Ile St Marie Madagascar

Air Madagascar Flight
Flights to Madagascar from South Africa

The island of Saint Marie (or Nosy Boraha) is a long thin tropical island approximately 60 km in length and less than 7 km wide with the small island of Ile aux Nattes just off the southern tip. Sainte Marie Island liies just 7 kilometres off the main island of Madagascar coast at its nearest point and is just 1 hour flying time from Tana.

Ile St Marie has secluded beaches, soft white sand, warm weather, swaying palms and lush vegetation as well as a colourful past as a Pirate's haven (1680 to 1720). The islands can be visited all year round except during February as this is Sainte Marie's cyclones season.

Ile Sainte Marie oozes charm from the small villages that dot the interior. For the outdoor-lovers, the island is crossed with tracks and palm-lined coves and can be explored on foot or even on mountain bike.

The north-western part of the island is quieter, but more difficult to access. The east coast is relatively rugged and - until recently - undeveloped. It offers some wonderful beaches, particularly on the Ampanihy Peninsula, which is separated from the main island by the long Baie d'Ampanihy. The tiny Ile aux Nattes, off Ile Sainte Marie's southern tip, also offers relaxing, scenic beaches.

Ile St Marie Highlights

Of special interest on Ile Saint Marie are the Humpback whales that migrate here in August/September and the rare and exquisite orchids at their blooming peak in September.

Other points of interest on Ile St Marie include:

- Ambodiatafana: barrier of black rocks; natural swimming pool
- Ankarina: beach protected with a barrier of coral; caves; lagoon
- Sahasilotra: beaches
- Ilôt Madame: fish; sea tortoises; coral; Pirates’ cemetery
- Ile aux-Nattes: beautiful beach

Scuba Diving: Safe from sharks, the lagoon of Sainte Marie island is endowed with significant coralline growth. Its underwater fauna is preserved as a natural heritage and first-class diving site in the Indian ocean. These and the many corals can be explored by both scuba divers and amateurs with little more than a mask, snorkel and a set of fins.

Activities on Ile Sainte Marie

Whale Watching: Between July and September substantial groups of humpback whales (Megaptera) migrate from the Antarctic to the channel between Sainte-Marie and Madagascar with their young to frolic in the calm seas and Ile Saint Marie becomes a hot spot for whale watching. Hump back whales are well known for their aerobatics and make for excellent entertainment. Humpback whales are quiet giants which find conditions in thes Madagascar channel favourable for the growth of their young and well suited to their courtship and acrobatic games before the big return toward the cold seas.

Iles aux Nattes: A trip across the channel to Iles aux Nattes is a must, offering some of the best beaches and snorkelling on the island.

Scuba Diving: Safe from sharks, the lagoon of Sainte Marie island is endowed with significant coralline growth. The underwater fauna at Sainte Marie is preserved as a natural heritage and first-class diving site in the Indian ocean. The Sainte Marie coral reefs can be explored by both scuba divers and snorkellers.

Accomodation on Ile Sainte Marie

Accommodation on Ile Saint Marie is basic but clean and comfortable with en suite bathrooms and hot water. Breakfast is usually continental and dinner has a Malagasy & French touch with sea food featuring most evenings.

Most hotels on Ile Saint Marie along the coast south of Ambodifotatra, where the beach is narrow but picturesque. Expect accommodation varying from 2 star to 4 star hotels and lodges.

Hotel La Petite Traversee
La Petite Traversee, is a small and neat lodge located on the northern shore of Ile aux Nattes. The lodge sits on the small canal which separates Ile aux Nattes and St Marie, and looks onto the opposite island which is just a pirogue trip away.

This charming hotel is situated close to the town of St. Marie. The air-conditioned bungalows are set out in lush tropical gardens along the white sandy beach of Saint Marie Island.

Price Guide 2008: from € 24 per room per night

This exclusive lodge on the tropical island Sainte Marie, offs luxurious villas set in a beautiful garden and facing the palm-fringed beach and a lagoon. The hallmark of Princesse Bora is the suspended double beds found in most rooms.

Price Guide 2009: from € 85 per person sharing including breakfast & dinner

Boraha Village
Boraha Village is located on the lesser-developed east coast of Saint Marie Island.
The hotel is surrounded by luxurious tropical vegetation facing the lagoon. Beautifully peaceful, private and offering all you would need for a relaxed break on a tropical island, Boraha Village will not disappoint you.