Nosy Be, Madagascar

About Nosy Be

Nosy Be is Madagascar's main tourist island, off the north-west coast — volcanic, green, fringed with beaches and considerably easier to reach and to stay on than most of the country.

The season runs April to November, peaking June to September, on south-east trade winds the locals call the Alizés, blowing at 15 to 30 knots. Water sits at 24 to 29°C year-round, so nothing more than a lycra is needed. April to November is also the dry season, which is much of why the timing works.

Ambatoloaka and neighbouring Madirokely are the established beaches, each suiting different levels, with kite schools and rental on the island. Sakatia, the small island just offshore, is quieter still.

What makes Nosy Be a destination rather than a spot is everything around it: ylang-ylang plantations, lemur reserves, some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, and the smaller islands of the archipelago within a boat ride. It is the accessible face of a country that is otherwise hard work to travel.

When to go

Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.

Kite areas

2 distinct riding areas documented within this destination.

• Ambatoloaka Beach

  Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.

• Sakatia Island

  Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.