A day ashore full of new discoveries
Discover Madagascar during your cruise
Calling at Madagascar on a cruise and looking to plan your own day ashore? Shore excursions in Madagascar offer opportunities to explore islands and reefs, walk through rainforest or discover everyday life on the east coast.
I plan your excursion with you, whatever your cruise line, around the port, your interests and the time actually available. The ideas below are for a possible call at Nosy Be, Antsiranana or Toamasina. We check which route suits your travel date against your ship’s itinerary.
Starting from Nosy Be
Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely
An island visit to Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is known for its black lemurs. A visit can combine a village walk with a look at local crafts. We choose the stops according to your interests and the time available.
Snorkelling in the marine national park
Around Nosy Tanikely, coral reefs lie close to shore. The protected marine area is a well-known snorkelling destination, where you can look out for tropical fish and other marine life. Sightings of particular animals cannot be guaranteed.
Combine the islands if time allows
Both islands may form part of one excursion if boat transfers, time ashore and the return fit your port call. Weather and sea conditions can influence the choice. If you do not wish to snorkel, please mention this in your enquiry.
Find out more about snorkelling in Madagascar
Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez
Rainforest, Red Tsingy or time at the beach
Montagne d’Ambre
The national park offers humid forest, waterfalls and different walking trails. The approach takes you towards Joffreville. We choose a walk that suits your fitness and the time available.
The Red Tsingy
These reddish erosion formations are among the region’s distinctive landscapes. The drive, road conditions and visit need to be considered together. If conditions are unsuitable, another route makes more sense.
Ramena as another excursion idea
Ramena is known for its beach and can be the main focus of an outing. We check whether it can be combined with other stops according to actual travel conditions and your time in port. These destinations are alternatives for planning, rather than a fixed itinerary covering them all.
Explore walking options and preparationToamasina, also known as Tamatave
Wildlife, environmental education and life by the water
On the east coast, you can choose different themes for your day. A visit to Ivoloina and an outing on the Pangalanes are separate ideas. We check in advance which one fits your port call.
Parc Ivoloina
Parc Ivoloina includes a zoological area and environmental education programmes. Its operator, the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, works to protect Madagascar’s wildlife and plants. The zoo also takes in animals confiscated from illegal captivity.
A visit offers an opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation work. We coordinate the visiting time and transfer with your arrival and return.
Explore Ivoloina with its operator (opens in a new tab)A section of the Pangalanes
The Pangalanes are a network of canals, lakes and lagoons along the east coast. An outing on a suitable section offers a different perspective on life by the water.
The starting point, boat, journey time and return transfer need to work together. Whether there is also time to visit Toamasina depends on the agreed itinerary.
Discover the Pangalanes with the tourism board (in French) (opens in a new tab)From arrival to return
How we plan your shore excursion
What matters is the time you can actually spend ashore. The published port schedule alone is not enough. Clearance to go ashore, any tender transfers and the required return time are also part of the plan.
Tell me your cruise line, ship, port and date
Send me your cruise line, ship’s name, port and date. Include the advertised arrival and departure times and the number of adults and children. These details allow me to assess your enquiry.
Agree the meeting point and route
We agree a clear meeting point, a way to stay in contact and the planned itinerary. Whether we meet at the port exit or another accessible location depends on the port and its arrangements.
Allow a buffer before returning to the ship
We plan your return with a time buffer before the “all aboard” time announced on your ship, following your cruise line’s instructions. Longer transfers or tender operations may require additional time. The sailing time is not a substitute for the required return time.
The final port and return information provided on board takes priority over earlier planning details. Let me know about changes as soon as possible. We agree the planned return time and meeting point for your particular excursion.
Clear details before you book
What is included in your excursion?
The excursions are planned with English-speaking guides and the transport needed for the agreed itinerary. I confirm availability for your date and set out the specific services in your offer.
Guiding and transport
English-speaking guidance and the agreed transfers form part of the planned excursion, subject to confirmation in your offer. The vehicle or boat journeys depend on the port and route. We also discuss the meeting point and return arrangements beforehand.
Snorkelling equipment for Nosy Be
Snorkelling equipment is planned for the agreed snorkelling excursion from Nosy Be. Tell me who would like to enter the water and whether children are taking part. Participation and suitable equipment are discussed beforehand.
Meals and other costs
Meals are not included in the excursion price. Admission fees, local charges and any additional services are listed explicitly in your individual offer. You receive a total price for your group and chosen itinerary.
Enquiries and arrangements are made directly with Lemur Tours. Before booking, please also clarify the terms that apply if your port call or time in port changes.
Questions about your Madagascar shore excursions
What information do you need for an enquiry?
Please include your cruise line, ship, port, date, advertised time in port and group size. Tell me which excursion interests you and whether children are travelling. If you already know the required return time, include that too.
Will you collect us directly from the ship?
The exact meeting point depends on the port, access rules and any tender transfer. We agree a clearly described, accessible location in advance. Collection directly from the gangway is not automatically included.
Can we combine several destinations in one day?
We check this for your particular port call. Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely, for example, may be combined. Where longer road transfers are needed, we prefer to choose a suitable main destination. Time for the return buffer remains part of the plan.
Can I join if I do not want to snorkel?
Mention this in your enquiry. We can discuss suitable island visits and activities on land. Whether an appropriate alternative is possible during a snorkelling stop depends on the itinerary and local conditions.
What should I do if the port schedule changes?
Let me know as soon as possible and send the updated details from your cruise line. We can then check whether and how the excursion can be adapted. Terms for changes or cancellation should be agreed before booking.
Your day ashore in Madagascar
What would you like to discover during your port call?
Tell me your cruise line and ship, when you arrive and at which port. Include the number of guests and what interests you most. We can then discuss an excursion that fits your wishes and the time available.