Nosy Be
Plan Nosy Be with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Early morning on the beach at Ambatoloaka, the tide is out and the sand is cool underfoot. Fishermen pull wooden outrigger canoes onto the shore with the night's catch, small boats bob at anchor ready to carry visitors to the islands, and across the calm water the green hump of Nosy Sakatia and the distant shape of Nosy Komba catch the soft gold light. The air smells of salt, woodsmoke and, faintly, the sweet blossom of ylang-ylang.
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Nosy Be Day Tours
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Nosy Be at first sight
Nosy Be, the big island in Malagasy, lies a few kilometres off the north-west coast of Madagascar in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. Its gentle hills are covered with plantations of ylang-ylang, sugar cane and pepper, crater lakes shine below Mont Passot, and its south-eastern tip still holds the original rainforest of Lokobe. Around it lies a scatter of small islands with coral reefs, turtles and white sand, making Nosy Be the natural base for days on the water.
Why include Nosy Be in your itinerary?
- Islands and reefs within easy reach. Nosy Iranja, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba lie a short boat ride away, each with clear water, coral and its own quiet beaches.
- Madagascar's wildlife in a single morning. In Lokobe National Park, black lemurs, panther chameleons and tiny leaf chameleons live in the forest a canoe ride from the shore.
- Slow, warm island life. Fishing villages, spice and ylang-ylang plantations, sunsets over the sea and a relaxed pace make Nosy Be a gentle introduction to Madagascar.
Signature experiences in Nosy Be
Nosy Iranja and its Sandbank
Nosy Iranja lies around an hour and a half by boat south-west of Nosy Be and is really two islets, a larger one with a small fishing village and a lighthouse, and a smaller one fringed with white sand. At low tide a sandbank about a kilometre long emerges to link them, so you can walk across the sea between turquoise shallows. Hawksbill and green turtles nest on these beaches, and the day usually combines swimming, snorkelling and a seafood lunch on the shore.
Snorkelling with Turtles off Nosy Sakatia
Nosy Sakatia is a small, green island just off the west coast of Nosy Be, a short boat ride from Ambatoloaka. In the clear water around it, seagrass meadows attract green turtles that graze calmly on the seabed and rise to breathe at the surface, often within easy sight of snorkellers. Guides choose the best spots for the tide, provide masks and fins and brief you on how to watch the turtles without disturbing them.
Lokobe National Park
Lokobe protects the last large stretch of Nosy Be's original rainforest on the island's south-eastern peninsula. Visits usually begin at the village of Ambatozavavy, where a wooden outrigger canoe carries you along the coast to the forest edge. A local guide then leads a gentle walk to find black lemurs, whose males are black and females chestnut brown, panther chameleons in bright colours, tiny leaf chameleons, boas and frogs, often followed by a simple meal in the village.
Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba
Nosy Tanikely is a tiny protected island south of Nosy Be whose marine reserve has some of the best snorkelling in the area, with coral gardens, reef fish and turtles close to the beach, and a short path to a lighthouse with views over the sea. Nearby Nosy Komba is a hilly island where villagers sell embroidered tablecloths and wood carvings, and black lemurs come close to the paths around the village of Ampangorinana.
Mont Passot, Hell-Ville and the Plantations
Mont Passot is the highest point on Nosy Be, a hill with wide views over crater lakes and the islands of the north-west, best visited for sunset. Hell-Ville, also called Andoany, is the main town, with a lively covered market of spices, vanilla and fruit, colonial buildings and the busy port. On the way, plantations of ylang-ylang, sugar cane and pepper show the island's farming life, and our team on WhatsApp helps you plan a relaxed island tour.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Nosy Be
Ambatoloaka and Madirokely
On the south-west coast, the fishing village of Ambatoloaka and neighbouring Madirokely form the island's liveliest beach area, with hotels, guesthouses, cafés and seafood restaurants along the sand. Most boat trips to Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Iranja leave from here, making it the most practical base for first-time visitors.
Andilana and the North-West
Andilana, at the north-western tip of the island, has one of Nosy Be's most beautiful beaches, a long sweep of white sand with calm, clear water and spectacular sunsets. It is quieter than Ambatoloaka, with resort hotels and space to relax, about forty-five minutes from the airport and well suited to families and couples.
The West Coast Beaches
Between Ambatoloaka and Andilana, the west coast around Ampasipohy and Djamandjary is lined with small bays, boutique lodges and peaceful beaches facing Nosy Sakatia. It suits travellers who want calm and sea views, with easy boat access to Sakatia's turtles and a short drive to restaurants in Ambatoloaka.
Hell-Ville and the South-East
Hell-Ville, the island's main town, has the market, banks, shops and the port for boats to the mainland at Ankify, but only a few simple hotels. Further east, near Ambatozavavy and the edge of Lokobe, a handful of secluded eco-lodges sit by the forest and the sea, ideal for nature lovers who want quiet nights close to the lemurs.
How long to stay in Nosy Be and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend four to six nights on Nosy Be. One day for the boat trip to Nosy Iranja and its sandbank, a second for snorkelling with turtles off Nosy Sakatia or at Nosy Tanikely, a third for Lokobe National Park and its lemurs, and time for Nosy Komba, Hell-Ville and sunset at Mont Passot. Add a rest day between boat days for a slower pace.
How to pair it
Nosy Be pairs naturally with the far north of Madagascar, reached by boat to Ankify and then by road: Ambanja and the cocoa plantations of the Sambirano valley, the limestone pinnacles and caves of Ankarana and the harbour town of Antsiranana. Antananarivo, a short flight away, leads to the rainforest of Andasibe and its indri lemurs. Our team arranges private transfers and connections between them.
