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Madagascar · The Eighth Continent

Nosy Be & the Northern Islands

Barefoot Days on Turquoise Water

Madagascar's fragrant 'big island' and its scattered northern jewels — white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, coral reefs alive with colour, seasonal whale sharks, ylang-ylang plantations and the lemur sanctuary of Nosy Komba, all reached by pirogue under an endless Indian-Ocean sky.

Best timeApr – DecWildlifeWhale sharks, turtles, lemursThe parkNosy Be & northern archipelagoJourneys from$3,450 pp
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Our Luxury Journeys

Multi-Day Madagascar Safaris

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — hand-crafted island journeys that weave rainforest, baobab avenue, stone forest, sculpted canyon and Indian-Ocean coast into one seamless adventure. Expert Malagasy guides, characterful lodges and every internal flight and transfer arranged around you.

Ultra-Luxury
14 Days · 13 Nights

Ultimate Madagascar: Lemurs, Tsingy & Indian Ocean

Fourteen Days Across the Eighth Continent — Rainforest, Stone Forest, Baobabs and Beach

From$9,500ppView Details
High-End Luxury
9 Days · 8 Nights

Anjajavy & Nosy Be Beach Escape

Nine Days of Baobab-Fringed Wilderness and Indian Ocean Barefoot Luxury

From$6,800ppView Details
Luxury
8 Days · 7 Nights

Lemurs & Baobabs of Madagascar

Eight Days Among Ancient Baobabs and the Island's Legendary Lemurs

From$3,950ppView Details
Value Luxury
7 Days · 6 Nights

Madagascar Rainforest & Highlands

Seven Days Through Ranomafana's Rainforest and the Sandstone Canyons of Isalo

From$3,450ppView Details
The Beyond Africa Difference

We don't just book you a beach. We give you the whole ocean.

After the forests and the stone, Madagascar saves its most blissful chapter for last. Nosy Be — 'the big island' — lies off the northwest coast in a warm, translucent sea, fringed with white-sand beaches, scented with the ylang-ylang blossom that perfumes the whole island, and ringed by coral reefs teeming with life. All around it drifts an archipelago of smaller jewels, each with its own character: the untouched sandbars and snorkelling of Nosy Iranja and Nosy Tanikely, the lemur sanctuary and pottery villages of Nosy Komba, the rainforest of Lokobe where the black lemur lives, and, in season, the astonishing gentle giants of the sea — whale sharks that gather offshore from September to December. Days here are spent barefoot: sailing pirogues between islands, snorkelling coral gardens, feasting on just-caught seafood and watching the sun sink into the Mozambique Channel. It is the perfect, laid-back finale to a Madagascar journey — and an unforgettable honeymoon in its own right.

Seasonal whale sharksBarefoot private islandsCoral reefs & turtlesBlack lemurs of Nosy Komba
Destination overview

Why Visit Nosy Be & the Northern Islands

The blissful, barefoot finale to a Madagascar journey — turquoise lagoons, pristine reefs, gentle whale sharks and island lemurs, under an endless Indian-Ocean sky.

  • White-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons on Nosy Be and its islands
  • Swim with seasonal whale sharks offshore (September – December)
  • Snorkelling and diving the coral gardens of Nosy Tanikely marine reserve
  • Pirogue island-hopping to Nosy Iranja's sandbar and Nosy Komba's lemurs
  • The rainforest of Lokobe — home of the endemic black lemur
  • Ylang-ylang plantations, sunset dhows and just-caught seafood
The wildlife

The Marine & Island Wildlife

Whale Shark

The largest fish on Earth gathers offshore Sept–Dec — gentle and utterly harmless

Endemic

Black Lemur

Habituated on Nosy Komba and wild in the Lokobe rainforest

Green Sea Turtle

Grazes the coral gardens of Nosy Tanikely and nests on Nosy Iranja

Endemic

Panther Chameleon

Vivid reptiles of the Lokobe rainforest on Nosy Be's tip

Reef Fish & Coral

Clouds of colour in the protected marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define Nosy Be

From swimming beside a whale shark to snorkelling the Tanikely reef and meeting the lemurs of Nosy Komba — the encounters that make the northern islands unforgettable.

