Nosy be is a year-round destination and can be treated as a stand-alone beach holiday destination. There are direct flight connections with Johannesburg on a weekly basis. Plus some other airlines fly into or out of Nosy Be now (but only once or twice a week.)
Nosy Be is Madagascar’s best-known island escape—think warm seas, golden sand, and cocktails that come with tiny umbrellas. It’s the largest of several beautiful islands off the north-west coast of Madagascar such as Nosy Komba and Nosy Tsarabanjina.
Inland the lush interior is alive with the smells of vanilla, ylang-ylang and coffee. Visit smaller islands to swim with turtles and whale sharks or walk with lemurs.
Why Add Nosy Be to Your Madagascar tour?
- Year-round sun: Hot temperatures and fewer rainy days than the east coast.
- Easy island-hopping: Nearby Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tsarabanjina serve up pristine reefs and castaway vibes.
- Eclectic activities: Whale-shark swims (Oct–Dec), mellow diving, deep-sea fishing, rum tastings, and sunset dhow cruises.
- Madagascar in miniature: Pair lazy beach days with guided walks in Lokobe Reserve to spot black lemurs and chameleons.
Whether you want the best Nosy Be beach resort for barefoot luxury or a family-friendly Nosy Be hotel with a pool and kids’ activities, you’ll find a spot that fits like your favourite flip-flops.
Where to Stay in Nosy Be: Hotels, Resorts & Island Lodges
Northern Beaches — Quiet & Romantic
The north of the island is wilder and more secluded. It’s home to boutique Nosy Be lodges tucked into forested headlands. Perfect for couples chasing sunset views and candle-lit dinners on the sand.
Southern & South-West Coasts — Lively & Social
If you’d rather balance beach time with craft-market browsing and café-hopping, stay near Ambatoloaka. You’ll find mid-sized Nosy Be beach resorts with multiple restaurants, spas and family rooms.
Outlying Islands — True Castaway Chic
Several smaller picture-perfect islands with sandy beaches and a rich coral life. Here you experience tropical-island living at its best, superb diving and unspoiled natural beauty.
- Nosy Komba: Home to the stylish Tsara Komba, as well as a lemur reserve.
- Nosy Sakatia: Sea-turtle heaven; great for snorkelling straight off the beach. Or diving with harmless whale sharks.
- Nosy Tsarabanjina: Private-island bliss run by Constance—arguably the best Nosy Be luxury resort for honeymooners.
Anjajavy
Here we play fast and loose with geography. As this luxury resort lies much further to the west of Nosy Be. But it’s the classic alternative to a Nosy Be resort.
Things to Do in Nosy Be
- Full-day Nosy Komba & Tanikely cruise: Lemurs plus Top-notch snorkelling with green turtles.
- Whale-shark diving trip (Oct–Dec): A gentle giant encounter you’ll never forget.
- Lokobe Reserve pirogue tour: Paddle into primary forest to meet black lemurs.
- Diving & fishing charters: Warm water (26-29 °C) and colourful reefs year-round.
- Ylang-ylang distillery visit: Follow your nose to Nosy Be’s aromatic heart.
How to Slot Nosy Be Into Your Madagascar Trip?
Post-Safari Chill-Out: Fly from Tana straight to the island for hammock therapy.
Eastern Circuit Combo: Safari in Andasibe, then hop north for beach bliss.
Andasibe, Northern Madagascar and Nosy Be
Pro Tip:
Look at international flight options which allow you to fly home directly from Nosy Be. (Ethiopian Airlines and Airlink to Johannesburg.) Then you can avoid a night in Tana on the way home—more sunsets, fewer hotel swaps.
Ready to Compare Nosy Be Hotels & Resorts?
Hit the “Enquire Now” button, and we’ll match you with romantic island lodges, or the best Nosy Be beach resorts for diving—all tailored to your travel dates and budget.
