Everything you need to know to travel to Sainte Marie

Nosy Boraha, also known as Sainte Marie, is a small, lush tropical island located off the east coast of Madagascar. A hidden gem that combines history, nature, and culture in one place.

Its history is deeply intertwined with the era of piracy, while its natural environment offers one of the most exciting experiences to be had in Madagascar: humpback whale watching.

What makes traveling to the island of Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha) a unique experience?

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Nosy Boraha became a safe haven for pirates who plundered the trade routes of the Indian Ocean. One of the most fascinating remnants of the pirate era on Nosy Boraha is the pirate cemetery, located in Forbans Bay. Set in a picturesque setting overlooking the sea, the cemetery offers a unique atmosphere that transports visitors back to the golden age of piracy. This is one of the few pirate cemeteries in the world and is one of the island’s main tourist attractions.

Île aux Nattes is a small island located south of Nosy Boraha, accessible by canoe. This place is known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. The island is a paradise for nature lovers, with coconut trees, palm trees, and a feeling of idyllic isolation. There is also a multitude of orchids, including the magnificent queen of Madagascar, Eulophiella roempleriana, endemic to Ile aux Nattes.

 Like any other town in eastern Madagascar, the island has abundant rainfall, hence its exuberance. The Kalalao forest in the north has a wide variety of orchids, ravinalas, and lianas, and is home to several species of lemurs such as the Microcebus boraha and the Cheirogaleus. There are also birds, chameleons, geckos, frogs, and lemurs in the Ambohidena forest. The Ampanihy forest is dominated by a mangrove swamp that can be explored by canoe. The island smells of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, coffee…

The community of Sainte Marie is mostly made up of the Betsimisaraka ethnic group, who have inhabited the island for centuries. The inhabitants are known for their hospitality and peaceful way of life. Malagasy traditions, such as music, dance, and crafts, are present in the daily life of the islanders, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.

How do you get to the island of Sainte Marie?

If you want to travel to Sainte Marie, you can only do so on a domestic flight with Madagascar Airlines from Antananarivo or by motorboat from the town of Soanierana Ivongo.

Activities you can’t miss on the island of Saint Marie

Sainte Marie is one of the best places in the world to watch Megaptera novaeangliae humpback whales. Every year, between July and September, these giants of the sea migrate to the warm waters around the island to reproduce and give birth. Our boat trips offer the opportunity to see these majestic animals up close, a sight not to be missed. Last September, 198 whales were counted from a land base in a 12-hour period.

  We would also like to highlight that two of the best accommodations in Madagascar, Princesse Bora Lodge and Voaara, are located in Sainte Marie. These are discreet accommodations that blend perfectly into the lush landscape of St. Marie Island.

Wreck diving, kitesurfing, and snorkeling are other activities offered by this paradise, which of course has everything you need to enjoy its quiet, unspoiled beaches.

Book your trip to Saint Marie with Indigo Be

Nosy Boraha is one of our favorite beach destinations in Madagascar, and we escape to this paradise whenever we can. That’s why we offer several routes such as “ Unusual Madagascar
” and “Lemurs and Whales
” as well as helping you design any experience you wish to have on the island. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to travel to the island of Sainte Marie, we’re all ears.