Best time to visit Nosy Be and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Nosy Be is May to October, the dry season, with sunny days, calm seas and good snorkelling, while humpback whales pass offshore from about July to September. April and November are quieter and still pleasant, with whale sharks often seen late in the year. December to March brings heavy rain, heat and the cyclone season, when boat trips can be cancelled.
The daily rhythm
Nosy Be runs on island time. Boats leave in the morning when the sea is calmest, returning in the afternoon after lunch on a beach. The hottest hours are for shade, swimming and rest, and late afternoon brings walks on the sand and the drive up Mont Passot for sunset. Evenings are quiet and simple, with grilled seafood by the water and early nights before the next day's trip.
On-the-ground logistics in Nosy Be
Arrival
Nosy Be airport (NOS) lies in the centre of the island, about twenty to thirty minutes by road from Ambatoloaka and around forty-five minutes from Andilana. It has flights from Antananarivo (TNR) of about one and a half to two hours and some international routes, while boats link Hell-Ville with Ankify on the mainland. We arrange private transfers that meet you at arrivals and drive you directly to your hotel.
Getting around
Nosy Be has a main road that circles much of the island, served by small taxis and tuk-tuks, but distances are bigger than they look and some tracks are rough. Ambatoloaka is easy to explore on foot. Boats are the way to reach the surrounding islands, and trips are best booked with licensed operators. For airport arrivals and island tours, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable choice.
Local etiquette tip
The people of Nosy Be are warm, gentle and courteous, and a greeting of salama or bonjour is always welcome. Dress modestly in villages and in Hell-Ville, keeping swimwear for the beach. Ask before photographing people, follow your guide's advice on local fady taboos, and never touch or feed lemurs. Keep your distance from turtles while snorkelling. Tipping guides, boat crews and drivers is customary and appreciated.
Must-do things in Nosy Be
- Walk across the sandbank of Nosy Iranja at low tide
- Snorkel with green turtles off Nosy Sakatia
- Ride a wooden canoe to the forest of Lokobe
- Spot black lemurs and panther chameleons
- Snorkel the marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely
- Buy embroidery from the villagers of Nosy Komba
- Watch the sunset from Mont Passot
- Browse spices and vanilla in Hell-Ville market
- Swim at the white beach of Andilana
- Taste fresh prawns with vanilla sauce by the sea
Do’s and don’ts in Nosy Be
Do
- Do use reef-safe sunscreen on boat days
- Do carry ariary in small notes
- Do bring insect repellent for the forest
- Do book boat trips with licensed operators
- Do keep a rest day between island trips
Don’t
- Don't touch or feed the lemurs
- Don't chase or touch turtles while snorkelling
- Don't buy shells, coral or turtle products
- Don't wear swimwear in Hell-Ville or villages
- Don't drink unfiltered tap water
Nosy Be at a glance
Plan Nosy Be with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Nosy Be.
Where should I stay in Nosy Be?
Most visitors stay in Ambatoloaka or Madirokely on the south-west coast, close to restaurants and to the boats for Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Iranja. Andilana in the north-west offers a quieter resort atmosphere and a beautiful beach, while the west coast and the edge of Lokobe suit those seeking calm and nature. Our team suggests the best area for your plans and arranges your private transfer from the airport.
Is Nosy Be worth visiting?
Yes. Nosy Be combines warm, clear water, coral reefs and turtles with Madagascar's famous wildlife, from black lemurs to tiny chameleons, all within a short boat ride or drive. It is relaxed, welcoming and easier to explore than much of the mainland, making it an ideal first taste of Madagascar or a peaceful end to a longer journey.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Nosy Be?
Dress is casual and light for the heat, but modest in Hell-Ville and the villages, with swimwear kept for the beach and boats. Greet people with a smile, ask before photographing them and follow your guide's advice on local fady taboos, which can forbid certain foods or actions in some places. Respect wildlife by keeping your distance from lemurs and turtles.
Is Nosy Be suitable for families and Muslim travellers?
Yes. Nosy Be is calm and family-friendly, with gentle beaches, boat trips, snorkelling with turtles and easy forest walks to see lemurs. The island has a long-established Muslim community, with mosques in Hell-Ville and some halal butchers and small eateries, though halal food is not available everywhere; seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy, and our team can advise.
Is it safe to travel to Nosy Be now?
Nosy Be is generally considered a relaxed and welcoming island for travellers. Take normal care with belongings, avoid walking alone on empty roads at night, use licensed boat operators and follow guides' safety advice on the water. Ask your doctor about malaria prevention before you travel. Check your own government's official travel advice before departure, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Nosy Be?
The must-do things in Nosy Be include a boat trip to Nosy Iranja and its sandbank, snorkelling with turtles off Nosy Sakatia, the lemurs and chameleons of Lokobe National Park, the marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely, the craft village on Nosy Komba, sunset at Mont Passot and the market of Hell-Ville. Our tours combine these in the best order and timing.
How many days do you need in Nosy Be?
Four to six days is ideal for Nosy Be: one for Nosy Iranja, one for snorkelling at Nosy Sakatia or Nosy Tanikely, one for Lokobe National Park, and one or two for Nosy Komba, beaches and sunsets. Three full days cover the highlights at a quicker pace, while a week allows rest days between boat trips.
What can I book in Nosy Be with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, including Lokobe National Park Tour from Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja Day Tour from Nosy Be and Nosy Sakatia Snorkel Cruise with Giant Turtles from Nosy Be. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Nosy Be?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Nosy Be?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Nosy Be?
Among them: Lokobe National Park Tour from Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja Day Tour from Nosy Be and Nosy Sakatia Snorkel Cruise with Giant Turtles from Nosy Be. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Nosy Be?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.