Nosy Iranja Day Tour from Nosy Be

Nosy Iranja, the twin islands of northwest Madagascar

Nosy Iranja lies in the Mozambique Channel south-west of Nosy Be and is made of two islets: the larger Nosy Iranja Be, with its fishing village and wooded hill, and the smaller Nosy Iranja Kely. Between them runs a strip of powder-white sand that appears as the tide drops, so you can walk from one island to the other with clear water on both sides. The beaches are also known as a nesting place for sea turtles, which is why the island is looked after with care.

A Nosy Iranja tour is mostly about the sea and the sand: there are no roads, no traffic and very little to do but swim, wander and take photos. Many travellers ask whether Nosy Iranja is worth visiting on a short stay in Nosy Be; for a single beach day with postcard scenery and a calm, unhurried rhythm, it is the excursion most people remember.

The speedboat crossing from Nosy Be

The day starts with a short drive of about 30 minutes to the boat, then roughly an hour and a half by speedboat. The route crosses open, often glassy water off the west coast of Madagascar, with small islands, fishing canoes and the outline of the mainland mountains along the way. On calm mornings it is common to see flying fish, and the colour of the water changes from deep blue to bright turquoise as you near the island.

This crossing is also the answer to how to get to Nosy Iranja: it is reachable only by boat, and a day trip from Nosy Be is the simplest way to go. Because the sea can be choppy in the afternoon, the timing of this tour is planned to leave in the morning and return before the wind rises. Our guide gives you a short safety briefing and the boat carries life jackets.

The white sand strip and the turquoise water

The famous sand strip is the heart of the day. Depending on the tide it can be a wide walkway of firm sand or a narrow ribbon with the sea lapping at both edges, and it is the spot for the classic Nosy Iranja photo. The water around the islets is shallow near the shore, warm all year and so clear that you can see small fish and the rippled sand below your feet.

You have about four hours on the island, which leaves time to swim, rest in the shade of the trees and walk the length of the beach. Bring a mask if you have one, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, because there is little shade on the sand itself. The best time to visit Nosy Iranja is the dry season, roughly from April to November, when the sea is calmest and the sky is most often clear.

Lunch in the fishermen's village

Lunch is served in the village on Nosy Iranja Be, where a small community lives from fishing. Expect a simple island meal with fresh local flavours, typically fish or seafood with rice and tropical fruit, served with soft drinks and water. Eating here gives you a glimpse of everyday island life, with wooden outrigger canoes pulled up on the beach and children playing under the palms.

After lunch there is still time for another swim before the boat leaves for Nosy Be. Please treat the village with respect: ask before photographing people, keep the beaches clean and avoid disturbing any turtle nests you may see marked on the sand. This mix of nature and local life is what makes a Nosy Iranja excursion more than a beach stop.