▶️ In Short
To reach Sainte-Marie, the easiest way is flying from Antananarivo, in about one hour. The budget option combines the road to Soanierana-Ivongo, then a one-to-two-hour boat crossing. The island has its own airport, at the southern tip.
Sainte-Marie, or Nosy Boraha, is reached by plane or by boat. Each option has its perks, depending on time and budget. Here is how to reach the island easily.
By plane: the simplest option
Flying is the fastest way to reach Sainte-Marie. Tsaradia and Madagascar Airlines serve the island. The airport sits in the south, near the tip.
Flying from Antananarivo
From the capital, the flight takes about one hour. Several weekly links connect Antananarivo to Sainte-Marie. It is the ideal option to save time.
Flying from Tamatave (Toamasina)
Flights also connect Tamatave to Sainte-Marie. The hop is short and handy from the east coast. It fits well into an itinerary through Toamasina.
By boat: from Soanierana-Ivongo
The boat is the cheapest option to Sainte-Marie. Departures are mainly from Soanierana-Ivongo. The crossing takes one to two hours depending on the boat.
The combined road + boat route
From Antananarivo, you first reach Tamatave, by road or by air. From there, a transfer leads to Soanierana-Ivongo in a few hours. The boat completes the trip to Sainte-Marie.
From abroad: reaching Madagascar then Sainte-Marie
International flights land in Antananarivo, the capital. From there, a domestic flight or the road leads to Sainte-Marie. For long-haul flight details, see our guide “Flights to Madagascar”.
Which option to choose?
To save time, the plane wins hands down. To save money or enjoy the scenery, the boat has charm. Many travellers fly in and take the boat back.
Arriving at La Colombine after your trip
Once on the island, La Colombine Aparthotel welcomes you in Ambodifotatra. The team can arrange your transfer from the airport or port. You drop your bags in a calm, comfortable setting.
Our tips to reach Sainte-Marie
💡 Expert tip
Book your domestic flight early, especially in high season. For the boat, leave in the morning, when the sea is calmer. Allow a margin if you connect an international flight the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Antananarivo to Sainte-Marie?
The easiest way is the domestic flight, in about one hour. Otherwise, reach Tamatave then Soanierana-Ivongo, and take the boat. The plane remains the fastest option.
Where do you take the boat to Sainte-Marie?
The boat mainly leaves from Soanierana-Ivongo. Links also exist from Tamatave and Mahambo. The crossing takes one to two hours.
How long does the journey take?
By plane from Antananarivo, allow about one hour. By boat from Soanierana-Ivongo, one to two hours. The combined route from Tana takes a full day.
Related reading: Flights to Madagascar · Île aux Nattes · Nosy Be or Sainte-Marie?
In short: reaching Sainte-Marie
✅ Key takeaways
- Flight from Antananarivo: ~1 h, the simplest (Tsaradia / Madagascar Airlines)
- Flights also from Tamatave (Toamasina)
- Boat from Soanierana-Ivongo: 1 to 2 h crossing
- Airport and port at the southern tip of the island
Reaching Sainte-Marie is easier than it seems. Fly for speed, sail for charm and budget. And on arrival, La Colombine awaits you in Ambodifotatra.
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