Our itineraries

Day 1

Nosy be
Nosy Komba (Ampangorina)
Nosy Tsarabanjina

“Early departure

from the Djebel Amour’s home port (Le Cratère), heading towards Nosy Komba and its main village, Ampangorina, 9 nautical miles away, or around 1 hour 30 minutes of sailing.

To port, the magnificent primary forest of the Lokobé Reserve, the only remaining area of original forest on the island of Nosy Be. This tropical rainforest drops dramatically into the sea, creating striking contrasts of emerald green and turquoise.

A peaceful, welcoming village, with the beachfront lined with embroidered tablecloths made by local craftswomen, Ampangorina is the perfect place to buy a few handicrafts or some vanilla. Children and adults alike will enjoy visiting the lemur park, where the lemurs are remarkably friendly and particularly fond of bananas.

At the end of the morning, departure for Nosy Tsarabanjina, 27 nautical miles away, or around 5 hours of sailing.

Leaving Nosy Komba, to starboard lies Nosy Vorona, the bird island, a tiny slice of paradise roughly the size of two football pitches. A concession was granted by the lighthouse authorities in return for maintaining a small lighthouse used by sailors, one of the few still operating in Madagascar.

Further on, Nosy Faly and its long white-sand beaches appear to starboard. After a few hours of sailing, you will reach beautiful Tsarabanjina, also known as the island of white sand. A sacred land of the Sakalava people, it extends over around twenty hectares, with lush vegetation and pristine beaches.

The island is home to abundant birdlife, including moorhens, frigatebirds, cormorants and, for the lucky ones, the Ankoay, or Madagascar fish eagle.”

Day 2

Tsarabanjina
Nosy Ankarea
Grande Mitsio

“Leaving Tsarabanjina,

to the north-west, the Four Brothers gradually come into view. These four distinctive volcanic monoliths form a quadrilateral rising from the surface of the sea. From certain angles, they appear perfectly aligned.

According to legend, at the dawn of time, the gods sent five brothers to watch over the Mitsio Islands.

Following a family disagreement, one of them decided to leave. The brother closest to him began to waste away with grief, to the point that no birds now come to nest there. The brother who left settled off the coast of the Bay of Russians and is known as Sugarloaf, or the Diamond for those familiar with Martinique.

The sheer cliffs of these rocky domes make their summits inaccessible. They provide an ideal refuge for thousands of birds and a nesting site for hundreds of brown boobies, white-tailed tropicbirds and frigatebirds. Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) often fly close to the Djebel Amour II before plunging into the ocean at breathtaking speed.

Frigatebirds (Fregata ariel and Fregata minor), with their slender silhouettes and black-and-white plumage, are known as “kleptoparasites”. They harass boobies in mid-flight to steal their food.

After the Four Brothers, we head towards Mitaraka Point, to the south-west of Grande Mitsio, where an extraordinary geological phenomenon is well worth the detour. Spectacular basalt columns plunge into the foaming waves. These long, hexagonal formations, several dozen metres high and arranged in perfectly vertical, symmetrical rows, look almost as though they had been carved by hand. The atmosphere here is magical.

“We soon arrive

at Nosy Ankarea, where lunch is served on board.

At 238 m, this is the highest point in the archipelago.

Located 5 nautical miles west of Grande Mitsio, this uninhabited island of basalt cliffs rises from the ocean with its flat summit resembling a mighty warship.

Despite its dark, imposing silhouette, the island is covered in lush vegetation.

Although it may appear challenging, the climb to the summit is accessible from the south-east side with a good pair of trainers. Madagascar flying foxes (Pteropus rufus), locally known as fanihy, soar above the cliffs with their distinctive calls. These fruit-eating bats are harmless.

The summit and steep cliffs are home to an exceptional forest of endemic vegetation, including pachypodiums, Hildegardia, euphorbias and baobabs.

The remarkably clear waters reveal coral reefs at depths of up to ten metres. Erosion has also created small, shallow natural pools with beautifully rounded shapes.

The conditions here are outstanding for underwater exploration.

Alternatively, a nap in a hammock beneath the tall mango trees lining the fine sandy beach is an equally tempting option for those who prefer relaxation to adventure.

