Sainte-Marie Island Tour,
Nosy Boraha
From the lagoon of Île aux Nattes to the waters of the buccaneers and the leaps of humpback whales
A private 7-day tour of Sainte-Marie Island (Nosy Boraha), a coral gem of the Indian Ocean. From the turquoise waters of Île aux Nattes to the mangrove forests of Ampanihy Bay, through the traces of the buccaneers and from June to September, the majestic leaps of humpback whales in the channel. A dedicated national guide and private driver, full board from the first to the last meal.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Seven stages between lagoon, pirogues and buccaneer history and whale leaps for the lucky ones from June to September.
Day 1 – Welcome to Sainte-Marie Island
Personalised welcome · Private transfer · Travel briefingOn arrival at Sainte-Marie airstrip or ferry terminal, our local team gives you a personalised welcome. Your permanent national guide takes care of your transfer to your seafront hotel.
Check-in, welcome cocktail and a briefing on your week ahead in this tropical paradise. Dinner and overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Day 2 – Île aux Sables & Île aux Nattes
Turquoise Lagoon · Snorkeling · Traditional Outrigger Canoe · Walking Tour of the IslandAfter breakfast, departure by boat for an excursion to Île aux Sables — a string of immaculate white sandbanks emerging from a translucent lagoon, an exceptional spot for snorkelling amid the corals.
Then onward to the idyllic Île aux Nattes at the southern tip. You will cross the channel in a traditional flat-bottomed pirogue and take a guided walk around this car-free paradise island. Highlights of the day:
- The climb to the historic lighthouse with a 360° panoramic view over the lagoon
- Postcard-perfect beaches shaded by leaning coconut palms
- A traditional seafood picnic lunch on the beach
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Day 3 – Wild North · Natural Pools, Lighthouse & Waterfall
Geological formations · Sacred waters · Tropical forest hikeAfter breakfast, heading to the wild North of the island, far from the busy beaches. You will discover the famous Piscines Naturelles d’Ambodiatafana — vast granite basins where the Indian Ocean waves crash in spectacular fashion, a place held sacred in local culture.
Highlights of this northern excursion:
- Piscines Naturelles d’Ambodiatafana— three rocky pools carved by the ocean, swimming subject to tides
- Stories from elders about the spirits (razana) who guard the pools
- Forest trail leading to a waterfall surrounded by giant pandanus
- Possible sightings of panther chameleons and day geckos in the forest
Day 4 – Whale Safari & Historic Pirates’ Tour
Giants of the sea · Eco-responsible sailing · Buccaneer historyAfter breakfast, a day packed with emotion and history. From mid-June to mid-September, the morning is dedicated to an eco-responsible sea outing for the Humpback Whale Safari — one of the rarest wildlife encounters in the Indian Ocean. Each year, between 700 and 900 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from Antarctica to give birth and mate in the warm, sheltered waters of the Sainte-Marie channel. The peak observation period runs from July to August, when mothers accompanied by their calves are most active at the surface: full breaches (breaches), fin slaps, blows visible hundreds of metres away.
- Eco-responsible boat trip — regulated approach at minimum 30 m
- Excellent sighting chances in peak season (July to September).
- Breaches, fin slaps, blows — a breathtaking spectacle
The afternoon or Outside season (Oct–Jun), Pirates’ Tour :
- Le Pirates’ Cemetery, unique in the world, overlooking the mangrove bay
- Île aux Forbans, the historic buccaneer hideout at the heart of Ambodifotatra Bay
- The oldest Catholic church in Madagascar, built in 1857
Dinner and overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Day 5 – East Coast · Ampanihy Bay & Its Mangroves
Mangrove labyrinth · Outrigger canoe trip · Wild beachAfter breakfast, heading to the island’s East Coast, renowned for its untamed nature and unspoilt landscapes. You will reach the majestic Baie d’Ampanihy. Aboard a traditional pirogue, you will glide gently through a labyrinth of mangroves essential to the island’s ecosystem.
