Hotels in Nosy Be

Nosy Be: Madagascar's Northwest Island Retreat

Nosy Be sits 8 km off Madagascar's northwest coast, separated from the mainland by the Mozambique Channel. The island covers roughly 320 km² and centers on Hell-Ville (Andoany), its main port town named after Admiral de Hell, the French colonial governor who claimed the island in 1840. Ylang-ylang plantations dominate the interior, earning Nosy Be the nickname Île aux Parfums. The surrounding sea holds Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, a protected reef where hawksbill turtles and reef sharks are reliably spotted at 5–15 m depth.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Hotels cluster along Ambatoloaka Beach on the west coast and around Madirokely, two bays separated by a 10-minute walk. The north shore near Mont Passot — a volcanic crater lake at 329 m elevation — attracts smaller guesthouses. Resorts range from simple bungalows to 4-star properties with private pools. The island has no metered taxis; tuk-tuks and car hire dominate local transport.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Fascene Airport (NOS) receives direct flights from Antananarivo (1 hr 45 min) and seasonal charters from Réunion.
• Best period: April to November offers dry, cooler conditions; December–March brings cyclone-season rains.
• Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA); euros are widely accepted in hotel zones.
• Reef visits: Book boat transfers to Nosy Tanikely a day ahead — capacity is limited by the reserve authority.