“In the late afternoon,

we set sail at sunset and, over aperitifs, make our way to our sheltered anchorage in Maribe Bay, on the western side of Grande Mitsio.

Local fishermen may come alongside and offer to prepare a grilled goat barbecue on the beach for you (at an additional cost). Comfortably seated on mats around a campfire, this impromptu méchoui is a delicious experience. The festive and authentic atmosphere offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the island’s inhabitants, including Antakarana fishermen and Sakalava herders.

Grande Mitsio is the largest island in the archipelago, stretching for 12 km and fringed by numerous magnificent deserted beaches. Several trails allow you to explore the island and reach its high grassy hills, dotted with satrana palms, magnificent fan-shaped palm trees.

A few zebu cattle and goats are a reminder of the traditional pastoral life that still exists on the island.”

Day 3, 12 nautical miles away

Grande Mitsio
Nosy Lava

“Depending on

your excursions, we will set sail for Nosy Lava (approximately 2 hours). It is the second-largest island in the Mitsio archipelago, measuring 3.6 km in length. This uninhabited island has few beaches, but features a magnificent tombolo at its south-western tip. Depending on conditions, we will anchor nearby.

Nosy Lava (not to be confused with the island of the same name in the Radama archipelago) offers excellent snorkelling and popper fishing spots, thanks to its steep coastline, which is particularly attractive to predatory fish. The island’s interior is more difficult to explore due to its dense vegetation.*

Day 4, 50 nautical miles away

Nosy Lava
Nosy Fanihy
Nosy Sakatia

“Departure

for a long sail south-southwest towards Nosy Fanihy (a sacred island), at the northern tip of Nosy Be. As we pass the Four Brothers, you can stop for a snorkelling excursion if you wish. The waters surrounding this small island (1 km) are home to beautiful coral reefs and are highly recommended for snorkelling. A stunning stretch of sand is also perfect for sunbathing.

Just a short distance from Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia welcomes you for your final night and a gentle return to civilisation. Located 1 nautical mile west of Nosy Be, it is known as the island of orchids and is home to a wide variety of tropical plants.

With a population of around 250 inhabitants, the island features beautiful forest trails winding through plantations of ylang-ylang, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Numerous chameleons and bats also make their home here.

This hilly island offers beautiful panoramic views from its higher ground. Around the villages, the scent of toka gasy, a traditional rum distilled in homemade stills, fills the air—an invitation to enjoy a tasting in moderation.

Depending on your preference, we can anchor either off a secluded beach or in front of one of the island’s two hotels.”

Day 5, 8 nautical miles away

Nosy Sakatia

“Depending on your departure time,

you can enjoy a leisurely visit to the island or return to Le Cratère in the morning.

This itinerary is provided as a guide only. You can shorten or extend your stay, or change certain destinations according to your wishes.

The choice of anchorages will depend on weather conditions.

We are at your disposal to help you create your tailor-made journey.”

3-day extension

Cape Saint-Sébastien

“This extension,

combined with the “Wild North” cruise, takes you from the Mitsio Islands to Cape Saint-Sébastien and its many uninhabited islands. From Nosy Lava (starting on day 4), an 18-nautical-mile sail takes you to Andranoaomby Bay, sheltered from the Varatraza, the powerful north-easterly trade wind.

This small fishing village, made up of just a few dozen homes, offers a warm welcome.

The far end of the bay is bordered by an extensive mangrove forest. Passing Mandaovoa Point offers a magnificent view of the baobabs at the tip of the cape.

Two days are enough to explore the half-dozen islands surrounding the cape, with plenty of time to enjoy sunbathing, snorkelling and walks on land.”

Days 1 & 2

Le cratère
Grande Mitsio
Baie d'Andranoaomby

“Early morning departure

from Le Cratère, the port of Nosy Be.

Sailing towards Courrier Bay is subject to the specific weather conditions of this area. The Varatraza, a powerful north-easterly trade wind, can blow fiercely and prevent access to the bay. The best periods for this cruise, when the Varatraza is calmer and there is no cyclone activity, are October to December, April and May. To maximise the chances of a successful crossing, two days of long-distance sailing are required to reach Cape Saint-Sébastien.

