Nosy be is also referred to as "Perfume Island" because of its scented ylang ylang, sugar and spices. Nosy Be has naturally a strong resort landscape.

This small volcanic island about 320km ² is the ideal starting point for cruises to be composed of archipelagos of small islands truly paradise or the west coast of Madagascar full of lands inhabited by a multitude of traditional fishing villages . Browse from hundreds of sailing canoes is an incomparable pleasure.

Silky white sands and azure blue waters combine with coral reefs and tropical forests to form the backdrop to the Nosy Be Archipelago, a place of pure magic and wonder!

With all the essentials for a dream beach holiday such as scuba diving, snorkeling, warm waters and excellent weather, this collection of islands also offers the opportunity to spot lemurs and chameleons, hike through lush rainforest and explore the unique fauna and flora of Madagascar.

The Mitsio archipelago in the North or the South Radama which is reached after discovering the Bay of Russian or Nosy Iranja (famous for its white sand banks that undulate in a lagoon) will delight lovers of fishing, snorkeling (Nosy Tanikely priority) or simply seascapes constantly renewed.

Much More to Nosy Be Than the Beaches

Nosy be provided, however, many other surprises in its hinterland dotted with volcanic lakes, places of refuge of few crocodiles. Peninsula Lokobe, justify, alone, living in Nosy Be.

In this primary forest can be observed amount of lemurs (and moths), chameleons, birds and reptiles, impressive boas. Access is by boat and the traditionally lower pleasures is not that of paddle with the fishermen.

Waterfalls and sacred trees (ficus with multiple ramifications), the sunset from the top of Mont Passot, excursions to Nosy Komba or Nosy Sakatia (small islands and wild "sisters" of Nosy Be) exploration of mangrove.

You can visit distilleries of ylang ylang are some of the many attractions of this island which, unexpectedly, remains to be discovered.

History of Nosy Be

Nosy Be’s first inhabitants were probably Swahili and Indian traders in the 15th century. The island made its first appearance in Madagascar’s history when King Radama the First announced his intention of conquering the whole West of the red Island up to the sea.

The plan that succeeded when the Boeni Kingdom was annexed 1837 to the Merina kingdom. After the defeat of her troops, Boina Queen Tsiomeko sought refuge on the islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely.

The Merina were unable to pursue them onto these islands and settled on the neighbouring coast. In 1838, the Boeni refugees asked protection from the sultan of Zanzibar, who sent a vessel that turned back almost as soon as it arrived.

Finally, in 1840, when a French ship entered Nosy Be’s Bay, they asked for the protection of France. In 1841 Queen Tsiomeko and Admiral Hell, governor of Reunion, signed the treaty establishing French authority over the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba.

This is a fact that marked the begin of the French protectorate over the archipelago. The French army still had to stop the military raids of Merina soldiers for almost thirty years.

How to Get to Nosy Be

To get here, most visitors take an internal flight to Fasrene Airport from Antananarivo with Air Madagascar. These flights run daily and some European airlines, such as Corsairfly and Air Italia, fly directly to Nosy Be Island.

It is an all-year round destination with an ideal average temperature of 25-30ºC, though there can be cyclones in February and March during the wet season.

The main island, Nosy Be, is home to about 60 000 people and is located just 8km off the north-west coast of Madagascar. The Fascene airport is just 12km from the main town of Hellville, which contrary to its name is quite a pleasant place.

The island spans an area of 300 km² with eleven volcanic crater lakes and there are some beautiful beaches and luxury resorts along its coastline.

But if you're looking for the ultimate deserted island experience, we recommend heading further afield. There are a number of smaller and more secluded islands in the vicinity such as Nosy Komba, Nosy Mitsio, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tanikely.

These offer unrivalled snorkeling and scuba diving and the Lemur sanctuary on Nosy Komba is well worth visiting. Some travelers opt for a Dhow Safari, hopping between the different islands on a traditional sailing boat.

What to see and do in Nosy Be

The name of Nosy Be means "big island" in Malagasy, though the island has been granted several nicknames over centuries, being probably “Nosy Manitra” (the perfumed island) the most popular of all.

As soon as you arrive at Fascene’s airport your nose will soon understand why. Scenting ylang ylang, coffee, cacao, vanilla and sugar cane plantations spread all over the island distil a balmy fragrance that will delight your sense of smell.

The yellow Ylang Ylang flower is one of the products used in the production of perfume essence. The trees are bend to the ground to ensure easier picking of the flowers. Red pepper is distilled as a perfume essence too.

Nosy Be’s landscape is varied and it is characterized by a great many hills that are overlooked by Mount Lokone (450m) and Mount Passot (350). From these high vantage points, you have an exceptional view onto Nosy Be Bay, but also on the Radama Islands (south) and Mitsio Islands (north).

There are eleven volcanic lakes on the island, which constitute an enormous water reserve for humans and crops. The whole coastline is punctuated by a great number of gorgeous bays and deserted beaches lined by palm trees.

There are also many small islets and rocks which are often visited by refuges seeking for some private. Temperatures are pleasant around the whole year. Notice that humidity can be particularly bad during the tropical summer.

Nosy Be offers a wide range of activities that will please even the demanding visitor. Get away from the crowds on white sandy beaches, blue-green seas and the amazing coral reefs.

Explore the lush jungle in the Lobeke nature reserve and make the most of your holidays visiting some of the surrounding islands.

Indulge yourself a day cruise to the outer islets of Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia; participate in a scuba diving adventure in the jewel-like archipelago of Nosy Mitsio or embark on a discovery trip to the remote Radama islands, with an astonishing rich undersea life.

You can still find your own way of exploring the natural wonders of this archipelago far away from the tourist centers.