Miavana (Northern Madagascar)

Miavana by Time + Tide is a secluded island sanctuary on Nosy Ankao, off the northeastern coast of Madagascar.  Nosy Ankao is the largest of five islands in the Levens Archipelago. Fringed by white sand beaches and sprawling coral reefs. Creating a vibrant underwater haven, rich with marine life waiting to be explored. Miavana is a haven of luxury at the ends of the Earth. The ultimate destination for modern day explorers. The island brings together world class luxury in a world of rare wildlife and extraordinary landscapes. Whether on land or sea, the expert team curates every activity to match your personal interests. Ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience in this truly wild paradise.

Miavana serves as the perfect gateway to the untamed wonders of the mainland. Discover a world where lemurs, chameleons, and a wealth of endemic species thrive in extraordinary landscapes. A chance to escape and unwind. Relax into the barefoot ease of the island. Raw and refined, Miavana by Time + Tide brings together exclusivity and adventure. As well as true sense of traveling with purpose.

Miavana is more than just a holiday destination. Surrounded by turquoise waters, untouched beaches, and endless horizons, the island offers the perfect blend of seclusion, adventure, and bespoke luxury. Here, time slows down, nature takes center stage, and the magic of the moment lingers long after the holiday ends.

Skip to Miavana by Time + Tide Rates, Activities, or Specials and Packages

Miavana by Time + Tide Accommodation

Miavana has 13 ocean front island villas with direct beach access and personalized service at the hands of your private butler. Each villa has a private pool, open plan lounge, indoor and outdoor dining areas. As well as an extra bathroom and a study, which can be used as a children’s bedroom. With effortless flow between indoor and outdoor living. The island insprired luxurious private villa all offer exquisite uninterrupted ocean views and ample space. Expect considered design throughout, crafted to perfection with hand-dyed textiles, Malagasy wood, and local stone.

Choose from a selection of 7 x 1 bedroom (620m2), 4 x 2 bedroom (820m2), and 2 x 3 bedroom villas (1020m2). They have Eco-cooled sleeping spaces, air-conditioning in the bedrooms and fans, personal bicycles and an electric buggy per villa.

There is VSAT internet and limited mobile phone signal.

Madagascar family vacation at Miavana

Miavana is a paradise to reconnect with nature and your family. Children of all ages are welcome. It offers activities tailored to each child’s age and interests. The Little island explorers can adventure across land and sea. Learning about Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife and landscape with your kids is truly rewarding and a precious gift. Kids learn from the activities as well as from different members of the team. Enriching, inspiring, and importantly, fun.

From snorkeling, fishing and water sports to scavenger hunts, Malagasy face painting and treasure hunts, every day is an adventure for families. Budding conservationists can track lemurs, plant trees and join turtle walks. While hands-on crafts like coconut painting, beading and animal mask making, spark creativity. Little chefs can try pizza making and cupcake decorating. For those who love movement, beach volleyball, bike riding and guided quad biking offer endless excitement. Whether it’s a gentle introduction to diving with a PADI Bubblemaker session or a relaxing kids’ spa treatment, Miavana ensures that every moment is filled with discovery and fun.

The villas are designed with families in mind, offering the perfect blend of flexibility and comfort. A private study transforms into a wonderful children’s room. While the spacious two and three bedroom villas are ideal for larger or multi-generational families. Every detail is considered for little ones. From cots and toys to all the essentials you might need. Mealtimes are just as effortless, with flexible dining options tailored to your family’s preferences. With a dedicated team looking after you, this will be a family holiday filled with ease, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

Exclusive Use of Miavana by Time and Tide

For the ultimate escape, book Miavana on an exclusive-use basis affording you the luxury of sole access to the entire island and its 13 private villas. With Miavana’s unique facilities, diverse experiences and generous hospitality from over 100 team members entirely dedicated to you. Explore to your heart’s content in complete isolation or share the island with your loved ones. A minimum stay of five nights is required on an exclusive-use basis and a maximum of 42 guests can be accommodated.

Miavana Activities and Experiences

Miavana’s activities span the horizons of ocean, land, and air to celebrate the best of this remarkable region. These experiences are available throughout the year (unless specified).

