Nosy Be is located ten kilometers off the northwest coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The “big island” of volcanic origin is only a few hours by plane from Europe, regular ship and air traffic also exists to Antanarivo, the capital of Madagascar. The only 325 km ² large island is well developed and yet far away from mass tourism: markets, restaurants and modern shops in the bustling island capital Andadoany also called “Hell Ville” – hotels complement western standards and diverse sports facilities on land and sea with a rural-African flair, fascinating natural treasures and dreamlike palm beaches to the proverbial holiday paradise.
On Nosy Be, the year-round temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Even in the dry season, the rain is not completely out, which is reflected in the lush green vegetation:
Also worth seeing is the Andradroatra waterfall near the fishing village of Ambataloaka: Hidden in a jungle of lianas and mosses, the water plunges over rocks 50 meters into the depths and forms a natural, crystal clear “swimming pool”.
With pleasant water temperatures and a colorful underwater world, Nosy Be offers ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling. thrills promises the exploration of a 20-meter deep shipwreck, the offshore reefs bribe with their variety of corals, snails and shells. Numerous other diving schools, where French is often spoken as well as English are scattered around the island. Each of the popular, but not overcrowded dive sites has its individual appeal, at “Shark Point” and “Manta Point” encounters with whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays are very common.
Beautiful dive sites surround the offshore islands around Nosy Be. The uninhabited island Nosy Tanikely is protected as a marine national park and can be reached by boat in thirty minutes. Colorful coral gardens reach almost to the white sandy beach, in the dazzling underwater world fish, giant perches and sea turtles pass between the impressive shoals of fish. After extensive diving and snorkeling, a walk along the beach to the lighthouse is the crowning glory of the day.
Nosy Komba, the “lemur island”, is famous for its tame moors and the 600 meter towering volcano Antaninaomby, which overlooks the island and the ocean. Dives are possible from the boat or from the beach: Shallow water and hardly any current make it easy for beginners to experience the magnificent reef fish very close.
The small neighboring island of Nosy Sakatia is also known as an Eldorado for divers and snorkeling, a little further away the charming underwater worlds of Nosy Mitsio and Nosy Iranja await their discovery. A special natural spectacle can be observed from August to December: the passing of the humpback whales on the coasts of Madagascar and Nosy Be remains unforgettable!
