Nosy Be is the largest island off the north-west coast of Madagascar and is renowned for its stunning beaches, tropical scenery and laid-back island lifestyle. Fragrant plants such as vanilla, cloves, orchids and ylang-ylang have earned the island its nickname: the Perfume Island.
Hell-Ville (Andoany in Malagasy) is the island’s largest town with around 40,000 inhabitants and has everything you need. Numerous restaurants, bars, shops, banks, cash machines and markets invite you to have a stroll. At the Bazar Be market, you can buy all kinds of spices and vanilla.
Nosy Be means ‘Big Island’ in the local language and lies about 10 km off the north-west coast of the main island of Madagascar. From the harbour, where cruise ships sometimes dock, you can take a speedboat to Port Ankify on Madagascar in just under 30 minutes.
The island’s international airport is called Fascéne and connects Nosy Be with numerous destinations in Madagascar, the Indian Ocean, Africa and Europe.
Major airlines flying to Nosy Be (Fascéne):
Neos Air Italia: Frequent direct flights to Milan and Verona via Rome. Airlink South Africa: Flights via Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines: Flights from Europe via Addis Ababa. Air Madagascar (Tsaradia): Domestic flights from Antananarivo. Air France in conjunction with Tsaradia Air Austral: to and from Saint-Denis on Réunion EWA Air: Flights to and from Dzaoudzi on Mayotte.
Availability may vary depending on the season. It is recommended that you check the current flight schedules.
The island covers an area of around 320 km². It measures approximately 27 km from north to south and around 12 km from east to west.
At 450 m, Lokobe is the highest point on the island. It is situated in the national park of the same name, which can only be reached by boat.
From the 329 m high Mont Passot, there is a wonderful view of the island.
Nosy Be’s approximately 118,000 inhabitants mainly belong to the Sakalava ethnic group.
Perfume Island
Fragrant plants such as vanilla, cloves, orchids and ylang-ylang have earned this island its second name: the Perfume Island.
Nosy Be Live Weather
Climate:
The climate on Nosy Be is humid and warm. During the day it is warm to hot. The temperatures are between 25 and 33 °C. Almost never colder than 20 °C.Water temperature in the Indian Ocean is 27 to 28 °Celsius. Ideal for a perfect vacation.
The islands
Nosy Be is the main island and also the largest island in a group of islands in the Mitsio Archipelago:
Nosy Komba, Nosy Mitsio, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Faly surround Nosy Be. There are numerous other islands in the vicinity, which you will discover on one tour or another.
Nosy Tsarabanjina, Nosy Ratsy, Nosy Ankarea, Nosy Ansoha, to name but a few.
Nosy Iranja
But by far the most beautiful island is Nosy Iranja. It is located around 50 km south of Nosy Be and consists of two islands connected by a sandbank. It is also called Turtle Island because sea turtles lay their eggs here. Fantastic white beaches and shimmering turquoise-blue-green, clear water make the hearts of all tourists beat faster.
Nosy Komba
is a picturesque volcanic island in north-western Madagascar, situated between the larger island of Nosy Be and the mainland. It is world-famous as the ‘Island of the Lemurs’, as it is home to a large population of tame black ruffed lemurs that roam the island’s dense rainforest. Small fishing villages characterise the authentic island life. Here you can experience Malagasy culture, warm encounters and traditional crafts. All around the island, tranquil bays and clear waters await – perfect for snorkelling and relaxing. Nosy Komba is peaceful, unspoilt and full of natural beauty.
Nosy Tanikely
Nosy Tanikely is a small, uninhabited island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, known as a natural aquarium and one of the region's most visited marine national parks. It is a prime destination for snorkelers and divers, as the pristine coral reef is accessible directly from the beach and is home to an enormous diversity of fish and sea turtles.
Nosy Sakatia
Nosy Sakatia is a small, virtually untouched island off the west coast of Nosy Be in northern Madagascar. It is often referred to as the ‘Orchid Island’ and is renowned for its authentic atmosphere, lush tropical vegetation and excellent opportunities for snorkelling with giant tortoises.
For the adventurers and explorers among you, the opportunity to explore Nosy Be on your own is of course part of the fixed program. Rent a motorbike or quad and off you go...
Generally speaking, there is plenty to see and do on Nosy Be. As well as relaxing, swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful, long, wide beaches, there are, of course, plenty of fun activities to enjoy in and around the water. Snorkelling, diving, surfing, jet skiing. The island’s most beautiful beaches are undoubtedly Ampasindava Beach, Andilana Beach, Chanty Beach, Madirokely and Ambatoloaka Beach. You can explore the island either on a guided tour or on your own. The best way to do this is to hire a quad bike or motorbike. You can also easily book a tour through us or hire a guide. Boat trips to neighbouring islands such as Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja and so on are highly recommended. So make sure you allow plenty of time.
Hellville (Andoany) and the market
Hell-Ville is the bustling capital of Nosy Be Island and the cultural hub of the region. Here, visitors can experience authentic island life: colourful markets, small shops and restaurants serving local specialities. Many boat trips to the surrounding islands set off from the harbour. Hell-Ville blends Malagasy culture, colonial history and a tropical atmosphere – an exciting place to visit during your stay.
Sacred Tree Ampombolava
The Sacred Banyan Tree of Ampombilava is an impressive, centuries-old banyan tree and an important spiritual site on Nosy Be. The locals regard it as a sacred place. Traditional rituals and ceremonies are performed here. Its mighty roots and sweeping branches create a special, almost mystical atmosphere – a place of tranquillity, culture and history.
Waterfall Androadroatra Nosy Be
The Androadroatra Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Nosy Be. Tucked away in the tropical rainforest, the clear water cascades over a series of rocks into a natural pool. The surroundings are lush, peaceful and teeming with exotic plants. A visit can easily be combined with a short walk through the countryside and offers a refreshing dip – a special experience for young and old alike.
Mont Passot – The most beautiful viewpoint in Nosy Be
At around 329 metres, Mont Passot is the highest point on the island of Nosy Be and one of the most popular destinations for day trips. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island, the surrounding crater lakes and the Indian Ocean. The view is particularly spectacular in the evening, when the sun slowly sinks into the sea and bathes the sky in warm colours. A visit to Mont Passot is one of the most beautiful experiences on Nosy Be and makes for a perfect excursion during your stay at the Long Beach Resort.
Lemurialand
Lemuria Land is a small nature park on the island of Nosy Be, where visitors can experience Madagascar’s famous lemurs up close. In the tropical gardens, various species of lemur roam freely amongst palm trees and exotic plants. Many of the animals are curious and come very close to visitors. As well as lemurs, there are also native plants, chameleons, crocodiles, snakes, tortoises and a small distillery producing ylang-ylang oil. An exciting outing for nature and animal lovers.
Lokobe National Park
Lokobe National Park is the last remaining area of pristine rainforest on the island of Nosy Be. This protected national park is renowned for its unique flora and fauna. Visitors can spot lemurs, chameleons, colourful birds and many rare plants in their natural habitat. A guided hike through the dense rainforest offers a fascinating insight into Madagascar’s unspoilt nature and is one of the most exciting excursions on Nosy Be.
Other places to explore include:
Ambatoloaka is one of the liveliest places on the island of Nosy Be. This small coastal village is known for its beautiful beach, numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs and small shops. During the day, numerous boat trips to the surrounding islands set off from here. In the evening, Ambatoloaka comes to life, offering a relaxed atmosphere with music, restaurants and tropical nightlife. An ideal place to get to know the colourful island life of Nosy Be.
