Things to Do in Nosy Be

Nosy Be sits just off Madagascar's northwest coast like a tropical jewel, earning its nickname 'the perfumed isle' from the ylang-ylang and vanilla that scent the air. This volcanic island has become Madagascar's premier beach destination, though it's managed to retain much of its laid-back Malagasy character despite the steady stream of visitors. The main town of Hell-Ville (named after a French admiral, not the underworld) serves as the hub, while pristine beaches, lemur reserves, and traditional fishing villages dot the coastline. What makes Nosy Be particularly appealing is how it balances accessibility with authenticity - you can easily hop between luxury resorts and local markets, or spend your morning snorkeling with whale sharks and your afternoon sipping rum at a Creole distillery. The island's compact size means you're never far from your next adventure, whether that's hiking through sacred lakes or simply finding your own slice of white sand beach.

Nosy Be's dining scene reflects its position as a cultural crossroads, with Creole, French, Indian, and traditional Malagasy influences appearing on most menus. Fresh seafood dominates, from grilled lobster at beachfront restaurants to curry-spiced fish stews at local hotely (small family restaurants). Hell-Ville has the most diverse options, including decent pizza places and Chinese restaurants alongside traditional spots serving romazava and other Malagasy staples. Beach restaurants tend to be pricier but offer romantic sunset dining, while local markets provide incredibly fresh tropical fruits and the chance to try homemade sambos (samosas) and other street snacks.

The dry season from May to October offers the most comfortable weather, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach time. November through April brings higher temperatures, humidity, and cyclone risk, though this is also when ylang-ylang flowers bloom and whale sharks appear offshore. July and August see the most visitors and highest prices, while shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) provide good weather with fewer crowds. If you're interested in whale shark encounters, plan for October through December despite the increased chance of rain.