What to do and see in Nosy Be, Madagascar: The Best Places and Tips

February 26, 2018 Harland Bartelt

“Nosy Be?” Is that a typo for “Noisy Bee?” Nope. It means “big island” and it is just that; a large island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Here you’ll find volcanic lakes, lazy lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and intricate coral reefs that are practically begging to be explored. Flora and fauna lovers will be in seventh heaven at the beautiful Lokobe Nature Special Reserve. Audiophiles should visit in May, to experience the four-day Donia Music Festival.
Restaurants in Nosy Be

1. Oceane's Dream

Ambatoloaka, Nosy Be 207, Madagascar
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Oceane's Dream

Our diving club, is located on the island of Nosy be in Madagascar. We are the precursor of diving in Nosy be In the center of the village of Ambatoloaka Affiliated Diving Club CMAS Center, PADI, ADIP Specialist on diving cruises, daily dive, first dive, training to DIVE MASTER Sea and land excursions on Madagascar and Nosy be

Reviewed By pkh1961 - London, United Kingdom

I carried out 10 dives over 5 days with Oceane's Dream in June 2013, I chose them after having a very positive experience with them back in 2009. I had a similar experience this time despite there having been a change of owner since then.
Jeremy, the dive leader, was exceptional, nothing was too much trouble for him; his dive and safety briefings were thorough and comprehensive; he was good fun to be with and ensured that everything ran smoothly.
I hired my equipment which was in good condition and appeared to be well maintained, the boat was spacious, in good condition and easy to dive from. Oxygen and a first aid kit were carried on every trip. The boat crew were friendly, helpful and efficient.
We had some superb diving over a variety of sites.
I would not hesitate to recommend this company.
The cost was EU310 for 10 dives, including all equipment.

2. Les Trois Baies

Route de Ramena, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) 201, Madagascar
Excellent
68%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Les Trois Baies

Reviewed By airport2015 - Jerusalem, Israel

Really a Misserable country Can you immagine the value of the Local money that changes every day No security,beegers every where .1Malagasy Ariary=0.ooo28EURGarbage on every corner.

3. Nosy Sakatia

Nosy Be, Madagascar +261 32 71 880 38
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 348 reviews

Nosy Sakatia

Reviewed By JUSTINE-JESSE - Pretoria, South Africa

We enjoyed lunch and a swim at the beach. The water is warm but the beach not quite as pretty as some of the other Islands close by. We had lunch and bought some sarongs and gifts from the very enthusiastic traders .

4. Menabe Plongee

22 Villa manga | Marina du Cratère. NOSY BE, Ambatoloaka, Nosy Be 409, Madagascar
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 20 reviews

Menabe Plongee

Safari diving cruise on Radama Islands and Mitsio Islands. Liveabord on catamaran for diving.

Reviewed By azufapala - Cormontreuil, France

Sail the wind on board a catamaran, escorting a family of dolphins, awhale, a manta ray.. The silence, the beauty of the scenery, the wonderful dives. A crew very proffessionel and Nicolas the director of diving, attentive to all your expectations and your well being. What happiness !

5. Lokobe Nature Special Reserve

Nosy Be, Madagascar +261 32 76 733 64
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 839 reviews

Lokobe Nature Special Reserve

Reviewed By krawner - Chicago, Illinois

Practical tips: bring roll-up pants or zip off pants, tennis shoes, long sleeve shirt, lots of DEET, plastic bag, sunblock. Optional: flip flops and short sleeve shirt.
Drive to edge of bay. Hike in muddy water along the coast for 30 minutes. You'll probably take off your shoes because the mud is deep to your ankles. Then go out into the ocean to get into a canoe. Here, the water will go above your knees. Then canoe for 45 minutes. The canoe is a handmade local wooden canoe, a priogue. Ideally you will place your shoes in a plastic bag in your backpack. If you leave your shoes on the bottom of the canoe, then there's a possibility they will get wet if the canoe leaks (our shoes were soaked). Then walk in mud again for another 30 minutes. Wash your feet at the village. Put on shoes, long socks, long pants and long sleeves shirt. Put DEET bug spray under your clothes and extra on all exposed areas. Hike in Lokobe Reserve which has an over abundance of mosquitoes ready to devour you. For 2 hours, see black lemurs, grey spotted sportive lemur, leaf tailed gecko, pygmy chameleon, boa constrictor, tree frogs, etc. Then eat lunch (bottled water, fish, crabs, rice, and vegetables. ). Some souvenirs for sale in the village like tablecloths and carved wood. Then paddle back. It was dirty, hot, and humid. Can wear the short sleeved shirt and flip slips while paddling. Definitely an authentic Madagascar experience and a chance to see lemurs on Nosy Be.

