While there are so many stunning things to do in Madagascar, she has some of the best beaches in the world. With blue skies, clear waters, and the rustle of fat-feathered birds, let the beaches of Madagascar deliver you a slice of restful happiness.
Here’s an inside guide to the best beaches in Madagascar.
The Best Beaches in Madagascar
From small islands you can only reach by private plane to land-hugging coastal resorts, the best beaches in Madagascar cover a wide range of set-ups.
There is so much more to this fascinating country, of course, but I’d be lying if the beach didn’t stand out.
Let’s start with my personal favourite, a practically perfect place, and then move on from there…
I bring you… the most beautiful beaches of Madagascar.
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Beaches Near Nosy Be
Tsarabanjina Island
Want to know which I think is the best beach in Madagascar?
My absolute favourite is Tsarabanjina Island. The tropical island lies just 40 km or so west of Nosy Be in the Nosy Mitsio archipelago and can only be reached by boat.
There’s just one place to stay on the island: the cool, calm and mellow Tsarabanjina from Constance Hotels.
Think barefoot luxury with secluded beachside villas decked out in natural fibres. Fresh juice delivered by the door. Plenty of bird life, traditional Malagasy fishing boats and nothing but sea air and the stunning beaches of Madagascar.
Get active with humpback whale watching expeditions or just lie back and relax. This is a luxury version of a Robinson Crusoe escape.
How to get there: Enjoy the boat trip from Nosy Be. This can be arranged through the hotel.
What is a Nosy Anyway?
Nosy is the Malagasy word for island and it’s pronounced with more of an influence on the second syllable, sounding aloof and exotic rather than soap opera prying.
Nosy Be means big island and you say it more like this: no-SAY BAY – than this: NOzy Beee. Just in case you still read aloud in your head or want to ask someone else about it without sounding like a fool…Your secret’s safe with me.
Nosy Be
Tucked up in the north, off the west coast, Nosy Be counts as Madagascar’s most popular beach area, although that’s still quiet when compared to other regions.
Nosy Be means “big island” in Malagasy and it almost has a mainland feel, certainly when compared to the other islands. It also goes by the nickname Nosy Manitra, or scented island, thanks to its spice markets and flavoursome food.
Volcanic peaks Mont Lokobe and Mont Passot form the backdrop for the sandy beaches of Ambatoloaka and Ambondrona on this largest island on the list.
- Related: see the Red Tsingy of Madagascar
It’s one of the few places in the world where you stand a chance of spotting the Omura whale, named as a species in its own right in 2003.
Where to stay: The Ravintsara Wellness Hotel offers a private beach, a full-service spa and stunning beachfront views.
How to get there: You can fly direct from Europe to Fascene Airport on Nosy Be. These direct flights cut down on your travel time enormously if you’re looking to hit the beach straight away. Otherwise, most international flights head into Ivato International Airport in the capital Antananarivo. From there, you’ll need to take a direct flight to the north.
Nosy Iranja
A private island right by Nosy Be, this place also goes by the name of “the island of turtles.” It’s actually two islands, connected by 1500 kilometres of soft, powdery white sand. You’ll only catch a sight of this at low tide, though. Look out for the lighthouse on the northern island, designed by a certain Gustav Eiffel. But mostly, enjoy the sea turtles.
Where to stay: Beachfront Naturalia Lodge offers comfortable modern rooms, an on-site spa and rainfall showers.
How to get there: Fly direct from Europe to Fascene Airport on Nosy Be and connect from there.
Nosy Komba
Between Tsarabanjina and Nosy Be lies Nosy Komba, home to a few resorts and plenty of stunning white sand beaches. As a volcanic island close to the mainland, it has unexplored coves, chameleons and lemurs if you’re lucky.
Where to stay: Floraly Komba has a range of private beach bungalows set right by the water. The hotel can also arrange a number of excursions, including scuba diving and snorkelling.
How to get there: Fly direct from Europe to Fascene Airport on Nosy Be and connect from there.
Madagascar Beaches Beyond Nosy Be
Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)
Another popular spot on the eastern coast is île Sainte Marie. This sparkling expanse of white sand runs for 36 miles along the Indian Ocean, with numerous smaller islands nearby.
It’s a diving hotspot, with snorkelling too, and in July and August it’s rumoured to be the best spot to catch sight of humpback whales.
On pirate’s island, Île Aux Forbans, lives the pirate cemetery, complete with skull and crossbone graves.
It’s a busier place than many of the others on this list, apart from Nosy Be, but head south to the Île aux Nattes for a more peaceful stay.
Where to stay: Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa is an upscale family-friendly lodge near the airport. The on-site restaurant serves simple, local cuisine and the beach is a stone’s throw away.
How to get there: Take a flight from Antananarivo to Ile Sainte Marie.
