosy Be became an important trading post on Madagascar’s west coast in the 19th century.

Discover Nosy Be

By Sea:

• Beach and sea turtles: Green turtles can be seen on the island year-round, while hawksbill turtles come to nest from October to February. For the best experience, visit the Marine Park of Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia, or Nosy Iranja early in the morning. Snorkeling and a picnic lunch make for a perfect day.
• Diving: The island offers numerous dive sites with vibrant coral reefs teeming with extraordinary marine life, including turtles and even whale sharks that can be spotted regularly.
• Cruising: Embark on a sailing boat or a traditional dhow for an authentic experience visiting charming islets. You’ll discover dreamy beaches, traditional villages, and wild bays.
• Big game fishing: Offshore excursions offer the chance to catch species like trevallies, swordfish, marlins, yellowfin tuna, and dogtooth tuna.
• Whales and dolphins: Some operators provide hydrophones to listen to humpback whale songs (from July to September) or dolphin communication calls. You can also swim nearby for a closer encounter.
  By Land:
• Lokobe National Park: The island's highest point is Mount Lokobe, an extinct volcano rising to 455 meters, while Mount Passot reaches 329 meters. This protected area is home to Nosy Be's only remaining primary Sambirano forest. The park shelters remarkable flora and fauna, including the endemic black lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco).
• Nosy Tanikely National Park: This small island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, featuring stingrays, clownfish, butterflyfish, and more.
• Private parks: Visitors can also explore private islands, such as Nosy Antsoha, home to a lemur nature reserve. Newlyweds might enjoy renting the "Lov Room," a cozy treehouse.
• Mount Passot: This is the island’s most visited site due to its stunning views of crater lakes, lush vegetation, and vibrant sunsets accompanied by village festivities.
• Plantations: Nosy Be is renowned for its vanilla, clove, coffee, cocoa, and especially ylang-ylang plantations. Don’t forget the sugarcane fields, used for producing sugar and the famous Malagasy rum.
• Culture and traditions: The island’s population is diverse, with the main ethnic groups being the Antakarana and the Sakalava. The village of Marodoka showcases the island's rich cultural heritage, with influences from Swahili and Indian cultures. Traditional dances and music will enhance your visit.
• Festivals: Experience Malagasy warmth and hospitality at the Donia Festival in May, which brings together Malagasy musicians and other artists from the Indian Ocean.

Seaside accommodations

This charming island in the Mozambique Channel offers a perfect blend of exoticism and comfort. Accommodations range from cozy beachfront bungalows to large concrete resorts. Its paradisiacal white-sand beaches and turquoise waters are perfect for water activities and relaxation.

Climate

Nosy Be has a tropical humid climate, with a dry season from April to December and a wet season from December to March. The island receives 2,200 mm of rainfall annually and has an average temperature of 26°C. In general, Nosy Be enjoys 320 sunny days per year.