Full day (in season)

Swimming with Whale Sharks

From September to December the waters off Nosy Be fill with plankton, and the ocean's gentlest giants arrive to feed. To slip into the blue beside a whale shark — the largest fish on Earth, and utterly harmless — as it glides serenely past is a humbling, joyful encounter few travellers ever forget. We go with responsible, licensed operators who put the animals first, on a private boat timed for the best conditions.

  • Private boat & crew
  • Licensed responsible guides
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Lunch & refreshments
Enquire with a Concierge
Full day

Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

A short sail from Nosy Be, the marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely is a snorkeller's paradise — a protected island ringed by coral gardens where turtles graze, clouds of reef fish shimmer and the water is warm and impossibly clear. We anchor off the beach, snorkel or dive the reef with a guide, then picnic on the sand beneath the lighthouse. It is the perfect barefoot island day.

  • Private boat & crew
  • Snorkel or dive guide
  • Reserve fees
  • Beach picnic
Enquire with a Concierge
Half-day

Nosy Komba Lemur Sanctuary

The volcanic island of Nosy Komba rises green from the sea between Nosy Be and the mainland, and its forest shelters habituated black lemurs — the glossy-black males and russet females feeding gently from the hand. A stroll up through the village reveals skilled embroidery and woodcarving, and the warm welcome of an island community. A joyful, easy half-day loved by all ages.

  • Pirogue crossing
  • Guided sanctuary visit
  • Village walk
  • Conservation contribution
Enquire with a Concierge
Full day

Nosy Iranja by Pirogue

Perhaps the most beautiful of the northern islands, Nosy Iranja is two islets joined by a dazzling sandbar that appears at low tide — a ribbon of white sand across turquoise water you can walk between. We sail out by boat, snorkel the reefs, watch for nesting turtles and laze on one of the loveliest beaches in the Indian Ocean. Pure, barefoot island bliss.

  • Private boat & crew
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Beach lunch
  • Guided island time
Enquire with a Concierge
The Signature Moment

Swimming with the Gentle Giants

From September to December the ocean's greatest fish gather off Nosy Be. To slip into the warm blue beside a whale shark — vast, spotted, utterly serene — as it glides past to feed is a humbling, joyful encounter that stays with you forever. It is the crowning moment of a barefoot northern journey.

Seasonal whale sharksResponsible licensed guidesPrivate boatWarm, clear water
Plan This Journey
A Romantic Escape

Barefoot Bliss for Two

For couples, Nosy Be and its islands are among the most romantic places in the Indian Ocean. Beyond Africa pairs barefoot-luxury private-island villas with sunset dhow cruises, candlelit dinners on the sand and days snorkelling turquoise lagoons — the perfect blissful finale to a Madagascar honeymoon.

A Private Island for Two

Wake in a beachfront villa on your own perfect cove, with nothing between you and the turquoise sea.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Sail into a flaming Mozambique-Channel sunset, glass in hand, as the islands turn to silhouette.

Dinner on the Sand

Feast on just-caught seafood by candlelight at the water's edge, the waves a whisper away.

Snorkel a Secret Reef

Drift together over coral gardens alive with turtles and colour, then laze on an empty sandbar.

Plan a Honeymoon Safari
Photo gallery

Nosy Be & the Northern Islands in Pictures

Beach and turquoise water on Nosy Be
Turquoise lagoons off Nosy Be
Coral reef waters near Nosy Be
The reef gardens of Nosy Tanikely
Sandbar and sea near Nosy Be
The white sandbar of Nosy Iranja
Lemur near Nosy Be
Black lemurs on Nosy Komba
Chameleon near Nosy Be
A chameleon in the Lokobe rainforest
Private island beach near Nosy Be
Barefoot-luxury on a private island cove
Beachfront villa near Nosy Be
Beachfront villas over the lagoon
Indian-Ocean sunset near Nosy Be
Sunset over the Mozambique Channel
The perfect multi-centre journey

Pair Nosy Be with an Adventure

The islands are the perfect finale to a bigger journey. Open with the singing rainforest of Andasibe or the baobabs of the west, then fly north to end barefoot on turquoise water — all in one seamless private itinerary.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Open with the singing indri of the eastern rainforest before flying north for barefoot island days.