The Humpback Whales Off the Coast of Madagascar
It’s the memory of a lifetime: the moment two humpback whales leapt from the slate-grey water of the Mozambique Channel. We’d taken a small boat from the beach and sped after these beauties. I was too slow to catch them both but my heart still flutters when I look back at this shot.
Ile Aux Nattes
At the southern end of Sainte Marie, find this slip of an island, which also goes by the name of Nosy Nato. At 3 kilometres wide, it’s easy to get around, car free and utterly idyllic. As with the other gorgeous beaches in Madagascar, expect plenty of chances for snorkelling and spotting humpback whales. Here, you can take the easy route with a glass-bottomed boat.
It’s not completely isolated, though. From here, you can walk to local village Agniribe and find restaurants and normal, everyday life.
To walk around the island completely takes between two and three hours. Look out for the small lighthouse Phare Pointe Blévec. It’s the highest point on the island and offers some unforgettable views.
Where to stay: Located in Nosy Nato, Aurora Lodge is set amidst Madagascar’s rural landscapes. Well places for whale watching and sunbathing alike.
How to get there: Fly to Ile Saint Marie and then make your way to the very south of the island by tuk-tuk. From here, jump in a local canoe to reach Ile Aux Nattes.
Anjajavy Beach
Right at the edge of Anjajavy National Park, this beach has 400 metres of pure white sand. It’s surrounded by coral reefs with crystal clear water and makes a great place for snorkelling.
Where to stay: Anjajavy le Lodge is an upscale, beachside hotel complete with an outdoor pool and picturesque terrace and garden.
How to get there: Take a flight from Antananarivo, available three times a week.
Andovoke Bay
Things get a little more active here, with surfing, kitesurfing and jetski opportunities available.
Where to stay: Take advantage of a peaceful terrace and an onsite spa at the family-friendly Anakao Ocean Lodge.
How to get there: Fly to Toliara airport and take a taxi.
Traditional Malagasy Fishing Boats on the Beach
Yes, these fishing boats look unbalanced and treacherously unstable on land. Once you perch within them, however, you find… that first instincts sometimes are the best.
Ah well. The locals managed to make it look easy…
Mahavelona Beach (Foulpointe)
Where the Onibe River meets the Indian Ocean, a reef lies offshore. Stretching for 150 metres, it results in calm, swimming waters on the beach.
Where to stay: Hôtel Le Lagon offers simple, romantic accommodation close to the water.
How to get there: Fly to Toamasina from the capital and carry on by car from the airport. Alternatively, catch a bus from Sonierana Ivongo.
Manafiafy/Baie de Sainte Luce
Further down south, off the coast from Taolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin,) you’ll find the secluded Baie de Sainte Luce (Manafiafy.)
It’s also the site of the first European settlement, a small French trading post, set up in 1642.
The Sainte Luce Reserve is a community-based project that’s doing its best to support the area’s rare costal forests and home to the endangered collared brown lemurs as well as many reptiles, amphibians and birds.
Where to stay: For visitors, the big draw here is the Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge, a luxurious retreat with beach access and conservation at its heart.
How to get there: Fly from Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin (now known as Tolagnaro). Manafiafy Beach is 2.5 hours away by car. Lodges can arrange private transfers or you can book a taxi at the airport.
Plage de Ramena
While not quite the most beautiful beach in Madagascar, Plage de Ramena is relatively easily reached from northern city Diego Suarez. You can be on the sand in 40 minutes by car from the centre of town and find seafood restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered. It’s a great spot for swimming and a springboard for day trips to the La Mer d’Emeraude lagoon.
Where to stay: Allamanda Hotel offers a range of rooms to suit every taste and budget. A garden, outdoor pool and onsite bar are just a few of the amenities provided.
How to get there: Fly to Diego Suarez and then get a taxi or tuk-tuk to Ramena.
What is Madagascar Famous For?
Beyond her turquoise water beaches and welcoming people, it’s her wildlife. Leaping lemurs and colour changing chameleons live amid historic architecture and sweeping landscapes. It’s the perfect destination for adventure – and for countless coconut trees.
What Are Madagascar Beach Resorts Like?
You’ll find a range of options along the Madagascar coastline and out on the islands. Some are eco-oriented and basic, while others offer exclusive, back to nature luxury. You won’t find many big, all-inclusive resorts with casinos. The Madagascar beach scene is a more low key, barefoot luxury vibe.
Madagascar hotels range from extremely basic to exclusive luxury.
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There were some amazing beaches in Madagascar – I stayed on Nosy Be itself and snorkelled off Nosy Tanihely as well which was stunning.
Ah, just thinking about the place leaves me feeling peaceful. Such beautiful beaches – and such a relaxed, interesting atmosphere.
Super gorgeous photos, especially the beach! And you got a great shot of that Humpback whale. I’d love to see one of those up close.
Ah, I still can’t believe my eyes looking back! You scour and scour the horizon…and then suddenly there it is!