Escape to Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha), a tropical island off Madagascar’s east coast where pirate history meets palm-fringed beaches and turquoise water with this Sainte Marie Island Escape tour. Over six relaxed days, you explore the island’s pirate past at the Pirates’ Cemetery and the Ile aux Forbans, cross by pirogue to the car-free Ile aux Nattes, and walk through spice-scented villages and mangroves to discover local life. Depending on the season, you also go whale watching (July to September) or snorkel and kayak around the reefs and bays, with plenty of time left to relax on the beach.
Highlights:
- Kayaking through mangroves
- Pirates’ Cemetery and Ile aux Forbans
- Ile aux Nattes beaches and snorkelling
- Humpback whale watching (July to September)
- Spice and village walk (vanilla, cloves, cinnamon)
Quick facts:
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Start / End: Sainte Marie Island
- Difficulty: Easy
| DURATION |
6 Days |
| DEPARTURE TIME |
Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. |
| INCLUDED |
| Private -Air conditional vehicle |
All activity mentioned |
| Fuel and driver accomondationEntrance Fee & local guide |
Tour Guide Fee |
| Midrange Hotel in B&B |
All Tax -Parking |
|
| NOT INCLUDED |
| Personal purchases(drink,meals) |
|
| Visa, Assurance |
Hotel and activity in Nosy Be |
|
Day 1: Arrival on Sainte Marie & Ambodifotatra
Arrive on Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha), usually by flight from Antananarivo, and meet your guide at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and settle in, then take a relaxed afternoon walk through Ambodifotatra, the island’s main town. Visit the old Catholic church built in the 19th century, one of the oldest in Madagascar, and stroll along the harbour and the small market. Dinner at a local restaurant, with a first taste of fresh seafood and island flavours. Overnight in Ambodifotatra or at a beach hotel.
Day 2: Pirates’ Cemetery & Island History
Today is dedicated to the island’s pirate past. Visit the Pirates’ Cemetery (Cimetière des Pirates), where weathered tombstones carved with skulls and crossbones recall the 17th and 18th century pirates who made Sainte Marie their base. Continue to the Ile aux Forbans, a small island once used as a pirate hideout, and learn about the stories of these sea adventurers from your guide. After a seafood lunch by the beach, spend the afternoon at leisure, swimming or relaxing. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Ile aux Nattes
After breakfast, head to the southern tip of Sainte Marie and cross by pirogue to Ile aux Nattes (Nosy Nato), a tiny car-free island known for its white sand beaches and calm turquoise water. Walk around the island on sandy paths through coconut palms and small villages, stopping for snorkelling or swimming along the way. Enjoy a beachfront lunch of grilled fish and fresh fruit. Return to Sainte Marie in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Nature Walk, Spices & Village Life
Spend the morning exploring the island’s lush interior on a guided walk through forests, mangroves and villages. Your guide introduces you to local spices and crops such as vanilla, cloves, cinnamon and ylang-ylang, and you can see how they are harvested and prepared. Visit a village to meet residents and learn about daily life on the island, including fishing and traditional crafts. Lunch in a local restaurant, then free time in the afternoon to relax on the beach or rent a bicycle to explore at your own pace. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Whale Watching or Snorkelling & Kayak Excursion
If you travel between July and September, spend the morning on a boat excursion to watch humpback whales, who come to the calm waters around Sainte Marie to breed and raise their calves. Outside whale season, enjoy a snorkelling trip around the coral reefs or a kayak excursion through the mangroves and bays instead. In the afternoon, relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches or enjoy a sunset walk. Farewell dinner with local specialities.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some last moments on the beach or a last visit to the market for souvenirs such as vanilla, spices and handicrafts. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.
