Why Nosy Be

Nosy Be, the Island of Perfumes

Off the north-western coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be is known as the "Island of Perfumes": ylang-ylang, vanilla and cacao grow across green hills that slope down to white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It's the ideal starting point for discovering an archipelago that's still authentic, far from mass tourism.

What makes Nosy Be unique

• Unspoiled nature: from nature reserves home to lemurs and chameleons, to some of the richest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean
• Dream-like satellite islands: Nosy Iranja, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba, each with its own character — from turquoise lagoons to marine reserves perfect for snorkeling
• Authentic Malagasy culture: fishing villages, local markets, traditions still alive far from standardized tourist circuits
• Stable tropical climate: warm all year round, with a dry season ideal for travel from May to October

When to come

The best time to visit Nosy Be runs from May to October, during the dry season: pleasant temperatures, calm seas, clear skies — ideal conditions for boat excursions as well as snorkeling and diving. From November to April the climate is warmer and more humid, with possible rain, but also lower rates and lush scenery.