Ile Sainte Marie

Tsy misy fisaorana Ile Sainte Marie

Ile Sainte Marie, or Nosy Boraha, is a narrow granitic island 57 km long 8 km off the east coast of Madagascar. Ile Sainte Marie is composed of a main island and several small islets.

Its lush vegetation interspersed with many small villages, the kilometrical sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, its bays and coves protected by coral reefs have turned this tropical dream island in is one of the most popular beach spots Madagascar has to offer.

An atmosphere of peace, tranquility and pure natural beauty prevails on Ile Sainte Marie, a feeling definitely emphasized by the joie de vivre of the Malagasy. Cycling is the most popular means of transport of getting around. Another way to move further is on board of a traditional pirogue.

It can take you to beautiful deserted little bays overgrown with tropical vegetation. Ile Sainte Marie boasts numerous stunningly beautiful beaches and secluded coves, fringed with coconut palms.

Most hotels are along the coast south of Ambodifotatra, where the beach is narrow but pleasant. The north-western part of the island is quieter, but more difficult to access.

The east coast is relatively rugged and – until recently – undeveloped. It offers some of the better beaches, particularly on the Ampanihy Peninsula, which is separated from main island by the long Baie d’Ampanihy.

A big warning: swimming in the beautiful turquoise the lagoon is not easy, due to the shallowness of the water. The best swimming beaches are located in the Northern and Western coasts, as well as in the islet aux Nattes.

Ile Sainte Marie has a good developed touristy infrastructure with a large number of hotels and service providers. Despite this, visitors’ flow is here rather restrained in comparison with Nosy Be.

The higher numbers of tourists on Africa tour to Madagascar come here between July and August to contemplate the ballet of the humpback whales (see below). This is when humpback whales migrate to the area annually for mating and giving birth.

Ile Sainte Marie History

The history of Ile Sainte Marie is a mixture of legend and reality. The second local name of Nosy Bohara, Nosy Mbavy (which means “the women’s island”), refers to a legendary myth that reconstructs the origins of the island.

According to the story, which any inhabitant of the eastern coast will be able to tell you, once upon time, a certain Ibrahim or Abraham, who must have been a Jew, landed on the island.

He was immediately attacked by groups of women from whom he eventually managed to escape. He met an old woman on a small island. She took pity on that exhausted, shipwrecked man, hid him and provided him with food and water.

Full of gratitude, the man blessed the old-woman: She and her descendants would never go without water. Suddenly, a spring gushed forth near the old woman’s house.

That’s why some historians have suggested that the first settlers of the island were Jews or Yemenites. Another legend about Nosy Boraha, which recalls Christians of the biblical myth of Jonas, tells that a villager, named Boroha, was driven off the coast by a whale but was rescued by a dolphin that brought him back to shore.

What to see in Ile Sainte Marie

Whale watching

In winter that is from June to the end of September, the sea around Ile Sainte Marie offers one of the most natural fascinating spectacles in the world.

Large groups of humpback whales (Megaptera) make their annual migration from the Antarctic to the sheltered waters around Ile Sainte Marie where they calve, nurse their young and engage in their spectacular courtship rituals between the end of June and September.

For months, humpback whales can be seen wondering in the ocean as they move and jump out of the sea in the narrow canal that separates the island from the mainland.

You can see them everywhere from the island but the best way to see is going aboard a fast motor launch with a whale watching specialist. The reputable hotels as well as some operators on Ile Sainte Marie arrange whale watching tours that adhere to the regulations to avoiding stressing the whales.

Sometimes you are invited to collect data about the behavior, whale songs, diving length, location, etc. for the world data base. Serious operators are members of the associations Cetamada and Megaptera.

Diving & snorkeling

Together with whale watching, diving is the most popular activity in Ile Sainte Marie. You find a list of specialized tour operators on our section Diving & Snorkeling

Ambodifotatra

Ambodifotatra is 12km from the airport and is the largest and most developed settlement of Ile Sainte Marie and offers banking and shopping facilities, a hospital for emergency medical treatment, water sport, some nightlife and a market where you can buy anything ranging from a bunch of fresh bananas to a hand-woven scarf or local artwork.

