What to Do in Nosy Be, Madagascar?

What to Do in Nosy Be? Nosy Be, often called Madagascar’s “Perfumed Island,” is a fragrant and biodiverse haven where lush forests meet coral reefs. Located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be offers travelers a sensory-rich experience from aromatic ylang‑ylang gardens to vibrant waters teeming with sea turtles and reef life. With a tropical climate that favors outdoor discovery from May to October, 2025 is set to be another standout year for exploration on this magical island

What to Do in Nosy Be, Madagascar

Nextgen Safaris  features a curated list of 17 top experiences on Nosy Be. Their most popular and accessible tours include:

• Madagascar: Nosy Sakatia Cruise with Giant Turtles
• Exploring Nosy Sakatia with a guide
• Guided day tour to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely
• Guided day tour to Nosy Iranja
• Guided tour to Lokobe Natural Park These offerings highlight snorkeling, wildlife spotting, cultural discovery, and pristine beaches all tailored for flexibility and value.

What to Do in Nosy Be?

Recommended Things to Do in Nosy Be

•  Nosy Sakatia Cruise with Giant Turtles

This boat excursion takes you to Nosy Sakatia, a nearby island offering crystal-clear water and the opportunity to snorkel with giant sea turtles. The reef here is pristine, and local guides lead guests through marine life-rich habitats teeming with colorful fish, corals, and ocean wildlife.

For a more immersive experience, the guided version of this tour includes a botanical walk, natural pools, orchid gardens, and encounters with chameleons and turtles a favorite among nature lovers in 2025 looking for accessible beach and reef immersion.

• Guided Tour of Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely Islands

A premier full‑day island‑hopping adventure, this tour combines visits to Nosy Komba (“Lemur Island”) and Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve known as “the natural aquarium.” On Nosy Komba, friendly black lemurs roam lush forests, and the village markets sell handcrafted wood carvings and textiles. Then, Nosy Tanikely offers ideal snorkeling with abundant coral reefs, sea turtles, vibrant fish, and endemic chameleons including the brilliantly colored panther chameleon.

• Full-Day Private Budget Trip to Nosy Iranja

Nosy Iranja is often called “Turtle Island” due to its white beaches, nesting turtle populations, and dramatic sandbar that forms at low tide between two islets. A full-day private budget trip includes scenic boat travel across turquoise seas, a traditional Malagasy lunch, and ample time to snorkel, sunbathe, and photograph this iconic setting in serenity.

Travelers appreciate that it’s accessible yet scenic perfect for couples or solo adventurers in 2025 looking for a peaceful escape.

• Exploring Nosy Sakatia with a Guide

For a richer perspective than just snorkeling, this guided excursion to Nosy Sakatia includes exploration of natural pools, walks through orchid gardens, and local environmental insight. Guides introduce you to the island’s biodiversity such as sea turtles, chameleons, and coastal flora while keeping tours affordable and family‑friendly (starting around $56–73 per adult via Expedia).

• Guided Tour to Lokobe Natural Park

Lokobe Nature Reserve is the last remaining tract of original rainforest on Nosy Be and a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Accessible by pirogue through mangroves, the reserve features rare fauna: black lemurs, dwarf and leaf‑tailed chameleons (including the tiny Brookesia minima), endemic frogs, boa constrictors, and nocturnal species like sportive lemurs.

Local guides lead treks along jungle paths, emphasizing eco‑friendly exploration. Guests often return with stories of lemur sightings and rare reptiles in dense rainforest canopy. Full‑day guided tours typically include village lunch and cultural stops, priced around $99 per adult.

Comprehensive Experiences Worth Considering

• Beaches and Sunset Views: Andilana, Madirokely & Mount Passot

Andilana Beach, located on Nosy Be’s northwest tip, offers powdery white sand and calm turquoise water ideal for lounging, swimming, and beachfront seafood. Nearby Madirokely Beach, especially lively in 2025, blends sunbathing with local cafés and occasional festivals like Donia or Nosy Be Symphonies.

For dramatic views, trek or drive to Mount Passot, the island’s highest point. From the summit, crater lakes and islets spread out in panoramic vistas, making sunset photography unforgettable and emblematic of Nosy Be’s natural beauty

• Cultural and Culinary Immersion

Beyond beaches, Nosy Be offers rich cultural experiences. Hell‑Ville (Andoany) is the island’s capital and bazaars overflow with spices, handicrafts, and Malagasy street foods like mofo gasy, ravitoto, and romazava. Lemuria Land Park near Hell‑Ville features lemurs, botanical gardens, and crocodiles while showcasing local ylang-ylang cultivation.

Visitors can join cooking classes, folk dance sessions, and market tours to deepen appreciation for Malagasy customs, while Sacred Banyan Tree of Mahatsinjo introduces spiritual and historical context tied to the Sakalava people and their legends.

• Marine Encounters: Whale Sharks & Diving

Although not widely advertised, Nosy Be is increasingly known for seasonal whale shark snorkeling particularly from September to December and scuba diving sites such as Mitsio or Tanikely. Whale sharks arrive to feed on plankton, and reputable guides limit boat numbers to minimize impact on wildlife

Diving enthusiasts also flock to sites like Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, which offers spectacular coral gardens, fish diversity, rays, and sea turtles in protected waters.

