1. Nosy Iranja
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found in Nosy Be, the island of perfumes. Our absolutely favorite island near Nosy Be is Nosy Iranja, which is only one hour and a half away from Nosy Be by boat. Nosy Iranja is a postcard perfect island consisting of two small islands: Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely which are connected to each other at low tide by a two kilometer long small strip of white sand. While you walk between the two islands you’ll see waves coming from both ways of the sand strip, a truly unique sight!
It is possible to see green turtles while you are on your day tour at Nosy Iranja, which breed on the beaches of the island. Besides walking, swimming and of course relaxing, you can also go snorkeling and have lunch at the local hotel.
2. Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is a small island near Nosy Be, which can be reached in 15 minutes from Hell-Ville by boat. The name Nosy Komba means ‘Lemur Island’ as it is home to several lemurs, considered sacred inhabitants by the locals. Nosy Komba is one of the most popular destinations on Nosy Be and for good reasons. Not only is the island a gorgeous little paradise, it also offers fantastic views over the surrounding ocean. Nosy Komba is perfect for hiking, encountering lemurs and also for practicing water sports. During your visit you will meet the local macaco lemurs who live in groups of up to twenty individuals!
A visit to Nosy Komba should not be missed while you’re in Nosy Be as there is superb hiking you can do with great viewpoints over the island and the surrounding blue ocean. The Antaninaomby is the largest point of the island at 621m and there is a nice 5 – 6 hour hike you can do with the summit being the highlight of the hike with a fantastic view over the whole archipelago and the nearby coast. Besides lemurs, you will also see chameleons, lizards and maybe snakes and turtles.
3. Nosy Tanikely
Nosy Tanikely means ‘Island of the small land’ and is a protected marine Reserve 10 kilometers from Nosy Be. The island is uninhabited and is only visitable for day tours. It is famous for its white beaches, clear blue water with abundant corals, a wide variety of colorful exotic fish and turtles, making it an excellent snorkeling and scuba diving destination. Because of the warm tropical waters and the contribution of the Sambirano River, a large number of marine species are attracted to the area. Besides marine life, there are also lemurs, chameleons and lizards on the island. There is a lighthouse from where you’ll have a fantastic view over the area. There is no restaurant on the island so you’ll need to bring your own food.
4. Mont Passot
Mount Passot (Malagasy: Bongo Pisa), is a volcanic hill and with its 326 meter in the center of the island. Mont Passot and was named after Captain Pierre Passot, of the French Navy who annexed the island of Nosy Be to France in 1841. There is a magnificent 360° view of the area with fantastic views of the coastline of Nosy Be. This exceptional viewpoint should not be missed when you are on a holiday at Nosy Be. Sunset is the best time to catch the breathtaking views of the Mozambique channel. There is also an excellent restaurant on top where you can have a nice meal after sunset.
Every year in August, the final of the Nosy Be Symphonies, the classical music festival of the Indian Ocean, takes place there.
5. Lokobe National Park
Lokobé National Park is a national park in Nosy Be and is named after Mont Lokobe, a 450 m high volcanic hill. The park is located in the south-east of Nosy Be near Hell-Ville. The reserve is famous for the black lemurs, but you can also find mouse lemurs and sportive lemurs. Besides lemurs we can find a large variety of birds, boas, chameleons such as the panther chameleons, lizards and more. Lokobe National Park has a wide variety of plants and is a true treat to the eye. The park is the only leftover of primary forest on the island and only became a reserve in the sixties and finally receiving its national park status in 2011. The park is ideal for a day trip in which you get to know the last patch of remaining rainforest and will have an encounter with the famous black lemurs and chameleon panthers.
6. Andilana
Andilana Beach is located in the northern area of Nosy Be and known as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Nosy. Think of postcard perfect white sand beaches and turquoise blue water with palm trees in the back. It is home to several luxurious hotels along the two km long beach. Even if you’re not staying near the beach, you’d definitely need to come to Andila Beach for a day to enjoy the magnificent beach and try one of the top quality restaurants of the hotels nearby.
7. Lemuria Land
Lemuria Land is a natural reserve, beautifully located in the middle of a sea of hundred-year old Ylang Ylang trees giving Nosy Be’s nickname of Perfume Island. During your visit you’ll discover the endemic fauna and flora of Madagascar with a wide variety of endemic lemurs, but also reptiles including the most beautiful specimens of chameleons, crocodiles, various species of turtles, lizards and many colorful birds. The route will take you along a stream surrounded by fragrant plants towards the wild boar enclosure and the wild duck lake.
Discover several succulent and rare plants of Madagascar, and the South in particular, as well as a wide range of palm trees. You will also be able to discover a static exhibition of insects and the magnificent butterflies of Madagascar.
You can also visit the distillation of the SPPM (Société des Produits à Parfums de Madagascar) founded by the missionary Fathers in 1889, and the world’s leading producer of ylang-ylang, with modern stills. A presentation of all the essential oils of Madagascar and many new products can be seen in the small distillation museum. A museum that will remind us of the magnificent steam engines of the era before the arrival of electricity. In the end you can see traditional crafts, such as basketry of wicker, palms and vetiver roots, the manufacture of mats, soubiques and the visit of the Rhumerie, with a free tasting of rums sugar cane which made the reputation of Nosy Be Madagascar rum.