Madagascar

The idyllic island paradise of Nosy Be (meaning “Big Island”) is located on the northwestern side of Madagascar and boasts a wealth of scuba sites for experienced divers. Encounter massive coral fans, colourful sponges and a variety of shipwrecks within the clear and calm waters. Warm up on one of the deserted white sand beaches lining the coast. Ylang Ylang plantations perfume the air as you hike the Lokobe Nature Special Reserve trails. Encounter volcanic lakes and lush forests where the birds fill the air with calls and delicate flowers line the paths. Taste the locally made rum at the distilleries, and savour the sweet flavours. End your stay with a visit to nearby Nosy Sakatia, where you can snorkel with sea turtles and encounter amazing starfish.

Nosy Komba is the hyphen between Nosy Be and mainland Madagascar. On Nosy Ambariovato, meaning the island surrounded by rocks, guests can explore the many small beaches and hike to the peak, which stands at 662m, where they will be rewarded by a fantastic view of the waters surrounding them. With its tropical climate and high sunshine exposure, Nosy Kamba has a diverse nature of which guests can take full advantage. The landscape here is varied –magnificent beaches, bamboo forests and dense tropical forests, wild rivers, waterfalls, huge boulders of granite and basalt. Covered by a dense tropical forest and clear waters, Nosy Komba is home to a multitude of animals which include: Lemurs Macacos, chameleons, lizards, snakes, spiders, sea turtles, rays and dolphins, to name a few.

The Bay of Russians (or Ambavatory Bay), located in Nosy Be archipelago, is a fascinating area full of mystery and intrigue. It lies at the tip of the Ampasindava peninsula. The marine life in the bay itself is spectacular, offering guests wonderful snorkelling and scuba diving, especially on the reefs outside the entrance. The environment here is remarkable for its beauty and biodiversity. This region is known for the presence of dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays. The humpback whales’ mate and give birth in this area, which is a very rare occurrence. The beaches also serve as nesting place for sea turtles, while many fringing coral reefs are real natural aquariums. Lemurs, wild pigs and bats inhabit the forests. The birds are represented by one of the rarest raptors, Pygargue Madagascar (Haliaetus Vociferoides). Some villages nestle along the coastline and live mainly on fishing, animal husbandry and the cultivation of coconuts. The Bay of Russians has beautiful white sand beaches lined with coconut trees and filao.

Nosy Iranja is made of two smaller islets: Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely. These islets are connected by a thin 2 km long stretch of sand. Nosy Iranja is a haven for hawksbill turtles & has a small information centre in the south of the island where guests can learn more about these gentle sea creatures. At low tide, guests can walk over the sandbank that divides the two halves of the island, then take a stroll around the small fishing village and visit the lighthouse designed by Gustav Eiffel to enjoy the panoramic views from the top. From Nosy Iranja, sail through tranquil turquoise water to the Bay of Baramahamay for the night. This sheltered bay with its lush mangrove swamps is a truly special destination. Guests can take a sunset cruise through the estuary in the tender and watch tropical birds fly overhead before they spend the evening relaxing in the most idyllic setting imaginable.

Surrounded by coral reefs and covered with lush greenery, the sacred isle of Tsarabanijina is a little slice of paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Drop anchor at one of the most secluded coves and head inland to enjoy an exotic bird-watching expedition or a day’s hiking through the tropical forest. Make your way to the peninsula off the eastern beach to discover the tomb of Sakalava of the Mitsio islands and leave a small offering for the ancient Kings. Try some of the freshly caught seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants under the stars.

The island of Nosy Tanikely is uninhabited except for a huge colony of flying foxes. However, below the water is a completely different story. Spend the mornings discovering thousands of species of marine life, including reef fish, sea turtles, schooling jacks, harlequin shrimp and blue-ribbon eels. Whale sharks regularly feed in the waters around the island, and it is a great location for whale watching on the decks of your superyacht. Explore the enchanting village of Ampangorinana, stroll around the local market, and take the Lemur Walk to visit the island’s friendly black lemur colony.