Nosy Be, Madagascar, is an idyllic island destination known for its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fragrant ylang-ylang plantations. Located off Madagascar’s northwest coast, Nosy Be attracts travelers searching for an unhurried pace and intimate encounters with nature. The island blends relaxation and adventure in a tropical setting, with a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to unwind.
The main draw is its marine life and stunning underwater world. Nosy Be is famous for snorkeling and diving, particularly around Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve and Nosy Komba, where divers spot turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of tropical fish. Lemuria Land Park offers up-close views of lemurs and other unique Malagasy animals, while Lokobe National Park is a haven for untouched rainforest hikes and wildlife spotting, including rare chameleons and endemic birds. The colorful Hell-Ville market bursts with local flavor, offering a peek into daily island life.
Nosy Be has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a blend of Malagasy and French influences seen in local cuisine, language, and customs. Dining is a highlight here—enjoy freshly caught seafood and tropical fruits at beachfront restaurants, or sample local rum and street food as you mingle with friendly residents. Nights can be lively in Djamandjary with its small bars, or tranquil for those seeking star-filled skies by the water.
Getting around is straightforward. Many visitors rent scooters or cars, but “tuk-tuk” taxis are a popular and affordable way to explore. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts along Andilana Beach to boutique guesthouses and eco-lodges nestled in the forests. Nosy Be’s coastlines are dotted with hidden coves, and island-hopping tours are easy to book—perfect for day trips to neighboring islets.
The best time to visit Nosy Be is from May to October, when skies are mostly clear and humidity is lower. Pack plenty of sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and be ready for sudden rain showers, particularly between December and March. Booking tours in advance is recommended in the busy season, and if you’re interested in whale watching or traditional festivals, plan your visit accordingly.
The main draw is its marine life and stunning underwater world. Nosy Be is famous for snorkeling and diving, particularly around Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve and Nosy Komba, where divers spot turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of tropical fish. Lemuria Land Park offers up-close views of lemurs and other unique Malagasy animals, while Lokobe National Park is a haven for untouched rainforest hikes and wildlife spotting, including rare chameleons and endemic birds. The colorful Hell-Ville market bursts with local flavor, offering a peek into daily island life.
Nosy Be has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a blend of Malagasy and French influences seen in local cuisine, language, and customs. Dining is a highlight here—enjoy freshly caught seafood and tropical fruits at beachfront restaurants, or sample local rum and street food as you mingle with friendly residents. Nights can be lively in Djamandjary with its small bars, or tranquil for those seeking star-filled skies by the water.
Getting around is straightforward. Many visitors rent scooters or cars, but “tuk-tuk” taxis are a popular and affordable way to explore. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts along Andilana Beach to boutique guesthouses and eco-lodges nestled in the forests. Nosy Be’s coastlines are dotted with hidden coves, and island-hopping tours are easy to book—perfect for day trips to neighboring islets.
The best time to visit Nosy Be is from May to October, when skies are mostly clear and humidity is lower. Pack plenty of sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and be ready for sudden rain showers, particularly between December and March. Booking tours in advance is recommended in the busy season, and if you’re interested in whale watching or traditional festivals, plan your visit accordingly.
Expected Weekly Budget
$850–$1300 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Snorkeling and diving at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve
- Trekking in Lokobe National Park
- Visit Lemuria Land Park to see lemurs and chameleons
- Explore Hell-Ville's lively markets and local shops
- Sunbathe and swim at Andilana Beach
- Go whale watching (seasonal) or dolphin excursions
- Sample Malagasy cuisine at seaside restaurants
- Island hopping to Nosy Komba and Nosy Iranja
Notable Sites
- Lokobe National Park
- Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve
- Andilana Beach
- Lemuria Land Park
- Hell-Ville Central Market
- Nosy Komba Island
- Mont Passot
- Sacred Banyan Tree
General Advice
Nosy Be is a destination where planning ahead pays off, especially during peak travel months. While the atmosphere is relaxed, infrastructure like roads and medical facilities are basic, so be patient and bring a sense of adventure. Most locals speak Malagasy and French, but basic English is often understood in hotels and tourist areas. Be sure to respect local customs, especially when visiting rural villages or sacred sites, and always ask before taking photos.