Avenue of the Baobabs & Morondava

Pair the beaches with the most iconic scene in Madagascar — the thousand-year-old giants at sunset.

Isalo National Park

Trade the ocean for sculpted sandstone canyons and natural pools before your beach finale.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Pair island bliss with a classic Big Five safari across the water — the definitive Africa-and-Madagascar journey.

Nosy Be vs Other Beaches

Why Choose Nosy Be & the North

The northern islands stand apart among Indian-Ocean beach escapes — here's how they compare.

FeatureNosy Be & the NorthOther Beaches
Wildlife at seaSeasonal whale sharks & turtlesRare
IslandsA whole archipelago to exploreSingle resort strips
ReefsProtected marine reservesOften degraded
Land wildlifeIsland & rainforest lemursNone
Pairs withA full Madagascar journeyBeach only
OverallBarefoot Days on Turquoise WaterMore generic
Plan your timing

When to Visit Nosy Be & the Northern Islands

Whale Shark Season

Sep – Dec
★★★★★

The finest window — warm, calm seas, superb snorkelling and diving, and the arrival of the whale sharks offshore

26–31°C, warm & mostly dry

Dry Season

Apr – Aug
★★★★☆

Sunny, dry and beautiful for beaches, island-hopping and reefs, with fresh, comfortable days and lovely light

24–29°C, dry

Green / Wet Season

Jan – Mar
★★☆☆☆

Hot and humid with tropical downpours and some cyclone risk; the islands are lush and quiet but the sea can be rougher

27–33°C, wet & humid

Month-by-Month Guide

Good to know

Useful Nosy Be & the Northern Islands Travel Tips

A few practical notes to make your island days effortless.

Time it for whale sharks

If swimming with whale sharks is a dream, plan for September to December — October and November are the peak. We build your dates around the season.

Bring a reef-safe kit

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest and your own mask if you have one. Protecting the coral keeps these gardens thriving for the future.

Embrace island time

Boat days depend on tides and weather. Build in flexibility, relax into the rhythm of the sea, and let your guides pick the best days for each island.

Save it for last

Nosy Be shines brightest as a finale. Do the wildlife of the interior first, then unwind here — it's the perfect way to end a Madagascar journey.

Hydrate in the heat

The north is warm and humid year-round. Drink plenty of water, wear a hat and take shade in the middle of the day between swims.

Protect your camera at sea

For whale sharks and reefs, a waterproof housing or action camera captures the magic. Keep gear in a dry bag on the boat.

Location & Access

Getting to Nosy Be & the Northern Islands

13.3250° S, 48.2650° E

Nearest Airports

  • Fascene Airport, Nosy Be (NOS)On the island — Direct & domestic flights

Driving Routes

  • Antananarivo1.5 hr flight — Daily scheduled flights
  • InternationalSeasonal direct flights — From select European hubs

Reached by a short scheduled flight from Antananarivo, or by seasonal direct international flights — we handle the flights, the private boat transfers, the island-hopping and every excursion throughout.

Where to stay

Our Hand-Picked Nosy Be & the Northern Islands Lodges

Hand-picked island retreats from a legendary barefoot-luxury private island to stylish beachfront lodges on Nosy Be — all steps from the sand, and perfectly placed for whale sharks, reefs and island-hopping.

★★★★★$$$$

Tsarabanjina

A private-island paradise — barefoot-luxury villas on two perfect coves, ringed by its own coral reef

One of the Indian Ocean's great private-island retreats, Tsarabanjina sits alone in the Mitsio archipelago north of Nosy Be, with elegant beachfront villas strung along two flawless coves of pink-white sand. Days are spent snorkelling the house reef, sailing, diving and dining on just-caught seafood, and the barefoot-luxury service is faultless. For a honeymoon or a grand finale, there are few places on Earth more romantic.