On site facilities include a boutique, a fully equipped air-conditioned gym and spa treatments in your villa or anywhere on the island that resonates with you. With yoga and meditation in a peaceful oceanfront setting. Or take your flow to the water with SUP yoga, guided by experienced instructors. The Cabinet de Curiosities houses rare treasures, including an extinct elephant bird egg, a pygmy hippo skeleton, and cultural and natural artifacts.

All stays at Time + Tide properties contribute to the community and conservation work done through the Time + Tide Foundation. Guests have the opportunity to witness the impact of sustainable tourism firsthand through a guided cultural tour.

Ocean Experiences at Miavana

Unlike anywhere else in the world, Miavana’s marine protected waters transport guests to experience the ultimate sea adventure in the Indian Ocean. With no set itinerary or time slots, the activities team tailors unique, adventure filled itineraries to best suit your activity desires. As part of the experience, guests are welcome to learn from the activity center and Foundation team firsthand on diving and snorkeling trips and more in-depth talks that take place on the island.

Thrilling and unforgettable fishing

Whether you are a pro or a novice, Miavana is an excellent destination for fishing. They have top of the line equipment and a passionate, experienced team. Try your hand at catch and release deep sea fishing, jigging, popping, trolling or fly fishing on the reef flats. Around Miavana, you will find species such as sailfish, king mackerel, mahi mahi, giant trevally, yellow fin and dog tooth tuna and barracuda in abundance. Set off on a fishing adventure in Miavana’s rich waters.

For an incredible fishing experience, the most favorable time of year is from October/November to April every year.

Boating

Step aboard the boats and cruise the waters surrounding the island. Enjoy a sunset cruise, explore the archipelago, stop off for a picnic or snorkel, or just relax and enjoy the ride. On blue safaris, you can spot dolphins dancing in the wake of the boat, or migrating whales breaching from July to September.

Boating is great all year at Miavana by Time + Tide.

Snorkeling

Coral reefs fringe the island, so you can snorkel right from the beach in front of your villa. When you arrive, the activities team will kit you out with snorkeling gear that you can keep throughout your stay. You can also venture further afield by boat to explore reefs nearby, such as the phenomenal Nosy Manambiby.

The best time for snorkeling at Miavana is between November to March.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Miavana’s calm waters provide the perfect training ground for standup paddle boarding. Offering an all round workout and beautiful views above and below the translucent water.

Kayaking

Whether you prefer a relaxed paddle in the calm, sheltered waters of the bay or a more demanding circumnavigation of the island, kayaking and surf skiing offer a unique way to explore Miavana’s coastline. Glide through turquoise shallows, navigate hidden coves and take in the ever-changing seascape. Along the way, you may spot marine life beneath the surface or seabirds soaring overhead. Suitable for all skill levels, from first time paddlers to experienced ocean-goers.

Kite surfing at Miavana

Miavana is a kite boarder’s paradise. With warm waters, consistent trade winds from mid May to October, and a wide diversity of kite spots around the island. All of which can be enjoyed in complete privacy and exclusivity. There’s also opportunities to explore locations further afield by helicopter! Miavana has kite gear available for use on the island for experienced riders. IKO certified instructors available as an optional extra for beginners who would like to learn through the kite school.

Mangrove Cruise

Meander through the mangroves on the mainland and explore this unique ecosystem by kayak, surf ski or stand-up paddle board. For an authentic traditional experience, you can opt for a local Madagascan canoe. Soak up your spectacular surroundings and spot unique birdlife and marine species. The experience can be enjoyed in the morning, or in the afternoon as a sunset cruise experience, depending on the tides.

Scuba Diving

The waters around Miavana are a marine paradise perfect for scuba diving. Diverse underwater terrain and a confluence of currents support outstanding biodiversity. Many of the reefs are virtually unseen by other humans. Sea turtles, manta rays and spinner dolphins thrive in these waters alongside species such as Napolean (Humphead) wrasse, bumphead parrotfish and Spanish dancers.