The decision to set sail for the Nosy Hara archipelago (28 nautical miles) is made from the anchorage at Andranoaomby, depending on a suitable weather window. When the Varatraza is established, it blows directly against the boat and creates rough, choppy seas, making the crossing difficult.

While waiting for the best conditions, the many islands around Cape Saint-Sébastien offer a magnificent area to explore. We remain ready to set sail as soon as conditions improve, by day or by night.

Given these conditions, the sailing itinerary remains subject to change. The crew will do everything possible to take you to your destination. Unfortunately, it may not always be possible to reach the archipelago. In this case, your cruise will take you through the islands of Cape Saint-Sébastien, the Orontany Peninsula, Ampamonty Bay and the Mitsio archipelago.

Day 1: early departure from Le Cratère to reach Grande Mitsio and the sheltered anchorage of Maribe (47 nautical miles).

Day 2: Grande Mitsio – Andranoaomby Bay (30 nautical miles).

A well-sheltered anchorage while waiting for the best conditions to reach Courrier Bay.”

Days 3, 4, 5 & 6

Discover
the archipelago

“A few days

to explore the magnificent archipelago of this bay. From the sheltered anchorage at Nosy Hara, the islands are just a few nautical miles away and can be explored on day trips.

Nosy Hara

Long and narrow in shape, Nosy Hara measures 3.7 km by 600 m, covering an area of 312 hectares. The island is mainly composed of heavily eroded limestone, intersected by several wide fissures filled with dense vegetation ranging from 5 to 12 metres in height.

No significant caves are known to exist here, and the island does not appear to have a hydrographic network. Around ten beaches line its shores, including two particularly spectacular ones to the north and west, worthy of the most beautiful postcards. We usually anchor off the western beach.

The island is home to 31 species of birds and 16 species of reptiles, including the blue lizard, an endemic species of the Tsingy, and the Madagascar fish eagle, an endemic bird of prey internationally classified as endangered. Fanihy (Pteropus rufus, the large Madagascar flying fox) can also be found here.

To the north lies an immense coral reef stretching for around 15 km, with exceptionally rich marine flora and fauna. The protected area covers 55,550 hectares.

The island can be crossed on foot in around 2 hours along a 3 km trail. The walk begins from the beach, and the Djebel Amour will pick you up on the other side. The views are spectacular.

“From north to south

Nosy Vaha

A triangular coral islet measuring 600 m in length. With sparse vegetation, it features a beautiful beach at its south-western tip. Located close to the continental shelf drop-off, it is surrounded by a well-preserved coral reef.

Nosy Foty

With barely any vegetation, this sandy islet measures around 300 m in diameter and is entirely surrounded by beaches. Access is protected by a vast lagoon that becomes exposed at low tide. The reef drop-offs offer excellent snorkelling, and the island is also a good place for observing terns.

Nosy Antalalovo

Located 1.3 nautical miles from the Nosy Hara anchorage, this tiny 300 m islet features an eroded karst landscape and is surrounded by three small stretches of sand.

Nosy Anjombavola

The second-largest island in the archipelago, Nosy Anjombavola stretches for 1 km and is characterised by majestic limestone towers. A magnificent beach at its southern tip offers the perfect setting for snorkelling and relaxation.

The island is subject to several Fady (local taboos) due to the presence of royal tombs. Shouting, swearing, whistling, collecting shells and camping are prohibited. However, you may collect the many oysters attached to the submerged rocks.

Nosy Andantsara

The former NewSeaRoc camp no longer exists. The island was previously managed by NewSea Roc (Camp Corail). Mathieu Delacroix had obtained royal permission to climb on the island, subject to certain principles and rules designed to respect the spirits of the ancestors.

The island became a renowned climbing destination, with numerous climbing routes. It consists of two rocky peaks, one of which can be reached on foot and offers an extraordinary panoramic view over the entire bay.

Nosy Lakandava

Located just west of Nosy Andantsara, this island consists of several small islets connected by sandbanks. Even more dramatically sculpted than its neighbouring islands, its remarkable landscape resembles stone citadels rising from the sea.

The drop-offs along the west coast are easily accessible. At the northern end of the beach, a wooded area provides the perfect setting for a picnic and a nap in a hammock. Access at low tide can be difficult due to the exposed reef flat.