• Adventure and Eco-Tours

Nosy Be supports eco‑adventure tourism in 2025. Cultural walks through local villages, visits to handicraft cooperatives, and conservation‑focused tours (including reforestation projects and sustainable ylang-ylang farming) let travelers support local communities while exploring responsibly.

The island’s varied topography suits hiking, cycling, and off‑road excursions, such as trekking through hills or following trails along the coast. These are increasingly offered by local guides for single-day or multi-day tours exploring hidden waterfalls, plantations, and sacred sites.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Nosy Be in 2025 (7 Days)

Here’s a sample seven-day outline you might follow to experience the best of Nosy Be:

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Fascene Airport, transfer to your resort. Relax on Andilana Beach, enjoy fresh seafood and sunset views from Mount Passot.

Day 2: Take a guided trip to Nosy Komba & Tanikely. Encounter black lemurs, snorkel reefs, lunch on Nosy Komba, scenic hikes on Tanikely.

Day 3: Cruise to Nosy Sakatia. Snorkel with sea turtles, visit orchid gardens, discover chameleons, and enjoy beach time.

Day 4: Full-day Nosy Iranja tour. Walk the sandbar, spot turtles nesting, swim, and enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Day 5: Visit Lokobe Nature Reserve by pirogue. Trek through rainforest to see unique lemurs and reptiles. Return via fishing village for a local lunch.

Day 6: Beach Day or optional whale shark snorkeling/diving trip. Explore coral reefs or relax at your lodge.

Day 7: Cultural tour of Hell-Ville markets, henna markets, Lemuria Land Park, and a visit to the Sacred Banyan Tree. End with a Malagasy cooking class or folk-dance session.

This itinerary balances marine adventure, wildlife, cultural immersion, and relaxation, giving a well-rounded exploration of Nosy Be.

REQUEST FOR THE QUOTE

Where to Stay in Nosy Be

Andilana Beach Resort – Best for All-Inclusive Luxury

Location: Andilana Beach (Northwest Nosy Be)

Category: 4-Star Resort

Ideal For: Couples, families, luxury seekers

Why Stay: One of the most acclaimed resorts in Madagascar, offering stunning beachfront access, two private beaches, a large swimming pool, daily entertainment, and all-inclusive dining.

Top Features:

• All meals & drinks included
• Kids’ club & activities
• Beach volleyball, kayaking, and spa services
• Italian and Malagasy cuisine

Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest Lodge – Best for Secluded Eco-Luxury

Location: Nosy Komba Island (15 min by boat from Nosy Be)

Category: Boutique Eco-Lodge

Ideal For: Honeymooners, nature lovers, high-end travelers

Why Stay: Set between forest and beach, this lodge offers handcrafted villas with panoramic views, locally sourced meals, and a strong sustainability ethos.

Top Features:

• No plastic policy & solar power
• Private terraces and ocean views
• Guided nature walks
• Organic fine dining restaurant

L’Heure Bleue – Best for Boutique Charm and Ocean Views

Location: Ambatoloaka / Madirokely Beach

Category: 3.5-Star Boutique Hotel

Ideal For: Couples, solo travelers, design lovers

Why Stay: Stylish and eco-conscious, this property blends Malagasy, African, and Indonesian architecture with exceptional views of Madirokely Bay and easy beach access.

Top Features:

• Infinity pool overlooking the bay
• Stylish suites and bungalows
• On-site gourmet restaurant
• Walking distance to local nightlife

Sakatia Lodge – Best for Diving and Sea Turtle Watching

Location: Nosy Sakatia Island

Category: Eco-Lodge & Dive Resort

Ideal For: Divers, nature explorers, small groups

Why Stay: A quiet, off-grid escape offering direct access to some of Nosy Be’s best snorkeling and diving spots, especially for encounters with sea turtles.

Top Features

• On-site dive center
• Beachfront bar and restaurant
• Guided snorkeling with turtles
• Rustic, comfortable bungalows

Why Nosy Be Stands Out for all Travellers?

Nosy Be continues to flourish as a destination where biodiversity, sustainability, and culture meet. Conservation efforts at Lokobe, marine protection in Nosy Tanikely, and responsible tourism practices on Nosy Sakatia and Iranja mean travelers can enjoy nature with minimal impact. Local guides, artisanal economies, and cultural preservation add meaningful context to every tour

With affordable options (island‑hopping from $57, private tours from under $100, full-day excursions under $150–200), Nosy Be offers high‑value travel experiences while safeguarding its pristine landscapes

Final Thoughts

From swimming with sea turtles off Nosy Sakatia, exploring coral kingdoms in Nosy Tanikely, trekking among rare chameleons in Lokobe, to the cultural rhythms of Hell‑Ville markets, Nosy Be presents an irresistible mosaic of experiences. In 2025, this Madagascar island is not just a getaway but  a journey through vibrant ecosystems, community traditions, and sustainable exploration.

Whether you’re planning your first escape or returning to discover more, Nosy Be remains one of the Indian Ocean’s most compelling travel destinations fresh, fragrant, and full of wonder.