▶️ In Brief Every year from July to September, humpback whales gather in the Sainte-Marie channel to breed and calve. Nosy Boraha ranks among the finest whale-watching spots in the Indian Ocean. You meet them on a morning boat trip from Ambodifotatra, about three hours on the water. Whale watching is the signature experience of … Read more
▶️ In Brief From Madagascar, you mainly bring back vanilla, spices and crafts. Vanilla is capped at 2 kg per tourist for export. Arranged rum travels in the hold, and gemstones require a certificate. Coral, rare shells and protected animal skins are banned. Madagascar brims with authentic souvenirs, often far more affordable than you might … Read more
▶️ In Short The pirate cemetery of Sainte-Marie is the only known pirate burial site in the world. It lies 2 km south of Ambodifotatra and holds around thirty graves, some marked with skulls. The island was a pirate haven in the 17th and 18th centuries. Sainte-Marie hides one of Madagascar’s most fascinating places. Its … Read more
In short Madagascar offers deserted beaches, rare wildlife and privacy for a honeymoon. The best months are April-May and September-November; from July to September, whales pass off Sainte-Marie. Plan 12 to 15 days and an indicative budget of €4,000 to €7,000 for two, flights included. Why choose Madagascar for your honeymoon? Madagascar is still an … Read more
In short The Sainte-Marie Whale Festival takes place from 11 to 19 July 2026, on Nosy Boraha (Sainte-Marie). It celebrates the arrival of humpback whales with concerts, pirogue races, cultural events and sea trips, in partnership with the CETAMADA association. When is the Whale Festival in 2026? The Sainte-Marie Whale Festival runs from 11 to … Read more
▶️ In Short Nosy Be and Sainte-Marie are Madagascar’s two flagship islands. Nosy Be, in the north-west, is livelier and dive-focused. Sainte-Marie, on the east coast, is calmer, romantic and famous for its whales. For peace and whale watching, Sainte-Marie wins. Choosing between Nosy Be and Sainte-Marie is not obvious. Both islands offer beaches, lagoon … Read more
▶️ In Short A flight to Madagascar takes about 10 to 11 hours non-stop from Paris. Air France and Corsair fly direct; other airlines route through one stopover, often cheaper. Expect 700 to 1,200 € round trip on average, depending on the season. Madagascar is easy to reach by plane from Europe. Several airlines serve … Read more
▶️ 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 … Read more
▶️ In Short Île aux Nattes, or Nosy Nato, is a tiny paradise island off the south of Sainte-Marie, Madagascar. You reach it in a five-minute pirogue crossing. Empty beaches, lemurs and turquoise water make it the highlight of any trip to Sainte-Marie. Île aux Nattes packs the best of Madagascar into a few hectares. … Read more
