Practical information on Nosy Sainte Marie

4 / 5 - 2 reviews

How to get there

55 minutes from Antananarivo by air.

When to go

Between April and October (dry season), hurricane risk from end of December to mid-April.

Reviews of Nosy Sainte Marie

Seasoned Traveller

73 written opinions

This once southern seas pirates’ hide-away is now well known as a meeting point for humpback whales. Saint Mary’s Island, very elongated in shape (30.5 miles long by 3 miles wide), is named for its discovery due to a shipwreck that occurred on a 15th of August, Assumption Day. What is more, it has the oldest church in Madagascar, built in 1857.

My suggestion:

Saint Mary is also an exceptional diving site , where, during the southern hemisphere’s winter, the humpback whales take up residence in order to reproduce…a grandiose sight!

My review

The microclimate that prevails here makes it a pleasant place to visit on foot or cycling. The island retains an authentic side and has been spared mass tourism. As far as flavour is concerned, you will enjoy trying the cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, cloves or pepper…

As for sightseeing, pirates have left their mark in the bays of Antongil and Tintingue where you can visit their cemetery. I also suggest you take a walk through the virgin forest where you will discover lemurs, or admire the orchids, including the superb Queen of Madagascar.

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