Île aux Nattes: Pristine beaches and dazzling reefs on Île aux Nattes
Nosy Natto, a true jewel of the Indian Ocean, is a tropical Eden surrounded by lush greenery, pristine beaches with sparkling fine sand, and turquoise waters. Nestled at the southern tip of Sainte-Marie Island, it is connected to Nosy Boraha by a small stretch of water, more precisely a narrow canal about 400 meters wide, navigable by canoe, pirogue, or boat. Île aux Nattes is a peaceful haven, 2 km long and 1 km wide, bordered by a stunning lagoon of mesmerizing blues protected by an extensive coral reef that runs along the Sainte-Marie coastline. The shaded paths lined with coconut trees, bordered by palm trees and sparkling turquoise waters, create a dreamy landscape, a true paradise in a calm and peaceful setting.
Île aux Nattes is an ideal spot for snorkeling, diving, and scuba diving enthusiasts, and for experts, they can enjoy scuba diving outside the island along the reef. All the necessary equipment for these activities is readily available on-site through local hotels and guesthouses. For those passionate about water activities, Nosy Natto offers a perfect lagoon, ideal for traditional fishing. To top it all off, from July to September, this magnificent island becomes the stage for migrating humpback whales.
The Three Bays (Sakalava bay, Pigeon bay, Dunes bay): The Must-See Bays of the North
Baie des Sakalava, Baie du Pigeon, Baie des Dunes are more than destinations; they are invitations to dream, marvel, and lose oneself in the beauty of the world.
Baie du Pigeon: The hidden eden
Baie du Pigeon is a haven of serenity, a place where time seems to stand still. It’s a secret bay, preserved by nature, where the whispers of the sea mingle with the songs of birds. The white sandy beaches stretch out like ribbons of silk, embracing the calm sea with shades of emerald and sapphire. Every dive here is an adventure into a bewitching underwater world, home to multicolored fish and vibrant corals. The bay invites contemplation, escape, and an intimate connection with nature in a natural habitat.
Baie des Sakalava: The Sanctuary of winds
Imagine a place where the sea waltzes to the rhythm of the wind, where turquoise waters flirt with golden beaches. This is Baie des Sakalava, a hidden gem, a sanctuary for souls seeking freedom. Carried by the trade winds that seem to whisper ancient secrets, kitesurfers glide elegantly here, finding their refuge in the constant, powerful winds that blow between 15 and 30 knots from April to November. It’s a paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. The bay offers a spectacular panorama with its coral reefs and turquoise waters, an excellent spot for snorkeling thanks to its rich marine biodiversity. Baie des Sakalava is a living painting where the sky and sea blend on the horizon, worthy of a postcard.
Baie des Dunes: Marine desert
A landscape of contrasts and mystery, Baie des Dunes is where the desert meets the ocean in a magical embrace. Picture golden dunes rising majestically, forming waves of sand that gently descend toward the water. Or imagine perfect, capricious waves in a natural, blazing theater, a place where one feels small in the face of immensity yet infinitely alive. At Baie des Dunes, all these thoughts become reality. Here, the soul travels through a dreamlike setting, where every step on the warm sand tells the story of the sea and the land.
Emerald Sea: Enchanting Jewel
The Emerald Sea, a true gem in northern Madagascar, is an enchanting paradise where nature seems to have poured out all its most vibrant colors. It is a lagoon with crystal-clear waters, displaying endless shades of green and blue, and boasts pristine white sandy beaches straight out of a dream, surrounded by coral reefs teeming with fascinating marine life.
Beneath the surface, a mesmerizing world comes to life, with brightly colored tropical fish, graceful turtles, and shimmering corals that seem straight out of a fantasy tale. Local fishermen move gracefully with their nets, a living testament to the perfect harmony between man and the sea. The silence is only interrupted by the murmur of the waves and the melody of the wind in the sails of the pirogues.
Under the setting sun, the sea transforms into a golden mirror, reflecting a fiery sky. It’s a haven of peace, where every moment invites wonder, an open door to the dream of escape.
Nosy Iranja: The Linked Pearl of the Mozambique Channel
Located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, in the Mozambique Channel, Nosy Iranja is a natural wonder formed by two islands connected by a narrow 2-km sandbank, visible only at low tide.
This unique phenomenon allows you to walk between the islands as if on a ribbon of silk laid across the ocean. Iranja is renowned for its white sandy beaches and vibrant blue waters, ideal for diving and snorkeling, with a rich, preserved marine vegetation.
The island also has small fishing villages and a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the ocean. Additionally, it’s a nesting site for sea turtles, adding another layer of fascination to this already remarkable destination.
Nosy Tanikely: Immersion Between Land and Sea
Located 10 km from Nosy Be, Nosy Tanikely is a paradisiacal island and a must-visit destination for nature and scuba diving enthusiasts.
Classified as a marine park, it is known for its exceptional biodiversity. A variety of marine life, including multicolored corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins, inhabit the crystal-clear waters surrounding it. Snorkeling here is an unforgettable experience. Nosy Tanikely is a small tropical paradise, covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches.
At the top of the island stands a historic lighthouse offering spectacular panoramic views of the nearby islands and the Indian Ocean. For travelers seeking a change of scenery and adventure in the heart of nature, Nosy Tanikely is a dream destination to fulfill these desires.
Ambatomilo: Serenity and Wild Nature in Malagasy Land
In the Atsimo Andrefana region, there is a true corner of paradise named Ambatomilo. Famous for its turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beach, this still-preserved destination is a haven of peace for travelers seeking tranquility.
Bordered by crystal-clear lagoons, Ambatomilo offers breathtaking landscapes where the sea and golden sand dunes meet. The region’s coral reefs host a remarkable biodiversity. Ambatomilo is particularly renowned for its spectacular lagoon, with crystal-clear waters allowing easy observation of marine life, including vibrant corals and varied underwater fauna.
This place is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming and beach walks, thanks to its warm, sunny climate year-round. Its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere make it a perfect refuge for those looking to reconnect with nature.
Moramba bay or the Ha Long Bay of the Continental Island
Hidden halfway between Nosy Be and Majunga, accessible only by sea, Baie de Moramba is a hidden treasure of Madagascar, a place where nature seems to sculpt works of art. Baie de Moramba is counted among the most beautiful sites in Madagascar and one of the most unique landscapes in the country.
Imagine limestone formations rising from turquoise waters, million-year-old baobabs, one of the island’s emblems, perched on secret coves, and a sky where birds like the fishing eagle soar as masters of the air. Everywhere, the turquoise and green sea enchants and awaits discovery, with anchor depths of around 3 meters (at low tide) or 7 meters (at high tide).
Navigating between these islets is like immersing in a living painting, where every corner reveals a new wonder. At the heart of this bay, a fishing village lives in harmony with nature, and lemurs, parrots, sea turtles, and whales find refuge here. In Moramba, time stops, and wild beauty envelops you, inviting exploration, diving, or simply dreaming. Here, you are invited to get lost in a paradise you never want to leave.
