General Info

Nosy Be is a small island located just off the northwestern coast of Madagascar. It belongs to the Antsiranana province and has a population of about 60,000 inhabitants.

In Malagasy, "Nosy Be" means "big island" and is pronounced "Nossy Bay" by the local Sakalava people. Over the centuries, the island has been known by various names. During the early colonial period in the 17th century, it was called Assada.

During the drier months, Nosy Be enjoys a perfect climate (sunshine with, at most, brief showers). 

The postcard-perfect beaches and crystal-clear waters can be fully enjoyed during our tours.

Our recommendation for a wonderful and complete vacation in Nosy Be is to plan it with a balance of relaxation and exploration. We suggest staying at one of the many beachfront accommodations, where you can unwind for a day, and then rely on us for an excursion the next. Alternate a day of relaxation with visits to one of the island’s two main towns (Hell Ville and Ambatoloaka) or enjoy another one of our exciting tours the following day. 

At the airport:

depending on the number of days you'll be staying in Madagascar, you'll need to pay a high airport tax compared to most other countries, sometimes even up to a hundred euros, so don't be surprised. I won't give exact numbers as the regulations change quite frequently here. Your passport will be checked an absurd number of times (sometimes four or five), often as an excuse for them to ask for a gift in money. Don't be influenced and don't give anything; they try, but they must be careful not to do it too blatantly.

You might want to prepare some small change to have on hand upon arrival

to give to the guy who spends the whole day organizing the luggage and handing it over to travelers, or to the young men who offer to carry your bags.

Upon arrival, a minibus will be ready to take you to your accommodation (make sure to confirm this before departure). You will recognize the driver as they will be waiting at the arrivals exit holding a sign with your name on it. You can also book the pick-up through us (see the "Excursions" page).

Health:

don't schedule excursions for your arrival day (pretty obvious), and avoid doing so for the following day as well. Although the time difference with Italy is not significant (two hours ahead during standard time and one hour ahead during daylight saving time), your body needs time to adjust. Otherwise, at worst, you might fall victim to the curse of Montezuma.

According to legend, in 1519, Montezuma cast a curse on the European conquistadors who sought to conquer the Aztec civilization. The colonizers, just days after landing, were struck by severe gastrointestinal issues, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Of course, I’m exaggerating, but not by much; relax and let yourselves be caressed by the first rays of the Malagasy sun under the partial shade of a palm tree. This applies to any tropical country.

Items that are welcome: clothes of all kinds that you no longer use and would like to get rid of, including warm clothes because temperatures can drop significantly in the highlands. You can leave clothes with many people during the various tours you will take, without the risk of offending anyone; if needed, your accommodation or a guide can direct you. School supplies are also highly sought after by children, such as notebooks, colored pencils, and pens; soaps and shampoos are also appreciated. Of course, there is no obligation, and no one will chase you, but if you have space in your suitcase, now you know how to fill it. 

That said, I don’t want you to get the idea that there are desperate and beggar-like people in Nosy Be; the fact is that the prices of everything that is imported, compared to the average salary of a Malagasy person, are very high, and therefore not everyone can afford such expenses, and certainly not often.

Sun: in Nosy Be, the sun sets early during our summer months (summer in Europe), and by 5:30/6:00 PM, the sun is almost completely down. 

The period to avoid: there is no absolute period to avoid visiting Nosy Be, as each season has its own attractions. Between August and September is the period when humpback whales migrate, so sightings are guaranteed. October and November are the months when encounters with the whale shark, the great gentle giant, are most likely. For those who are not so interested in spotting these marine animals and are only looking for sun and excursions, the best months climatically are generally from May to October, which corresponds to the driest period of the year. January and February are very rainy, and between November and December, the risk of rain gradually increases. Here alongside is a diagram that may be more explanatory.