The variety of dive sites is what makes scuba diving here truly special. Manambibi Maze offers a playful introduction, with shallow depths, coral pinnacles, and sandy channels that weave together like an underwater labyrinth. Coral Gardens is calm and sheltered, ideal for relaxed dives or snorkeling. With the added pleasure of nearby beaches for picnics and island walks. For those drawn to drama, Loki Wall and Hyson’s Wall reveal sheer drop-offs plunging hundreds of meters. Their edges lined with gorgonian fans, coral whips, and black coral trees that sway gently in the current.

Night dives at Miavana reveal an entirely different side of the reef. Guided by torchlight, you glide past colorful coral towers, watch crustaceans emerge from their daytime shelters, and spot reef fish rarely seen during the day. Colors appear richer, textures sharper, and the sense of solitude deepens. With the water completely still, night diving becomes an intimate, almost meditative experience. Offering a rare glimpse into the ocean’s quieter, more secret ways.

Miavana is a PADI qualified dive center, with passionate dive instructors who are on hand to guide certified divers through Miavana’s vibrant reefs. Or introduce beginners to these shores through a variety of PADI dive courses.

The best time for diving in Madagascar is November to April.

Water sports

Wake boarding, water skiing, and tubing at Andragana Bay offer an adrenaline fueled way to experience Miavana’s waters. Carving through waves, holding on tight for a thrilling ride, or perfecting a new skill. It’s high energy fun for all levels. Pair this with a picnic to refuel before heading back out for more.

Land based Experiences at Miavana

Lemur Trekking

Enter the island’s forested heart with curiosity as you follow the lead of your guide in search of resident Crowned Lemurs. Encounter other fascinating creatures such as lime green geckos, butterflies, dragonflies, and the Madagascan Hoopoe. Keep your ears peeled for the rustling of leaves or a glimpse of a lemur’s tail. Observe these fascinating creatures as they forage for fruit in the trees, leap through branches, groom, and socialize. To discover more of Madagascar’s 100 species of lemur, visit the mainland by helicopter. Tick Golden-Crowned Sifaka, rare Black Lemur, and the critically endangered Perrier’s Sifaka off your bucket list.

Cultural Tour

Immerse yourself in Nosy Ankao’s rich traditions with a guided cultural tour. Visit local villages and learn about the island’s history, way of life and cultural beliefs. Ampasimangidy Village is one of the oldest villages in the archipelago with many fascinating traditions. For example, it is a “fady” or taboo to give birth or bury people who recently died on the island. Instead, they are buried on the mainland for a minimum of seven years in temporary tombs before they are moved and reburied on the island. Additionally, it is considered taboo to bring four legged animals such as dogs, pigs and cats to the island. Interestingly, lemurs do not fit into this category because they are not exclusively quadrupedal.

Hop on a quad bike for a short ride south, where you will meet the Education Manager for the Time + Tide Foundation to visit the local school. She will share the strategy for ensuring girls have equal opportunity to complete primary school. And how the sponsorship program for students to attend high quality secondary schools on mainland Madagascar.

Bird Watching

Observe Miavana’s rich birdlife, from terns to rare endemic species. A must for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Take a boat trip to a nearby island in the archipelago to see four species of Terns, predominantly Sooty Terns. This is one of the largest nesting sites in the Indian Ocean. From mid May to September, over 40 000 breeding pairs arrive on Manamphao. Combined with a castaway beach picnic on its uninhabited shores, this is an experience that can’t be beat.

The rest of the year is also a birder’s delight. The long billed green sun bird always greets the morning with its sharp, distant call. While Madagascan bulbuls chatter noisily throughout the day. The Madagascar Coucal’s deep call echoes in the early hours. Guests may spot paradise fly-catchers, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and the elusive button quail, known for its tiny size and charming ground scratching habits. At night, Madagascan nightjars perch near villa lights, feasting on insects. Along the shore, humblot herons, whimbrels, terns, Eurasian avocet and plovers complete the island’s rich tapestry of birdlife.

Nature Walks

Head out on your own to explore the island’s trails or enjoy a guided nature walk for an introduction to Miavana’s abundant fauna and flora. There is the possibility of seeing the world’s biggest chameleon and one of its smallest. As well as nonvenomous snakes, a variety of butterflies and bountiful bird life. We can also recommend a night walk at full moon or when the stars are bright.