One of the finest private islands in the Indian Ocean

FromR 11,895per person, per night

★★★★★$$$$

Constance Tsarabanjina Beach Villa

Generous beachfront villas opening straight onto the lagoon, with spa days and sunset dinners on the sand

Set right on the water, these spacious beachfront villas open directly onto soft sand and a calm turquoise lagoon, with a spa, watersports and candlelit dinners served on the beach at sunset. Refined yet wonderfully relaxed, it is an idyllic base for barefoot island days and romantic evenings under the northern stars.

A leading beachfront retreat in the north

FromR 10,614per person, per night

★★★★$$$

Nosy Be Ocean Lodge

A stylish boutique beachfront base, perfectly placed for whale sharks, reefs and island-hopping

This intimate boutique lodge on Nosy Be combines comfortable beachfront bungalows with an infinity pool poised over the sea and a kitchen built around the day's catch. It is an ideal base for the region's adventures — whale sharks, the Tanikely reef, Nosy Komba and Nosy Iranja are all easy day trips — with a warm, personal feel and superb Indian-Ocean sunsets.

A boutique favourite on Nosy Be

FromR 4,758per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

The blissful Indian-Ocean finale to a Madagascar journey — gentle whale sharks, pristine reefs, island lemurs and barefoot-luxury retreats on turquoise water.

Swim with whale sharks

the ocean's gentle giants gather offshore from September to December

Barefoot private islands

some of the finest island retreats in the Indian Ocean

Pristine coral reefs

the protected marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely and beyond

Island lemurs

hand-tame black lemurs on Nosy Komba and wild ones in Lokobe

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

Nosy Be & the Northern Islands, Answered

When can I swim with whale sharks off Nosy Be?

Whale shark season runs from around September to December, when plankton blooms bring these gentle giants to the waters off Nosy Be. Sightings are excellent in October and November. We use responsible, licensed operators who follow strict guidelines to protect the animals, on a private boat timed for the calmest conditions and the best encounters.

Is Nosy Be good for snorkelling and diving?

Wonderfully so. The marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely offers superb, easy snorkelling over coral gardens full of turtles and reef fish, and there is excellent diving throughout the archipelago. The reefs around the private islands to the north are especially pristine. We arrange everything from first-time snorkelling to guided dives for the experienced.

What are the best islands to visit?

Nosy Tanikely for its marine reserve, Nosy Komba for its hand-tame black lemurs and craft villages, and Nosy Iranja for its dazzling sandbar and turtle beaches are the classics. The remote Mitsio and Radama archipelagos offer pristine private-island escapes. We tailor the island-hopping to how much time you have and whether you prefer wildlife, reefs or pure beach bliss.

How do I get to Nosy Be?

Nosy Be has its own airport (Fascene, NOS) served by short scheduled flights of about 90 minutes from Antananarivo, as well as seasonal direct international flights from select European hubs. From the airport it is a short transfer to your lodge, and all island excursions are reached by private boat. We handle every flight and transfer.

Is Nosy Be a good honeymoon destination?

It is one of the finest in the Indian Ocean. Barefoot-luxury private islands, beachfront villas opening onto turquoise lagoons, sunset dhow cruises and candlelit dinners on the sand make it deeply romantic. Paired with the wildlife of the interior, it is the perfect way to end a Madagascar honeymoon — wonder first, then blissful beach days for two.

When is the best time to visit?

April to December is ideal, with September to December the prime window for warm, calm seas, superb reefs and the whale sharks. January to March is hotter and wetter with some cyclone risk. For most travellers, the dry season delivers perfect beach weather, and we time your visit around whale sharks or turtles if those are on your wish list.

Can I combine Nosy Be with the rest of Madagascar?

Absolutely — it is the perfect finale. Most journeys open with the rainforest of Andasibe and the wildlife of the interior before flying north for barefoot days on Nosy Be and its islands. We can also pair it with the baobabs of the west or a Big Five safari in southern Africa across the water, all in one seamless private itinerary.

Your journey, your way

Ready to start planning your island escape?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Nosy Be journey around you — whale sharks, the Tanikely reef, the lemurs of Nosy Komba and barefoot days on the sandbars, with every flight, boat transfer and island retreat taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
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