It really just consists of one long, dusty main street extending from the harbor. Thursdays and Tuesdays are market days in Ambodifotatra, although some stalls are open all week long. On market days, you can shop for anything from delicious fresh fruit to some amazing handcraft.

The Catholic church

Sites of interest include Madagascar’s oldest Catholic church, which dates from 1857 and was a gift to the island from Empress Eugéne of France, and a granite fort (1753), which is now closed to the public.

Access to this somewhat mysterious place is, albeit, difficult and absolutely impossible on foot whilst high tide. Even during dry season, though short enough, the stones over the passage are very slippery as the ocean covers them on high tide.

The old fort

Built on top of the hill, it is now occupied by the Malagasy army. Its main gate still shows the insignia of Louis XV, the King of France and Head of the West Indies Company.

The fort served once as a prison at the time when the island was the destination for convicts. The East India Company built the first building in 1753. The other constructions were added in 1870. Near the fort gate Sylvain Roux is buried.

Isle aux Forbans

This tiny, circular shaped island was once the celebration place for meetings held by pirates and also the place where buccaneers divided their loot. One can still recognize the ruins of a arc-shaped on Ile Sainte Marie. Maybe the mark that indicates the presence of hidden treasure? The mystery remains unsolved.

The pirates’ cemetery of Saint-Pierre

Located on a peninsula south of the bay, this is the primary touristy site for visitors searching for the tombs of the many pirates, smugglers and slave traders who ended their days on this island.

There are mostly graves from 1800s but only one with the classic skull and crossed bones. The cemetery is also nicely located, overgrown by some mysterious kinds of plants and with the view to the pirate island where you can find many tombs in ruins, some of which date back to the early eighteenth century.

To get there (use better a bicycle) take the road to the South and turn left after the dam. Young children will be waiting for the traveller to offer themselves as guides. They will show you the most curious epitaphs. Tip is as always at your discretion.

Ilot Madame

At the entry of the “Baie des Forbans”, astride the dike joining the south of Ile Sainte Marie to its main city Ambodifotatra, is located an islet of which the charming buildings and monuments bear a part of the island’s history.

This place was the home of the King Ratsimilaho’s girl; Princess Betia. Formerly named” île aux cailles “, the French Sylvain Roux, renamed it “”Ilot Madame” in 1820 in honor for the King of France’s girl.

This small islet hosted throughout the centuries many vessels. We still see some remains of a pier more or less abandoned. History enthusiasts will take a look at the former Governors’ residence of, which dates from 1871.

What to Do in Ile Sainte Marie

Chill by the Beach

A 65 km island (including Ile aux Nattes) in the Indian Ocean is bound to have an astonishing coastline, and it sure does! Few places in the world offer beaches as irresistible as Sainte Marie.

Turquoise water, wide sand beaches, and swaying palm trees are more the rule than the exception. Let go of your worries with cold coconut juice and a good book on the beach.

Sail In a Pirogue

The preferred way of transport on the water is pirogues. A Pirogue is a wooden canoe the locals use for everything from transportation to fishing. The water is shallow, so the fastest way to get ahead without a motor is by punting.

On both Il Sainte Marie and Ile aux Nattes, but especially Ile aux Nattes, it’s possible to hire a pirogue and boatsman to take you for a trip. And if you’re up for trying yourself, you definitely should. It’s harder than it looks!

I’d recommend taking a trip around Ile aux Nattes. It takes about an hour and is absolutely beautiful. If you want to make a day trip out of it, you should stop by Maison Blanche for a glass of wine, and have lunch at Fananas.

Read more about Maison Blanche and Fafana here.

Swim in Piscine Naturel

On the northern point of Ile Sainte Marie, you find Piscines Naturelle. Piscines Naturelle are three natural saltwater swimming pools. The water is clearer than the sky, and the landscape is magnificent.

For the less adventurous ones, you get there by car or boat. Are you comfortable on two wheels, the ride is quite fun by scooter or motorbike.

Note that Piscines Naturelle is a sacred area for the Malagasy, so there are several Fadys to respect. For example, it is not allowed to wear shoes, consume alcohol, or pee.