Quad Biking

Hop on a quad bike (ATV) to explore the island from top to toe. Miavana is 5km long by 2km wide, with 10 km2 of land to explore. Pass through a local village and stop off at the Lighthouse, which offers spectacular 360-degree views across the archipelago to the mountains on Madagascar’s mainland.

Turtle Monitoring

Join one of the Conservation team members on their daily beach walks. Looking for signs of nesting activity as part of their turtle monitoring conservation focus. Depending on the time of year, you can witness mothers nesting on our protected shores, or babies hatching right in front of your villa. Miavana is one of the rare places in the world where several species of sea turtles nest in safety, including the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, Green turtle and Olive Ridley turtle.

The best time for nesting is December. The best time for hatching is April.

Air Experiences at Miavana

Take to the skies in a helicopter to see more of Madagascar has to offer.

Tsingy Rouge

Tsingy Rouge is a photogenic phenomenon. An unusual natural geological formation of red laterite, a type of stone and soil rich in iron and other minerals. The ‘Lavaka’ were caused by the erosion of the Irodo River, leaving behind soft strata with magnificent red and white formations. A hidden gem, where the beauty is also that you are unlikely to find many other visitors.

Anjahakely

A lemur excursion par excellence. Anjahakely has a number of lemur species but the primary goal is to see the critically endangered Perrier’s Sifaka. This is one of the world’s few black lemur species. Other notable species include the Crowned Lemur, Ankarana Sportive Lemur and Milano Sportive Lemur, as well as the Bamboo Lemur. Guests choosing this excursion over Daraina need to be relatively fit and passionate about the environment.

The duration of the entire excursion is about 3.5 hours with approximately 60 minutes flying time. It is best to leave in the early morning.

Daraina

Daraina’s forests are a treasure trove of biodiversity. From the air, lush green canopies stretch endlessly, sheltering rare wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Set out with an experienced terrestrial guide on a short nature walk exploring this protected area with local rangers searching for Golden Crowned Sifaka, a critically endangered species found here and nowhere else. You can also spot the Crowned Lemur and Ankarana Sportive Lemur as well as beautiful grey bark Baobab trees.

The duration of this excursion is about 2.5 hours with approximately 50 minutes flying time. It is best to leave early morning. A low – moderate fitness level.

Ankarana

Ankarana National Park is a striking landscape of extraordinary spiny limestone pinnacles called ‘Tsingy’ (meaning ‘walking on tiptoe’). As well as its extensive underground network of caves and rivers, some of which contain fruit bats and crocodiles. Land at Ankarana Lodge and take a 4×4 transfer to the National Park for a guided hike. Lemurs (Crowned and Ankarana Sportive), chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos can be found in Ankarana’s dry, deciduous forests. This is a region of extremely high biodiversity, fossils and fascinating human history. Guests need to be fit and interested in ecology in order to get the most from this visit.

The best time of year for this helicopter excursion is mid March to December. The excursion is approximately 5 hours so it is best to leave early. You will be flying for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You need a moderate to high level of fitness.

Baobabs

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the baobabs on a scenic helicopter adventure at Miavana, a place where these iconic trees still thrive in abundance. Native to Madagascar, these ancient and majestic baobabs are a sight to behold. The baobabs’ existence is threatened by habitat loss, making this experience all the more special. The scenic flight provides you with a front row seat to the stunning natural beauty of the baobabs, highlighting their grandeur and significance. The flight includes a refreshment stop at a scenic location overlooking the baobabs. Here, you can relax and enjoy some refreshments while taking in the natural beauty around you.

The approx. flying time is about 60 minutes. The recommended departure time is 7 am / 3.30 pm.

Scenic Sundowners

Land on a secluded ridge on the mainland only reachable by helicopter and savor the remarkable views across the archipelago to Miavana in complete privacy. Sit back and relax enjoying your drinks and snacks, then as the skies start to turn pink, head back to your private island hideaway on Miavana.

