Beach & Coast in Madagascar
Whales, beaches and a pirate past
Sainte Marie, or Nosy Boraha, is a long thin island off the east coast of Madagascar, once a pirate base in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is covered in palm trees and forest, with quiet beaches, a coral reef and an old pirate cemetery, and has a relaxed atmosphere.
From July to September, humpback whales come to the sheltered waters to breed and give birth, and boat trips take visitors close to the whales. The island also has diving, snorkelling, vanilla and clove plantations, and a few lemurs on the islet of Nosy Nato.
Sainte Marie is best from July to September for whales, and from April to December in general.
Humpback whales visit from July to September. The reef holds turtles and reef fish, and the forest has chameleons and some lemurs.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A narrow island of palm trees, white beaches and green hills, with a warm, shallow sea.
Activities here
Sainte Marie is warm and humid, with rain in every month. The wettest months are December to April, with a cyclone risk in the summer.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 23 | 370 |
| Feb | 30 | 23 | 380 |
| Mar | 30 | 23 | 330 |
| Apr | 29 | 23 | 260 |
| May | 28 | 22 | 200 |
| Jun | 27 | 21 | 150 |
| Jul | 26 | 20 | 170 |
| Aug | 26 | 20 | 130 |
| Sep | 27 | 20 | 90 |
| Oct | 28 | 21 | 100 |
| Nov | 29 | 22 | 150 |
| Dec | 30 | 23 | 280 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
August to November is drier, with warm seas.
December to April is hot and very wet, with cyclone risk.
July to September for whales, and September to November for the best weather.
Best time to visit Jul to Oct
Sainte Marie has an airport with flights from Antananarivo, and boats from Tamatave. Most guests fly.
Please see the Madagascar page for visa details.
Sainte Marie is a malaria area, so please take advice. Use sun protection and drink only bottled water.
National ParkAndasibe-Mantadia National ParkThe haunting song of the indri
City & TownAntananarivoThe highland capital
National ParkIsalo National ParkSandstone canyons and natural pools
Scenic AreaMorondava and the Avenue of the BaobabsGiant baobabs at sunset
Beach & CoastNosy BeIslands, reefs and turquoise water
National ParkRanomafana National ParkRainforest and the golden bamboo lemurOur take
“Our take”
Time Sainte Marie for July to September if whales are your priority, and give it three nights.
Safaris from
US$4,324 per person
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