Highlights of this excursion:
- Guided exploration of the mangrove forest and observation of aquatic wildlife
- Crossing the peninsula to reach the vast wild beach of Ampanihy
- A traditional lunch with local flavours prepared on the coast
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Day 6 – Free Day · Rest & Optional Discoveries
Total relaxation · Island pace · À la carte activitiesAfter breakfast, enjoy a full day entirely at your own pace. This relaxation stage is ideal for savouring the easy-going atmosphere of Sainte-Marie.
You can relax by the hotel pool, book a massage with local essential oils, read on the beach, or independently hire a bicycle or scooter to explore the coastal paths. All meals are included at the hotel for your comfort.
Dinner and overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Day 7 – Sainte-Marie · Return Flight or Onward Connection
Last ocean moments · Private transfer · End of servicesBreakfast at your hotel with an ocean view. Depending on the time of your return flight from Sainte-Marie airstrip — or your ferry connection — your private driver and national guide will ensure your transfer in good time.
End of Lemur Safari services.
Rates & Inclusions
Full Board · Guides & Transport Included · All Park Fees Included · All Sea Excursions Included
Not included
Terms & Cancellation Policy
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Deadline before departure |
Conditions |
|---|---|
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Booking confirmation |
Deposit of 30% of the total amount |
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Balance |
Due on arrival in Madagascar |
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Cancellation > 60 days |
Deposit refunded minus file fee (€70) |
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Cancellation 45–60 days |
Retenue de 50% of the deposit |
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Cancellation < 45 days |
Deposit non-refundable |
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Itinerary change |
Possible up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability |
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Bad weather guarantee |
Alternative activity at no extra cost if weather conditions prevent the planned excursion |
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Payment |
Bank transfer or PayPal |
Tip : Take out travel insurance with a “cancel for any reason” option. In the event of medical cancellation, the deposit will be refunded by your insurer — this is the most effective protection for a trip of this value.
Why Lemur Safari?
Local agency vs. European reseller — an honest comparison
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Criteria |
Lemur Safari |
European Agency |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Toamasina, Madagascar |
Paris, London, Brussels… |
|
Intermediaries |
✓ 0 — you speak directly with the field team |
1 to 2 subcontracting layers |
|
Price |
✓ Direct, no reseller margin |
+15 to 30% commission |
|
Responsiveness |
✓ Reply within 24h · WhatsApp |
2–5 day email delays |
|
Flexibility |
✓ Changes up to D–30 |
Rigid conditions |
|
Field knowledge |
✓ Guides who live in Madagascar |
Catalogue brochures |
|
Local impact |
✓ 100% of spending stays in Madagascar |
Margin captured abroad |
|
Exclusive access |
✓ Local networks |
Standardised package tours |
Passionate Local Guides
Born and trained on Sainte-Marie Island. They know every current of the channel, every whale migration route, every path leading to the northern natural pools.
100% Malagasy Agency
Registered in Madagascar, managed by a Malagasy team. Your money directly funds island families and communities — not an office abroad.
15 “Excellent” Reviews
Our travellers awarded the maximum rating across all their tours. Read their experiences on TripAdvisor before booking.
Responsible Tourism
We prioritise charming accommodation, eco-lodges and carefully selected local partners to maximise economic benefits for Malagasy communities.
What our travellers say
Best adventure
“This has been the best adventure I’ve been on so far. Ismail showed our group things in Madagascar that we would never have discovered on our own. Best tour guide ever! :)”
Sanja M · sept. 2024
A country to explore and a local guide to recommend
“We just returned from an unforgettable 7-day private honeymoon trip to Madagascar, and it truly was a dream come true. As a couple, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring stunning natural wonders such as the Baobab Avenue…”
Luca C · nov. 2025Perfectly tailor-made trip
“Ismaël is a great guide, we had an excellent time. Breathtaking places, quality information and impeccable support. I highly recommend. We laughed a lot and discovered so much.”
Princia R · dec. 2025
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