Take a Trip to the Mangrove Forest

On the west coast of Sainte Marie in a deep lagune, you can visit a large Mangrove Forest. The Mangroves are home to a unique ecosystem, and the forest is just beautiful.

When visiting the Mangrove forest, you sail around in the canals between the Mangroves enjoying the unusual environment.

Bring a guide if you want to learn about the peculiar animal life, or just a boatsman if you simply want to soak in the beauty.

From the Mangrove forest, it’s possible to tire up the boat and do a short walk to the western coast. The beaches there are isolated and unspoiled, and have a distinctive exclusive vibe. Bring a lunchbox and enjoy a meal in complete serenity.

Enjoy a Spa Day

After traveling on the mainland of Madagascar, you are likely to pine for a luxury experience when you get to paradise. Sainte Marie offers several spa experiences at different levels of comfort.

If looking for a nice massage or mani-pedi, most hotels can accommodate you. It’s also possible to find a masseuse on the beach, and while they might be just as good as your hotels, make sure to ask permission first. Many hotels do not allow unauthorized masseuses in the rooms.

Longing for the whole exclusive package and willing to pay for it? Treat yourself to a day at Princess Bora’s Jungle Spa.

It’s the most exclusive spa on the island, and here you can choose from a variety of treatments, which are all centered around natural and aromatic products, that Princess Bora produces from local flora. You’ll be leaving there a new and improved person.

Sail to Il aux Sable

On the southwest coast of Sainte Marie, a phenomenon named Ile aux Sable (The Sand Island) occurs. There’s no easier way to explain it, than a white sand beach in the middle of the ocean. Ile aux Sable literally comes out of nowhere, and it’s a magnificent sight.

You get there by boat – either motor or pirogue. To make a day trip out of it, you should bring your snorkeling gear. There are several great snorkeling spots out there.

Snorkeling by the Reef

With a double reef barrier, you can only imagine the marine life you can explore throughout the coasts. No matter where on the islands you’re staying, it’s never far from the reef.

That’s something to take advantage of. If you didn’t bring your snorkeling gear, you can lease it in most hotels or buy it in many shops in Ambodifotatra.

In many areas, for example, south of Ile aux Nattes, you don’t even have to reach the reef to see a diverse collection of living corals, octopuses, and fish.

To go snorkeling on spots far from your hotel, hire a boat or join a tour. You can ask your hotel or the local tourist office in Ambodifotatra to arrange either for you.

Learn to Dive

Perhaps you’re an experienced diver ready for a treasure hunt in the nearby pirate wrecks, or perhaps you want to learn how to dive. In either case, you are on an island surrounded by a double-barrier reef. Does it not sound like a perfect opportunity? It truly is!

On Sainte Marie, you find one active diving center, Bora Dive & Research. They arrange diving trips to numerous good sights, and they’re very professional. If you’re into diving, this is the place to go.

Have Fun in Ambodifotatra

Ambodifotatra is the main town in the area. It consists of a main street, a harbor, and numerous small streets crawling with shops, bars, and restaurants.

On most days there’s a big market selling everything from food to clothes to electronic devices. You can easily spend a day exploring the town.

To get to town, go by tuk-tuk or boat. If staying at Ile aux Nattes, take a pirogue to the Southpoint and a tuk-tuk from there. The trip will take you in total about 45 minutes and is an experience in itself.

The main town is the only place where you can find a supermarket for your basic Western-World needs, and it is the home of 2 out of 3 ATMs on the island (the 3rd is by the airport).

If you should be unlucky enough to need a hospital during your vacation, this is also the place to find it.

Explore the Islands’ Bars & Restaurants

If you’re a foodie, examining the cuisine of the island is probably a priority. The islands have numerous restaurants worth trying.

In fact, there are so many, that you’d need weeks to eat your way through the area. The southern part of the island from the southern tip of Ile Sainte Marie to Ambodifotatra has the most, but some must-try places are located in the northern part and on Ile aux Nattes.

If you’re not staying nearby, you should probably combine eating there with a day trip, since transport takes an effort.

