Known by locals as Nosy Boraha, Île St Marie is an Island set off the east coast of Madagascar. Slender and only 57-kilometres long, Île Sainte-Marie Island has long been a popular destination for travellers from all over the world.
While the pirates of its past have long gone, there are still a broad array of attractions and activities that make it a favourite spot for tourists. To whet your Island hopping appetite, we’re taking a look at six of the most popular things you can do on one of Madagascar Island top destinations.
Soak up the Madagascar Island Sun
Beach-bumming is a must for visitors to Île Sainte-Marie, with its ring of palm-fringed beaches and warm, soft sand. While rain can fall year-round on the island, there’s an incredible period from August to late November when the skies are clear, the oceans sparkle a perfect blue, and tropical forests stretch as far as the eye can see!
Not only is this the perfect time to grab a good book and kick back while soaking up the sun, but you’ll also be able to fully immerse yourself in the beauty for which the island is renowned. For sunshine and relaxation, check out our Île Sainte-Marie Beach Package!
Hike On Up
If there is one thing that can really be said of Île Sainte-Marie Island, it’s that it certainly rewards the active traveler who wants to get out and experience a place in a myriad of ways. The best time to visit the Island, for those travellers who double as nature lovers, is between September and December when the climate is perfect for hiking.
Not only is this an incredibly unique way to experience the Island, but it also brings you up close and personal with the diversity of its landscape and the numerous creatures that call it their home.
A love of ours is hiking into the beautiful granite hills. It may sound simple, but reaching the top and looking out over the lush green coconut palms truly gives you that exotic island feeling. Nestled within these hills is the pirate cemetery of Madagascar, where adventurous tales ‘Deadman’s chest” still linger!
If you organise a vacation with the right people, you can organise the locals to share these fascinating stories.
Dive into the Depths
The coral reefs located slightly off shore of Île Sainte-Marie Island offer the perfect playground for scuba diving and snorkelling. Its waters are rich with tropical fish, moray eels, dolphins, marine turtles, groupers, lobsters and grey sharks. Boasting a unique and beautiful array of ocean wildlife, as well as a couple of fascinating pirate shipwrecks and, in the Soanambo reef, the beautiful black coral, the waters around Île St Marie provide a memorable diving destination for anyone who loves the ocean.
Watch Whales Frolic
Île Sainte-Marie is one of the best places for whale watching in Madagascar. Humpback whales migrate to the waters around the Island from July to September, where they are then often spotted frolicking in the calm ocean waters with their young. Known for their visual displays and aerobatics, Humpback Whales provide excellent entertainment for those who want to relax a while.
Step Back in Time
Île Sainte-Marie is a hidden treasure of a destination for those fascinated by history. In the 17th and 18th Centuries, it’s said that up to 1000 pirates called the Island their home, including the infamous and widely-feared William Kidd and Thomas Tew. The Island’s safe and secluded bays were regularly frequented by pirate shops returning treasure-laden from their pillaging trips in the East Indies.
As a result of this colourful past, Île Sainte-Marie is proud to lay claim to one of the world’s only legitimate pirate cemeteries, which, set atop a hill, features crumbling headstones with worn-away engravings that hint at the Island’s existence as a paradise for shifty sailors.
Deep-sea Fishing
Those who’ve developed a love for deep-sea fishing, are bound to have heard others speak of how Madagascar and its surrounding islands offer some of the best sites in which to cast a line. Some of the species that can be caught, while deep sea fishing off the coast of Ile St Marie, include marlin, sailfish, kingfish, barracuda and dog-toothed tune, all of which present a worthwhile challenge for anyone looking to reel in a big one!
Île Sainte-Marie Sainte-Marie Island Travel Packages
We’ll assist you in securing the best accommodations near the Île Sainte-Marie Island, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout your trip. We can design custom tours, taking into account your budget, preferred activities and amenities.
Start Planning your island getaway today.
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