Nosy Be
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Tips
9 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Island's highest viewpoint with sunset views over crater lakes.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Hire a taxi or scooter
- Bring a camera
📷 Photos
- 2
Last primary forest on the island with black lemurs and chameleons.
3 tips
- Hire a guide at the entrance
- Reach it by pirogue
- Wear sturdy shoes
📷 Photos
- 3
Lemur Park island with embroidery villages.
3 tips
- Boat from Nosy Be takes about 30 minutes
- Buy local embroidery
- Carry small cash
📷 Photos
- 4
Marine reserve with excellent snorkelling and sea turtles.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring a snorkel
- Pay the reserve entry fee
📷 Photos
- 5
Two islands joined by a white sand bar, a turtle nesting site.
3 tips
- Full-day boat trip
- Take sun protection
- Check tides for the sandbar
📷 Photos
- 6
Small island known for snorkelling with sea turtles.
3 tips
- Go with a local guide
- Respect turtles
- Boat from Ambatoloaka
📷 Photos
- 7
Long white beach on the island's north-west.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best in dry season
- Check beach club prices
- Great sunset spot
📷 Photos
- 8
Lively beach village with bars, restaurants and dive shops.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Base for diving trips
- Bargain for taxis
- Evenings are lively
📷 Photos
- 9
Colourful central market selling spices, vanilla and produce.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Buy vanilla and ylang-ylang oil
- Watch your bag
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Nosy Be tips
Transportation
- Use tuk-tuks for short trips: Tuk-tuks and old taxis are common around Hell-Ville and Ambatoloaka; agree on the fare before you go.
- Rent a scooter carefully: Scooters let you explore the island freely, but roads can be rough, so wear a helmet and avoid night riding.
- Book boat trips for islands: Day trips by boat reach Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Iranja; choose operators with life jackets and good reviews.
Security
- Avoid walking alone at night: Beaches and unlit roads can be unsafe after dark, so take a taxi when returning to your hotel.
- Beware of fake guides: Use registered guides for excursions and do not pay large deposits to people approaching you on the beach.
- Take malaria precautions: Use insect repellent, sleep under nets and consult a doctor about prophylaxis before travel.
Saving
- Pay in ariary: Local currency usually gets better prices than euros; withdraw from ATMs in Hell-Ville before heading to remote areas.
- Eat at local gargottes: Small roadside eateries serve rice with zebu, fish or chicken for far less than resort restaurants.
- Share excursions: Join group boat tours or share a pirogue with other travellers to split the cost of island trips.
Weather/Clothing
- Pick the dry season: April to November is the best time with sunny days and calmer seas; pack light, breathable clothing.
- Expect heavy rain in summer: December to March brings heat, humidity, heavy rain and cyclone risk, so pack a rain jacket.
- Protect against the sun: The tropical sun is intense, so bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for boat trips.
Cultural
- Learn some Malagasy and French: A few words like salama for hello and misaotra for thank you are warmly received.
- Respect fady taboos: Malagasy communities observe local taboos called fady; ask guides before entering sacred sites or touching objects.
- Try local food: Look for romazava stew, fresh seafood with coconut sauce and ylang-ylang scented products sold across the island.
Local Hacks
- Watch the sunset from Mont Passot: The island's highest point offers sweeping views over crater lakes and the sea at dusk.
- Snorkel at Nosy Tanikely: This marine reserve has clear water and sea turtles; bring your own mask for better fit and hygiene.
- Visit Lokobe early: The Lokobe reserve is best explored in the morning by pirogue and on foot to spot lemurs and chameleons.
1-day itineraries in Nosy Be
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.