Bars are plentiful as well and come in a big variety. I’m a fan of the local experience – drinking beers with locals is just much more fun than mixing with tourists.

Plus, a beer in a local bar is about a tenth of the price of a fancy one. Don’t expect an umbrella cocktail – those you can only find at the touristy bars.

One recommendation is the bar La Reunion in the southern area, but it is rather hard to find. Ask locals for directions and recommendations when going for that kind of experience.

Go Whale Watching

If you visit during June, July, or August, a must-experience is to go whale watching. Every year Humpback Whales swim from Antarctica to the waters around Madagascar to mate.

During those months there are thousands of these majestic animals in the area, and seeing them jump and play in the water is just… well, there are no words to describe it.

A whale-watching trip is a rather costly affair. You pay between 50 and 80 € per person for a 3-hour trip. But it is something you’re not likely to ever forget.

Numerous places offer whale-watching trips but look for one that’s a member of Cetamada.

Cetamada is an organization working for preserving whales. When choosing a member, you can be sure that the captain is trained properly in sailing with respect to the whales.

Visit the Pirate Cemetery

Close the Ambodifotatra, you find the main attraction on the island, the Pirate Cemetery. I gotta be honest with you.

Very few pirates are proven to be buried there. But in any case, the cemetery is the pride of the island. If you keep an open mind and look away from historical inaccuracies, it’s actually full of entertaining stories.

A tour can either be a visit to the cemetery, or a visit to the cemetery followed by a boat trip to Ile aux Forbans, a tiny island in the lagune by the town. Ile aux Forbans is the island where many legendary pirates, such as William Kidd, lived.

Walk Around Ile aux Nattes

I cannot express clearly enough how unique Ile aux Nattes is. To truly get the feel of it, you should walk around it.

If you walk it during low tide, you can walk around it by the beach the entire way. Ile aux Nattes is just 2,5 km long and 1,5 km wide, so the hike can be done in just a few hours.

On the way around you pass many good restaurants and beach bars, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy breaks in pure serenity.

You can easily add a few more sights to spice up the trip. Read my post 7 Places to Experience When Staying at Ile aux Nattes.

Getting to Ile aux Nattes from Ile Sainte Marie is easy. Take a tuk-tuk to the southern point and jump on a pirogue at the cross-over. It will take you less than 5 minutes to cross the water. From the shore, you can start walking.

Explore the Scenery on BMX, Bike, Motorbike, or Scooter

For those into speed and off-road driving, you have many kilometers of (almost) non-existing road as a playground from Ambodifotatra and to the northern point.

BMX’es, bikes, scooters, and motorbikes can be rented in the city center, and quite affordably.

Along the road, you have numerous options to enjoy breaks at viewpoints, eat at restaurants and bars, and swim in natural springs and waterfalls. The adventures are lining up for those brave enough to grab them.

If you’re more comfortable bringing a guide, have your hotel or the local tourist office arrange that for you.

Visit the Local Villages

I know I write this a lot, but visiting the local villages is the best way to get an authentic Malagasy experience.

At Sainte Marie, the environment could not be safer, so no need to be afraid of mingling with the locals. The people on the island are very open and accommodating, and you’re likely to be invited in to see their houses, cooking methods, and customs.

The Malagasy life is dramatically different from the lives of the Western world, but there’s much to learn from it. I strongly advise you to go with the flow, if a Malagasy opens up his or her home to you.

Land of the Tswana

There are so many places that you can visit in Botswana but there are some other attractions that stand out more than others and are worth visiting during Botswana Safari. These make the list of the top Tourist Attractions In Botswana.

There are many tours that you can do in Botswana and the most common is the overland tour, where you can drive around to most parts of the country in an overland truck. Most common tours include a Botswana Wildlife Safari, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park package, Desert tracking, Premium safaris and 5 to 10 day safaris.

• • Exploring ancient ruins, historical landmar.

• • Immersive cultural experiences, local.

• • Hiking, trekking, extreme sports, and out.

• • A romantic destination like Paris, Venice.

• • Kid-friendly activities, theme parks family.

• • Premium accommodations, gourmet.