Tropical Paradise
Saint Marie island, or Nosy Boraha, is a narrow granitic island, 57 kilometres long found 8 kilometres off the east coast of Madagascar. This tropical paradise has endless palm fringed beaches and bays surrounded by coral reefs. The island boasts lush vegetation with many species endemic to the island. The landscapes are diverse: on the South is the small Ile aux Nattes with a magnificent lagoon, to the East are the mangroves, on the North there are natural swimming pools, find the forests in the centre and most of the activities to the West. The island’s lush vegetation boasts orchids, clove trees, cinnamon, vanilla, and many others.
Enjoy a full day excursion to discover the most beautiful landscapes of Saint Marie Island during the day. Visit small villages, a forest, wild beaches, mangroves, rice fields and so much more. Learn all about vanilla, cinnamon, clove and orchids and the Malagasy way of life on the island.
Don not miss Whale Festival if you are planning to visit during summer!
Pirate History
Sainte Marie’s most famous claim to fame is its history as a pirate haven during the 17th and 18th centuries, a period known as the Golden Age of Piracy. Its strategic location on the maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean, along with numerous sheltered bays, made it an ideal base for notorious buccaneers like William Kidd, Thomas Tew, and Olivier Levasseur (also known as “La Buse”).
- Pirate Cemetery: One of the island’s most popular historical sites is the world’s only known pirate cemetery, located on a small hill overlooking the bay near the main town of Ambodifotatra. Weathered gravestones marked with skull-and-crossbones symbols offer a glimpse into the island’s swashbuckling past.
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- Shipwrecks: The surrounding waters are a treasure trove for divers, with several pirate shipwrecks lying on the seabed, including those of Captain Condent and Captain Kidd.
Humpback Whale Migration
Beyond its pirate lore, Sainte Marie is a prime destination for an incredible natural spectacle: the annual migration of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
- Whale Watching Season: From July to September, these majestic marine mammals migrate from the cold waters of the Antarctic to the warm, sheltered channel between Sainte Marie and mainland Madagascar to mate, give birth, and nurse their young.
Experience: Tourists can take boat trips with local guides to witness these giants breaching, tail-slapping, and engaging in their courtship rituals. The island even hosts a “Whale Festival” in July to celebrate their arrival.
Beaches and Activities
Sainte Marie is a perfect destination for relaxation and water-based activities, thanks to its soft-sand beaches, coral reefs, and tranquil lagoons.
- Île aux Nattes (Nosy Nato): Located at the very southern tip of Sainte Marie, this smaller island is a secluded paradise with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is easily accessible by a short canoe ride from Sainte Marie.
Water Sports: The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kitesurfing. The reefs are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and other species.
- Exploring the Island: The island can be easily explored by motorbike, scooter, or bicycle. Popular routes take you through lush coconut palm groves, past traditional fishing villages, and to secluded beaches and natural pools.
Local Culture: Visitors can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality of the local Sainte-Marienne people, whose culture is a blend of Malagasy and French influences.
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Sainte Marie Island