6. Nosy Be Promenade Private Day Tours

Rue Principale d'Ambatoloaka, Ambatoloaka, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 15 reviews

Nosy Be Promenade Private Day Tours

Reviewed By airport2015 - Jerusalem, Israel

Following visit to Nosy-Be which in Malagashy means the long island,my recomendation i to visit the most important plantation of Ylang-Lang.This tree was introduced from the Philipines,,late 19th century,has a flower with attractive aroma used in the perfume industry,.Nearby the holy forest of BERMAZAVA,a sacred place to warship the dead, and leave offerings,

7. Mont Passot

Nosy Be, Madagascar
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 221 reviews

Mont Passot

Reviewed By Em B

Yes, this is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. With panoramic views around the island (and a map to help you get your bearings), tourist shops selling local crafts, and a resident tame black lemur, there is enough here to draw a good number of tourists.
The entry cost is 10,000 Ariary for tourists or 2,000 Ariary for those with resident visas. If you are volunteering in Nosy Be, mention this at the desk because you may be eligible for the concessionary fare.
We arrived around 30 minutes before the sunset, at which point the area was much quieter and we were able to enjoy the view before the tourists with selfie sticks descended and started grappling for the prime spots.
Other points: it is a short climb from the car park to the summit, there are toilet facilities available, and there was a restaurant but this was closed at the time we visited.

8. Ocean de Sagesse Private Day Tours

400 Bp, Ambatoloaka, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

Ocean de Sagesse Private Day Tours

Reviewed By Barn-and-Sophie - Dorset, United Kingdom

Iranja is quite simply the most beautiful island we have every visited. Its the cliche of all idyllic beaches: white sand, turquoise water, devoid of crowds, hot sun.....and then they gave us a delicious lunch too. perfecto!!
(very hot on the way home. they took the canopy down on the boat because it was too windy. take a wind proof hat...)

9. Lemuria Land

Nosy Be, Madagascar +261 32 11 040 72
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 291 reviews

Lemuria Land

Reviewed By Cindy M - Colorado Springs, Colorado

This little gem is located just a few minutes from the dock and pier area of Nosy Be. The highlight for me was the unique chameleons that are in nice open enclosures and in the wild one trees around the park. There is a nice display of lemurs from all over Madagascar, that would be hard to see anyplace else on a short visit. There are plenty of wild lemurs around too! They are not shy and pose for photos as they hop around the trees. I'm normally not a fan of third-world "zoos" but I make an exception in this case. The animals looked happy and healthy. There are tree covered paths with benches scattered around so even when it's HOT (and it will be!) it's a good option. There is a gift shop and Distillery that produces essential oils. Give yourself a few hours to really be able to see all the displays and enjoy the wild lemurs.

10. Indian Ocean Abyss

Route d'ambatoloaka, Ambatoloaka, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Indian Ocean Abyss

Abyss Indian Ocean is a dive center based in Nosy Be. It is specifically in the village called Ambatoloaka. We offer you : - The safari dives catamaran - Exploration for certified divers - Discover Scuba Diving for beginners. - PADI Divers Training - Hiking underwater - Releases whale watching - Children dive with full equipment Supervision and management of the diving center in French GAAP.

Reviewed By Jean-marc S

Je reviens de 7 jours de croisière plongée sous-marine organisée par Abysses Océan Indien et la prestation était impeccable. Les sites sont très bien documentés et Paulo est un excellent guide qui maintient une atmosphère de camaraderie exceptionnelle. À essayer sans faute

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