Nosy Mely

The southernmost islet in the archipelago is made up of basalt rocks. Its summit is easy to reach and offers a spectacular 360° panorama encompassing Courrier Bay, Amber Mountain and the islets of Nosy Hara.

The island features two beaches and numerous seashells, as well as a striking isolated rocky pinnacle at the end of one of the beaches.

Other small karst islets, including Nosy Ambatomarangitsi and Nosy Belomotro, are more difficult to access.”

Day 7

Archipelago
Cape Saint Sébastien

“A long downwind sail,

in favourable conditions, will take us to Cape Saint-Sébastien. We will anchor in the sheltered waters of Andranoaomby Bay.”

Day 8

Andranoaomby
Nosy Ankarea
Grande Mitsio

“Early morning departure

to reach Nosy Ankarea in time for lunch.

Ankarea is the highest island in the archipelago, with its summit rising to 238 m.

Located 5 nautical miles west of Grande Mitsio, this uninhabited island of basalt cliffs features a flat-topped summit rising from the ocean like a warship. Despite its dark and imposing silhouette, the island is covered in lush vegetation.

Although the climb may appear challenging, the summit can be reached from the south-east side with a good pair of trainers. Madagascar flying foxes (Pteropus rufus), locally known as fanihy, soar above the cliffs with their distinctive calls. These fruit-eating bats are harmless.

The summit and steep cliffs are home to an exceptional forest of endemic vegetation, including pachypodiums, Hildegardia, euphorbias and baobabs. The breathtaking views stretch from Cape Saint-Sébastien to Nosy Be, taking in the entire Mitsio archipelago.

The remarkably clear waters reveal coral reefs at depths of up to ten metres. Erosion has created small, shallow natural pools with beautifully rounded shapes, while the conditions are outstanding for underwater exploration.

Alternatively, a nap in a hammock beneath the tall mango trees lining the fine sandy beach is an equally tempting option for those who prefer relaxation to adventure.

In the late afternoon, we set sail at sunset and, over aperitifs, make our way to our sheltered anchorage in Maribe Bay, on the western side of Grande Mitsio.

“Anchorage at Grande Mitsio

At 12 km long, it is the largest island in the archipelago. Its coastline is fringed with numerous magnificent deserted beaches. Several trails allow you to explore the island and reach its high grassy hills, dotted with satrana palms, magnificent fan-shaped palm trees.

A few zebu cattle and goats are a reminder of the traditional pastoral life that still exists on the island.”

Day 9

Grande Mitsio
Tsarabanjina
Nosy Komba

“After leaving

Grande Mitsio, we head towards beautiful Nosy Tsarabanjina, also known as the island of white sand. A sacred land of the Sakalava people, it extends over around twenty hectares, with lush vegetation and pristine beaches. The island is home to abundant birdlife, including moorhens, frigatebirds, cormorants and, for the lucky ones, the Ankoay, or Madagascar fish eagle.

The island is home to a charming hotel whose bungalows blend discreetly into the unspoilt surroundings. After a swim in its turquoise waters, we continue towards Nosy Komba and its main village, Ampangorina.

“A peaceful village

with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Ampangorina’s beachfront is lined with embroidered tablecloths made by local craftswomen. It is the perfect place to buy a few handicrafts or some vanilla.

Children and adults alike will enjoy visiting the lemur park, where the lemurs are remarkably friendly and particularly fond of bananas.

We will anchor for the night either in front of the village or to the south of the island, opposite the Tsara Komba Lodge. This quieter anchorage is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a sunset cocktail at this charming hotel. It also offers excellent dining, with reservations required 24 hours in advance.

A warm welcome always awaits us here, making it the perfect transition for a gentle return to civilisation.”

Day 10

Nosy Komba
Nosy Tanikely
Le cratère

“Morning departure

from Nosy Komba towards Nosy Tanikely National Park.

This tiny island is full of charm. An old lighthouse overlooks the island and offers 360° panoramic views. On the way up, you may encounter large colonies of fruit bats (Fanihy), as well as chameleons and lemurs.

The beauty of its underwater world is renowned, as is the variety of marine life that can be encountered here.

This is an unmissable destination, and the perfect final stop for snorkelling and swimming.

We will return to Le Cratère in the late afternoon.”