Dining at Miavana by Time + Tide

Every day the island’s culinary team creates exquisite dishes that bring together the finest local ingredients with world class skill. Miavana aims to tread lightly and showcase nature’s masterpieces in a sophisticated yet simple, sustainable way. Created to savor the seasons and delight the palette, every meal is a celebration of Madagascar’s very best. From mouth watering mangoes and luscious limes to punchy pink peppercorns and aromatic vanilla pods, you can explore this unique destination through its vibrant flavors. Refined local specialties range from Mangrove crab and Yellow fin Tuna to Madagascan Rova caviar and Zebu milk buffalo mozzarella. You will be surprised by what you will find in such a remote location.

Miavana’s food provides a sense of place and at the same time, the unbelievable island setting seems to enhance the flavors on your plate. Whether its a sunset setup on a secluded beach, a champagne toast atop a lighthouse, or a private dinner under a sky full of stars. Every detail is thoughtfully tailored to create moments as rare and special as the island itself.

The best time to visit Miavana

Miavana has two distinct seasons. The warm months from mid November to April (summer) and the cooler months from May to mid-November (winter).

During the summer months, the days are warm, with the potential for light rain, which falls mainly overnight. This season is the best season for scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling and watching sea turtles nest.

During the winter months, the temperatures are very comfortable, and the seasonal south-easterly winds set in, making this the season to take to the waters for a thrilling kite surfing experience or a leisurely surf ski around the island. Whales visit from July to September too, making it an extra special time on the island.

How to get to Miavana by Time + Tide?

A helicopter transfer can be enjoyed from either Diego Suarez (30 minutes) or Nosy Be (1 hour). To get to Diego Suarez or Nosy Be, you will fly from Antanarivo. A few airlines also fly direct to Nosy Be (Airlink and Ethiopian Airlines for example).

Miavana by Time + Tide Accommodation Rates

No increase for 2027!

Children up to 13 years old, stay free. From 14 – 17 years pay $1850 in 2026 per night.

Rates include:
Accommodation, all meals, selected premium wines and champagnes, top shelf spirits & bar drinks and laundry.
Plus the following activities:
Guided lemur walks,
Forest walks,
Scuba diving around Miavana,
Resort diving lessons which include a discover scuba dive lesson, bubble maker or refresher course,
Snorkeling,
Boat cruises,
Island cultural visits,
Shore based fishing, half day fishing trips,
Surf ski, water skiing, standup paddle boarding, wake boarding,
Introductory kite surfing lessons,
A 20 minute welcome spa treatment per person,
Daily group yoga classes, bicycling, quad biking and the use of an electric buggy per villa.

Rates exclude:
Conservation levies
Reserve list wines & champagnes,
Flights, helicopter transfers, helicopter adventures,
Meet and Greet services at arrival and departure airports,
Full day deep sea fishing, PADI qualifications, spa treatments and private yoga classes,
Visas,
Boutique purchases, gratuities and personal expenses.

Miavana by Time + Tide Accommodation Special Offers

All offers are valid year round except during the festive season (except Jet Set Safari). The festive season is 15th December – 15th January.

Stay 5 nights or more

Book a minimum of 5 nights at Miavana by Time + Tide and receive complimentary return helicopter transfers from Diego Suarez / Nosy Be to Miavana.

Stay 7, pay 5

Book a minimum of 7 nights at Miavana by Time + Tide and not only get the return helicopter flights but also receive 2 nights complimentary.

Jet Set Safari

Combine your Zambian safari (5 nights) with the beach at Miavana by Time + Tide (5 nights) and receive 2 nights complimentary. For stays at Miavana, you also get complimentary return helicopter transfers from Diego Suarez / Nosy Be.
Valid: Year round.

These are:
Madagascar: Miavana by Time + Tide or Tsara Komba Lodge.
Lower Zambezi, Zambia: Chongwe Camp (including Suites and Chongwe House).
South Luangwa, Zambia: Time + Tide Chinzombo, Mchenja, Kakuli, Nsolo, Luwi.

Miavana by Time + Tide Madagascar Honeymoon

Miavana creates a setting where the beginning of married life feels intimate, unspoiled, and truly unforgettable.
Stay a minimum of 5 nights within 6 months of your wedding and receive 50% off your partner’s accommodation. Plus, complimentary return helicopter transfer from Diego Suarez / Nosy Be to Miavana.

We will be adding more Madagascar beach hotels soon. In the meantime, feel free to contact us with your dates so we can offer others.