Home › Destinations › Toliara
Toliara, Madagasikara / Madagascar - Things to Do in Toliara

Things to Do in Toliara

Toliara, Madagasikara / Madagascar - Complete Travel Guide

Toliara (also known as Tuléar) is a vibrant coastal city in southwestern Madagascar, serving as the gateway to some of the island's most spectacular natural wonders. This bustling port town sits along the Mozambique Channel and acts as the perfect base for exploring the otherworldly spiny forests of the south, pristine coral reefs, and unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The city itself pulses with Malagasy culture, featuring colorful markets, traditional Vezo fishing communities, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Beyond its role as a jumping-off point for adventures, Toliara offers visitors a genuine taste of southwestern Madagascar's distinct culture and environment. The surrounding region is home to incredible biodiversity, including the famous Avenue of the Baobabs-style landscapes, endemic bird species, and marine life perfect for snorkeling and diving. The city's proximity to Anakao, Ifaty, and other coastal resorts makes it an essential stop for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and natural beauty in one of Madagascar's most unique regions.

Top Things to Do in Toliara

Explore Spiny Forests and Baobab Trees

Venture into Madagascar's unique spiny forests to witness otherworldly landscapes filled with octopus trees, pachypodiums, and towering baobabs. These dry deciduous forests are home to endemic species like ring-tailed lemurs and various chameleon species. The surreal scenery creates perfect photography opportunities, especially during golden hour when the unusual tree silhouettes create dramatic shadows.

Booking Tip: Book through local guides for $30-50 per day including transport. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. Look for guides certified by Madagascar National Parks who can provide botanical and wildlife expertise.

Snorkel and Dive the Coral Reefs

The waters around Toliara offer some of Madagascar's best marine experiences with vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The coral barrier reef extends along much of the coast, providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Visibility is typically excellent, and the diversity of marine life rivals any Indian Ocean destination.

Booking Tip: Diving costs $40-60 per dive, snorkeling trips $25-35 per person. Book with PADI-certified operators and check equipment quality. Best conditions are April-November with calmer seas and better visibility.

Visit Traditional Vezo Fishing Villages

Experience the authentic maritime culture of the Vezo people, traditional fishermen who have lived along Madagascar's coast for centuries. Watch colorful outrigger boats called lakana return with the daily catch, observe traditional fishing techniques, and learn about their unique semi-nomadic lifestyle. Many villages welcome visitors and offer insights into their sustainable fishing practices and boat-building traditions.

Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through local guides for $20-30 per day. Best times are early morning when boats return or late afternoon when they prepare to depart. Always ask permission before photographing people and consider bringing small gifts for children.

Discover Anakao Beach Resort Area

Take a day trip or overnight excursion to Anakao, a pristine beach destination about 2 hours south of Toliara by boat. This idyllic spot features white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and excellent opportunities for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and beach relaxation. The area also offers access to Nosy Ve island, a bird sanctuary home to red-tailed tropicbirds.

Booking Tip: Boat transfers cost $15-25 per person each way, or charter private boats for $100-150. Book accommodations in advance during peak season (May-October). Look for packages that include meals as dining options are limited.

Explore Local Markets and Artisan Crafts

Immerse yourself in Toliara's bustling markets where vendors sell everything from fresh seafood and tropical fruits to traditional Antandroy and Mahafaly crafts. The main market offers an authentic slice of local life with colorful textiles, wooden sculptures, and spices. You'll find unique souvenirs including miniature lakana boats, woven baskets, and silver jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Booking Tip: Markets are busiest and most vibrant in early morning hours around 6-9 AM. Bring small bills for purchases and practice basic bargaining. Guided market tours cost $10-15 and help navigate language barriers while supporting local guides.

Getting There

Toliara is accessible by air via Toliara Airport (TLE), which receives regular flights from Antananarivo on Air Madagascar and other domestic carriers, with flight times of about 1.5 hours and costs ranging from $150-300. By road, the journey from Antananarivo takes 12-15 hours on mostly paved but sometimes challenging roads, with taxi-brousse (shared minibus) services available for budget travelers at around $20-30, though private 4WD vehicles ($200-300) are recommended for comfort and flexibility. The coastal route from other southern destinations like Fort Dauphin is also possible but requires careful planning due to road conditions.

Getting Around

Within Toliara, pousse-pousse (bicycle rickshaws) are the most common form of local transport, costing 1,000-3,000 Ariary for short trips around the city center. Taxis are available for longer distances within the city at negotiated rates of $5-15 depending on destination, while motorcycle taxis offer a faster but more adventurous option. For exploring surrounding attractions, hiring a 4WD vehicle with driver is essential and costs $80-120 per day including fuel, as many natural sites require off-road access and local navigation knowledge.

Where to Stay

City Center near the port
Ifaty coastal resort area
Mangily beachfront
Anakao island getaway
Airport vicinity for convenience
Traditional guesthouse districts

Food & Dining

Toliara's dining scene centers around incredibly fresh seafood, with grilled fish, lobster, and crab being local specialties often prepared with coconut, ginger, and local spices. The city's restaurants range from simple local eateries serving traditional Malagasy dishes like romazava and ravitoto to more upscale establishments catering to tourists with French-influenced cuisine. Street food is abundant and safe, featuring samosas, brochettes (grilled meat skewers), and tropical fruits, while the coastal location ensures access to excellent seafood at very reasonable prices compared to inland destinations.

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 ideal time to visit Toliara is during the dry season from April to November, when temperatures are more moderate (20-28°C), rainfall is minimal, and ocean conditions are perfect for water activities. The peak tourist season runs from May to September, offering the most comfortable weather but also higher prices and more crowded attractions. December to March brings hot, humid weather with occasional cyclones and heavy rains that can make roads impassable, though this period offers lower prices and fewer tourists for those willing to brave the conditions.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Malagasy greetings as English is limited outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort
Always carry cash in Ariary as ATMs are scarce and credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and bring your own snorkeling gear as equipment rental quality can be inconsistent and environmental protection is important for the coral reefs

Explore Activities in Toliara