Security & Safety
Nosy Be is generally considered safe, but petty theft occasionally occurs, especially in crowded markets and beaches. Don’t leave valuables unattended, and use hotel safes when available. At night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone on quiet stretches of beach. Beware of strong currents at some beaches, and always check with locals or your accommodation for any recent safety advisories.
Travel Tips
- Pack light clothing, sturdy sandals, and rain gear for unexpected showers.
- Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets to protect against bites.
- Carry cash, as ATMs can be scarce and credit cards are not widely accepted.
- Rent a scooter for flexible island exploration or use tuk-tuks for short trips.
- Drink bottled water and avoid raw foods from unverified street vendors.
- Book accommodations and guided tours in advance during the high season.
- Learn a few basic Malagasy or French phrases to make interactions smoother.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
Nosy Be was a treat—clear water, amazing seafood, and friendly locals. We loved snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely and hanging out at Andilana Beach. The only issue was that some roads were pretty rough, but it just added to the adventure.
Traveled here in February 2024
Absolutely loved Lokobe National Park! Saw so many lemurs, and the forest felt almost untouched. The local guides really knew their stuff. Food was excellent everywhere we went.
Stayed in July 2023
The sunsets from Mont Passot are gorgeous and totally worth the drive up. I wish there were more direct flights, but once we got here it was pure paradise. Be prepared for some rain showers even in the dry season.
Visited in August 2023
Went diving for the first time at Nosy Komba and saw turtles and crazy colorful fish. The island felt really safe for solo travelers like me. I’d skip the main town next time—Hell-Ville is busy and loud, but the rest of Nosy Be was pure bliss.
Traveled here in March 2024
We came as a family with two small kids and loved Lemuria Land Park. Our kids were fascinated by the lemurs! The beaches are fantastic and not crowded at all. There's a real sense of calm on the island.
Visited in October 2023
Spent most of our time exploring coves around the island by boat. The seafood at the beach shacks was so fresh. Be ready for some internet outages, but it was nice to unplug for a bit.
Traveled here in June 2024
The markets in Hell-Ville were lively and colorful, great for picking up spices and crafts. Some haggling, but everyone was good-natured. We ended every day with drinks watching the sunset—just what we needed.
Stayed in April 2024
Honeymooned here and couldn’t have picked a better spot. The private beach at our resort felt unreal, and the massages at the spa were fantastic. Romantic, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.
Visited in December 2023
Highlight for me was hiking in Lokobe National Park—spotting tiny chameleons was a first for me! Some of the smaller restaurants took a while to serve, but the food was always worth the wait.
Traveled here in September 2023
Nosy Be is a stunner but be prepared for some basic facilities in certain places. Needed more ATM options, and public transport was a bit confusing. Still, can’t beat the snorkeling and island atmosphere.
Visited in March 2024
Booked a whale watching tour and actually saw humpbacks! Guides were knowledgeable, and everything felt ethically run. Loved the tropical gardens everywhere.
Stayed in January 2024
Traveled solo and felt very safe the whole time. Enjoyed the Sacred Banyan Tree and meeting local artisans. Nightlife is pretty mellow but there’s a chill vibe everywhere.
Visited in June 2023
My partner and I loved how easy it was to island-hop—Nosy Iranja was our favorite for swimming. People were incredibly welcoming and always ready to help.
Traveled here in November 2023
Getting around by tuk-tuk was a fun novelty, though drivers sometimes charged tourist rates. Nosy Be’s rum is really good—try it in the local bars with grilled fish!
Visited in May 2024
The wildlife here is unmissable. We even saw a panther chameleon and tons of birds. Would love to come back outside of the busy period for an even more relaxed vibe.
Traveled here in July 2023
Andilana Beach was so peaceful in the mornings before more people arrived. Local food is spicy and delicious, especially the zebu brochettes. Accommodations varied a lot in quality, so book ahead.
Stayed in February 2024
Spent my birthday on Nosy Komba with lemurs for company—unforgettable! Staff at our guesthouse arranged everything for us, from transfers to guided walks.
Visited in October 2023
Loved the landscapes and water activities, but be prepared for frequent power cuts. Bring a flashlight for evenings! Prices were reasonable for an island, though.
Traveled here in August 2023
Perfect place to relax and recharge. We did several boat trips—each island had its own character. Mosquitoes can be a problem, so don’t forget repellent!
Visited in December 2023
Hell-Ville Market was chaotic but fun—a real window into local life. I learned to dive here, and the instructors were top-notch. Would recommend for nature lovers.
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