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Nosy Be, Madagasikara / Madagascar - Things to Do in Nosy Be

Things to Do in Nosy Be

Nosy Be, Madagasikara / Madagascar - Complete Travel Guide

Nosy Be, known as the 'Perfume Island,' is Madagascar's premier tropical paradise and most popular beach destination. Located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, this volcanic island captivates visitors with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes dotted with ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coffee plantations. The island serves as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding archipelago and offers an intoxicating blend of Malagasy, French, Indian, and Arabic cultures. Beyond its stunning coastline, Nosy Be is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including endemic lemur species, chameleons, and exotic birds found in its protected reserves. The island's laid-back atmosphere, combined with excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, whale watching seasons, and vibrant local markets, makes it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind in tropical luxury.

Top Things to Do in Nosy Be

Lemur Watching at Lokobe Reserve

Explore Madagascar's last primary rainforest on Nosy Be, home to several endemic lemur species including the rare black lemur and nocturnal mouse lemurs. This protected reserve offers guided walks through ancient trees where you'll spot chameleons, geckos, and over 40 bird species in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours through local operators for $15-25 per person, best visited early morning (7-9 AM) when animals are most active. Choose operators that support conservation efforts and limit group sizes to 8 people maximum.

Island Hopping to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely

Discover the enchanting satellite islands around Nosy Be, including Nosy Komba's lemur sanctuary and traditional fishing villages, and Nosy Tanikely's pristine coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. These day trips offer the perfect combination of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and underwater adventures.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat trips cost $40-60 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book during dry season (May-October) for best weather, and choose operators with good safety records and marine park permits.

Whale Watching

Experience the spectacular migration of humpback whales that visit the warm waters around Nosy Be between July and September. Watch these magnificent creatures breach, tail-slap, and sing in the deep channels between Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.

Booking Tip: Tours run $50-80 per person during peak season (July-September), best booked 2-3 days in advance. Choose operators with hydrophones for listening to whale songs and strict wildlife viewing guidelines.

Ylang-Ylang Plantation Tours

Visit the aromatic plantations that give Nosy Be its 'Perfume Island' nickname, learning about the cultivation and distillation of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and other exotic spices. These tours provide insight into the island's agricultural heritage and the production of essential oils used in international perfumery.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $20-35 per person, best visited during flowering season (November-February). Book with plantations that offer distillation demonstrations and allow you to purchase authentic essential oils directly.

Sunset Sailing and Diving

Explore Nosy Be's underwater world with some of the Indian Ocean's best diving sites, featuring coral walls, whale sharks, and manta rays, followed by romantic sunset sails. The island offers excellent diving for all levels, from shallow coral gardens to deep-water pinnacles.

Booking Tip: Diving packages start at $45 per dive for certified divers, PADI courses available for $350-450. Book sunset sails for $25-40 per person, best during dry season with calm seas and clear visibility.

Getting There

Nosy Be is accessed via Fascene Airport (NOS), which receives direct flights from Antananarivo (1.5 hours), as well as seasonal international flights from Paris, Milan, and other European cities. Alternatively, you can reach the island by taking a domestic flight to Diego Suarez and then a 2-hour road transfer plus short boat ride, or by flying to Antananarivo and connecting through Air Madagascar or other local carriers. During high season, charter flights are available from Mauritius and Reunion.

Getting Around

The most convenient way to explore Nosy Be is by renting a car or scooter, with rental agencies available at the airport and in Hell-Ville town center. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for shorter trips, while many hotels offer shuttle services to popular beaches and attractions. For island hopping, numerous boat operators offer scheduled and private transfers to surrounding islands, and most hotels can arrange transportation for tours and excursions.

Where to Stay

Andilana Beach
Ambatoloaka
Hell-Ville
Madirokely Beach
Ambondrona
Dzamandzar

Food & Dining

Nosy Be's dining scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering everything from fresh seafood and traditional Malagasy dishes to French cuisine and Indian curries. Beachfront restaurants serve excellent grilled fish, lobster, and zebu steaks, while local markets offer tropical fruits and street food. Hell-Ville features several good restaurants serving international cuisine, and many hotels offer high-quality dining with fusion menus incorporating local spices and ingredients. Don't miss trying the local rum arrangements (flavored rums) and fresh coconut water served directly from the shell.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Madagascar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Izumi Bandra

4.5 /5
(2514 reviews) 3

The Anja Reserve Lodge & Restaurant

4.9 /5
(420 reviews)
lodging

MAD ZEBU RESTAURANT

4.7 /5
(240 reviews)

Nosy Manga

4.5 /5
(171 reviews)
lodging

Le Fafana

4.9 /5
(143 reviews)

Le Papillon

4.6 /5
(106 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Nosy Be is during the dry season from May to October, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures around 25-28°C. This period is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and outdoor activities, with July-September being peak whale watching season. The wet season (November-April) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional cyclones, but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Avoid January-March during cyclone season unless you're comfortable with potential weather disruptions.

Insider Tips

Visit the local markets in Hell-Ville early morning for the freshest produce and best selection of spices and vanilla
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as many tour operators are environmentally conscious and regular sunscreen can damage coral reefs
Learn basic French or Malagasy phrases as English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas, and locals appreciate the effort

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