With 5,000 kilometers of coast, many people go to Madagascar for their incredible beaches and islands. Plus all the activities that come along with that. Such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. There are also the usual beach holiday sports like kayaking, kite and windsurfing. The crystal clear waters make it a perfect holiday destination.
Many of the beach resorts have access to forests to also get to see some of Madagascar’s unique wildlife, especially lemurs. So you get both experiences without the extra travel time and frustration.
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Beaches and Islands of Madagascar
Nosy Be
Nosy Be is Madagascar’s most important holiday resort. An island surrounded by smaller islands lying off the northwest coast, it is one hour by air from the capital. Nosy Be means ‘big island’ in Malagasy although it only covers an area of about 300km². The main town of Nosy Be is Andoany, formerly known as Hell-Ville.
Nosy Be offers plenty of water based activities plus excellent seafood and idyllic scenery. Fringed with ylang-ylang and vanilla plantations (Madagascar is the world’s largest producer).
Temperatures are pleasant. Although in the summer (December – February); the night rains combine with the day’s heat which results in heavy humidity. Water conditions around Nosy Be are fantastic, with very calm water, virtually no shore break, and extremely high visibility. Large bays, headlands, rocky outcrops, and small islands, many of which are uninhabited, characterize this area. It is an ideal introduction for a new saltwater fisherman; as well as a paradise for the more experienced; due to the sheltered and calm water conditions.
Iranja Island
Iranja Island consists of two islands connected by a 1500m sandbank which you can walk across at low tide.
The northern island; Nosy Iranja Be, is home to a delightful lighthouse designed by Gustav Eiffel. And a small, traditional African fishing village.
The smaller southern island; Nosy Iranja, is an important breeding reserve for the hawksbill turtle. Who come to the island to lay their eggs in the soft, warm sand.
The idyllic white beaches of both the islands offer fantastic snorkeling, diving, and swimming. With their turquoise waters and pristine coral reefs. Giant manta rays and whale sharks frequent these waters. A close encounter with one of them is one of the most exhilarating marine experiences you can hope for! The bird life is diverse and the lush tropical islands are covered with coconut palms, tropical flowers, and huge coconut crabs.
Sainte Marie Island
Ile Ste-Marie (Nosy Boraha) is an island that lies off the northeast coast of Madagascar. Directly translated it is St. Mary’s Island. It is approximately 60km long and less than 10km wide. The main town is Ambodifotatra.
The island is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and coral reefs. Making it an ideal romantic honeymoon or getaway.
In August, the channel between St Marie Island and Madagascar is a hot spot for whale watching. In particular humpback whales who migrate from the Antarctic to this idyllic breeding place.
There are several historic sites, including Madagascar’s oldest Catholic church (1837).
Sakatia Island
Sakatia Island is a tropical paradise near Nosy Be. With no roads or motor vehicles; there are many footpaths to explore the beauty of the island. Sakatia Island is surrounded by spectacular coral reefs therefore diving and snorkeling are awesome.
Taolanaro
Taolanaro (formerly Fort Dauphin), is in the southeast corner of the island. It has a backdrop of green mountains flowing into the blue sea. Climb to the top (529 meters) to see this magnificent view of the city and the surrounding islands.
The city and surrounding area are famous for seafood and orchids. And carnivorous pitcher plants at Berenty’s Reserve! Fort Dauphin has many historical sites and is also the lobster capital of Madagascar.
Toliara
Toliara is a provincial capital on the southwest coast. It has excellent bathing beaches. And opportunities for skin diving, fishing, sailing, and other water sports. The weather is warm all year round and sometimes there is no rain at all.
Fishing in Madagascar
For all those avid fishermen and women, Madagascar offers the best conditions and great catches. Charter a fishing yacht or stay in the lodges and enjoy daily outings.
The main places for organizing deep sea fishing excursions are Morondava, Nosy Be, Radama Islands, and Ile Sainte Marie. Most of the local game fish species are found in abundance; on the northwest coast. These include sailfish, marlin, giant trevally, dorado, king mackerel, barracuda, wahoo, and Dogtooth tuna, amongst others. Reef and bottom fishing are equally good.
April through to July/August seems to be peak sailfish time. With approximately 100 fish a day remaining near the surface. It is a sight to behold. These sailfish are quite big; many of them weighing over 100 lbs. There is also abundant marlin, mostly black. Fishing overall hits its peak between June and November. December through March is the rainy season. With heavy tropical rain that mainly falls at night. Leaving the days clear. The fishing declines somewhat during the rainy season, but you’ll still get plenty of action in the water.
Madagascar Beaches and Islands Accommodation
Madagascar has a wide range of beach and island accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. We are still adding more of these so please click on the ‘Get Quote Now’ button to get a quote on your chosen hotel/island.
