Nosy Be Destination Guide

Nosy Bé is the largest in a group of islands lying along the northwest coast of Madagascar. It is renowned for its spectacular beaches, fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities and various wildlife. There are some interesting towns and villages on Nosy Bé, and near the island are a number of other interesting, exotic islands that are worth paying a visit to.

Nosy Bé is a great place to see the endangered Macacao Lemur, relax on tranquil beaches or explore the old colonial town of Hell-Ville.

This Nosy Bé Destination Guide gives some background information about the island, including some information about its history and geography. Further details about the sights and attractions of Nosy Bé can be found by going to our Nosy Bé Tours page. To find useful general information about Madagascar, take a look at our Madagascar Country Guide.

Nosy Bé - Things to See & Do

The unusually named Hell-Ville is the largest town on Nosy Bé. It features some interesting colonial architecture, specifically some of the old houses, as well as some cannons that kept watch over the harbour for pirates in days gone by. There are a few markets worth checking out in Hell-Ville as well, including the Artisan's market, located on the outskirts of the town, which offers a number of local handicrafts and pieces of art. 

Another market worth checking out is the Bazaar, a colourful market which mostly offers fresh produce from Malagasy farmers and seafood from the local fishermen. A variety of small shops line the main street of Hell-Ville. Meanwhile, great views of the town and the harbour can be witnessed by heading up to the nearby hill, which also houses the hospital.

Nosy Bé is mostly famous for its beaches, and its not hard to see why. With the wide stretches of white sand, turquoise water and isolated nature, they certainly bring to mind an island paradise. Madirokely, which is located close to Ambatoloaka village, is one of the most famous, and there are also a number of bars and decent restaurants near the beach, making it a popular destination.

There is also the option of taking a cruise, or going snorkelling or diving. Indeed, Nosy Bé has some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. The two most stunning beaches, although not as developed, are Belle Vue and Andilana. The Sunday buffet at Chez Lou Lou, on Andilana beach, is worth the trip in itself.

One of the best excursions to take whilst on Nosy Bé is a visit to Lokobe Nature Reserve. It is home to the famous Macaco (Black) Lemur, as well as the enchanting Nosy Bé Panther Chameleon, a wide variety of birds and some boa constrictors. Covering about 740 hectares, the Lokobe Nature Reserve is unique for the fact that it is the only area of lowland rainforest remaining on the whole island. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, and is a must-see!

Located about 10 kilometres from the airport, on the east coast of Nosy Bé, is the small village of Ambatozavavy. The road leading to the town is surrounded by the distinctive ylang ylang pantations. The main attraction of the village, located just on the outskirts, is the Swiss Malagasy Foundation, whose aim is to develop the healthcare, education and agriculture of the area.

A small entrance fee allows visitors the opportunity to visit the sacred stones, which is a place of much significance to the local inhabitants. The whole area is very pleasant to wander around, and it is possible to stay at the hotel bungalows nearby.

Mount Passot is Nosy Bé's second highest peak, at 329 metres. Hiking the mountain allows spectacular views from the summit, as it overlooks a stunning panorama of lakes as well as Nosy Bé bay. The blue Crater Lakes surrounding the mountain are sacred sites, and the beautiful Anjavibe, Amparihimirahavavy, Bemapaza, Antsidihy, Amparihibe and Maintimaso Lakes are all viewable from the top of Mount Passot.

It is also a popular place to go to witness the glorious sunrises and sunsets over the bay. Mount Lokone (450 metres) is also worth hiking up, as, much life Mount Passot, it presents excellent views of the town of Hell-Ville, the port and bay, and the islands surrounding Nosy Bé.

The village of Ampasindava is exceptionally scenic, surrounded by a multitude of kapok trees and colourful bougainvilleas. A small admission fee allows entry to a little path which leads to a gorgeous waterfall. All around the smooth stretch of water are large groups of papyrus trees.

Ambatoloaka, located just down the road, is possibly the most picturesque village on the whole of Nosy Bé, and is the quintessential Malagasy fishing village. Early morning sees the fishermen sailing out for a day of dragnet fishing. Afternoon is the best time to visit the village, as the fishermen all return, and the whole village crowds around them, bargaining for the best buys amongst their fresh, multicoloured catches.

A number of the islands surrounding Nosy Bé are also well worth visiting. Some of the most popular include Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia, with more remote and isolated ones such as the Mitsio Arcipelago, the Radama Islands or Nosy Iranja also offering interesting diversions. There are a number of different tour and cruise operators on Nosy Bé that journey to the islands. 

Nosy Tanikely

Nosy Tanikely is the most popular of the islands, and deservedly so. The island is surrounded by a marine reserve, and offers sensational snorkelling and diving opportunities. The combination of colourful corals, marine plants, turtles and countless species of fish mean that it is a firm favourite. The untouched beaches are also a big draw for the island.

Nosy Komba

Nosy Komba offers a lot more land-based activities. There is a thriving population of the endangered Macaco (Black) Lemur in the Lemur Natural Reserve. The village of Ampangorinana has a small marketplace where locals offer primitive but unique handicrafts, often crafted out of ebony or rosewood. A former French sanatorium is located up the mountain, and is worth a quick visit.

Nosy Iranja

Nosy Iranja - isolated, sparsely inhabited and picture-perfect - is a a true island paradise. It has been formed out of two small islands, which are connected by a narrow strip of white sand that is only visible during low tide. One of the most enchanting things to do on the island is witnessing the turtles coming in from the sea to lay their eggs in the sand.

There are many diving sites in the island. Here is a list of some local operators working with us for diving activities:

Ocean Dreams

Phone: 261 20 86 928 07

Website: http://www.oceanesdreams.com/