Madagascar’s beaches and islands

Although Madagascar's wildlife is its main draw, the island also boasts a lovely coastline and idyllic offshore islands that offer a chance to relax in seclusion and style, while continuing to enjoy the island's biological richness.

With the Mozambique Channel on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, Madagascar has more than 4,500 kilometres of coastline and various tranquil islands. The result is a whole host of idyllic beaches perfect for relaxation or continuing to appreciate the island’s biological richness above and below the waves. 

Nosy Be is arguably Madagascar’s top beach destination. With a sunny climate all year round, this island is the perfect spot to enjoy a range of water-based activities including snorkelling, swimming and also spotting whale sharks. From late September until December, a large number of whale sharks come to feed in the waters surrounding Nosy Be.

If you are more interested in seeing cetaceans, then Nosy Boraha may be the location to extend to on your Madagascar itinerary. During the winter months from June until September, the seas around Nosy Boraha are home to gatherings of humpback whales. Every year, these humpbacks migrate from the Antarctic to these more secluded waters to calve and take part in fascinating courtship rituals.

The small island of Nosy Mangabe is located just short distance offshore from the town of Maroantsetra in northeast Madagascar. This island, once again, has some fantastic beaches and is virtually the archetypal tropical island. However, the main attraction on Mosy Mangabe is the wildlife. The entirety of this island is protected as a rainforest reserve and it is an excellent place to try and spot one of Madagascar’s most endangered lemurs, the aye-aye. There are plenty of other species to see including brown-fronted lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, chameleons and other reptiles and amphibians.

Accommodation on Madagascar’s beaches and islands can range from exclusive resorts, such as Anjajavy, to more simple and rustic beachside properties. Whatever level you choose to stay at, you will be able to immerse yourself in the slower pace of life and laid-back atmosphere of Madagascar’s wonderful coastline.