Nosy Boraha uses tender boats since the harbor’s too shallow for big cruise ships.
For other Madagascar Ports of Call check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Madagascar page.
You’ll bounce across on a 15-30 minute tender ride to Port de l’Ilot Madame or the backup terminal if weather’s dicey.
Skip cyclone season by visiting April-December, and catch humpback whales showing off between June and September.
When you hit land, grab a tuk-tuk, rent a scooter, or hop in a pirogue to check out nearby Île Aux Nattes.
Do the locals a solid by picking eco-friendly lodging and keeping your fins off the coral reefs.
Trust me, there’s way more to this port than what you’ll spot from the ship.
Map of Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie) Cruise Ship Port
Navigating the Tender Process & Port Facilities
Getting to Nosy Boraha isn’t your typical walk-down-the-gangway situation. Since the harbor’s too shallow for big ships (only 4.5m deep at the main quay), you’ll hop on a tender boat instead. These small boats shuttle you to either Port de l’Ilot Madame or the backup passenger terminal, with the ride taking anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on where your ship drops anchor.
Keep an eye out for the channel markers that show where to board while the crew chatters away on VHF channels 82/83. The port is actually split into three separate spots: the commercial port (that’s Ilot Madame), the regular passenger terminal, and a cruise terminal that’s still being built. Once that new terminal’s done, it should cut down on the bottlenecks that tend to happen when everyone’s trying to get ashore at once.
Best Times to Visit & Weather Considerations
When to Visit Nosy Boraha: Weather & Timing Tips
Picking the right time to visit Nosy Boraha isn’t rocket science, but you’ll definitely want to dodge the cyclone season (January-March). Most places shut down during these months anyway, and with over 300mm of rain dumping down monthly, you wouldn’t have much fun.
The dry season (April-December) is your best bet. Hit up the island in April or May and you’ll catch everything looking super green from the recent rains, without massive crowds cramping your style.
If whale-watching is your thing, don’t miss June through September when humpbacks cruise through – it’s seriously spectacular and worth planning your trip around.
October and November bring the heat (about 30°C/86°F) with fewer tourists hogging the beaches. Early December works too, but don’t leave it too late – most spots start closing up shop by mid-month as the weather turns.
Top Attractions & Cultural Experiences
When you hop off your cruise ship, Nosy Boraha unfolds like a pirate’s treasure map packed with natural wonders and local flavor. Make sure to check out the Pirate Cemetery in Ambodifotatra – it’s pretty cool seeing those old tombstones where actual 17th-century buccaneers are buried.
If you’re around between July and September, grab a spot on one of those whale-watching boats. Nothing beats seeing massive humpback whales launching themselves out of the Sainte Marie Channel! The coral reefs near Ile aux Nattes are stunning too – you’ll bump into everything from cute clownfish to green sea turtles swimming around.
For a real taste of island life, hit up the Annual Festival of the Sea or wander through the Vezo fishing villages. The locals will show you how they build their canoes and weave fishing nets the same way they’ve done for generations.
See what’s on offer from the Morondava for a different Madagascar Ports of Call.
Transportation Options Around the Island
Transportation Options Around the Island
Once you’ve checked out those pirate graves and caught some whales breaching, you’ve got plenty of ways to get around Nosy Boraha. Tuk-tuks are perfect for zipping short distances, while renting a scooter (€15-20/day) gives you the freedom to discover hidden spots whenever you feel like it. If you’re up for some exercise, walking during daylight works just fine on the island’s dirt roads.
- Jump on a pirogue to Île Aux Nattes for a crazy-cheap 2,000 Ar (about 50 cents) each way
- Grab those morning ferries to skip the choppy afternoon water and annoying delays
- Always hash out tuk-tuk prices before you hop in (expect to pay 10,000-20,000 Ar)
Environmental Guidelines & Sustainable Tourism
While exploring paradise is exciting, protecting it should be your top priority when you visit Nosy Boraha.
Princesse Bora Lodge shows off the island’s green commitment with their solar panels and veggie gardens. Help the locals out by grabbing some handmade crafts, hiring a local guide, or grabbing a bite at a family-run restaurant. Everyone’s working hard to save those coral reefs, so remember – no touching the fish or snagging shells as souvenirs!
Stick to the trails, bring your own water bottle, and say no to those pesky plastic straws and bags. Consider staying at hotels that plant trees – they’re doing the hard work! When booking, keep an eye out for those eco-certification logos – they show which places actually walk the talk when it comes to being environmentally friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Services Available on the Island?
Yes, there are two ATMs in Ambodifotatra and one at the airport where you can withdraw Malagasy Ariary. You’ll spot some currency exchange places near the banks in town, but honestly, their rates aren’t anything to write home about. It’s a smart move to bring some cash with you from mainland Madagascar just in case the machines are acting up – happens more often than you’d think!
What Languages Are Commonly Spoken by Local Tour Guides?
You’ll find guides here usually speak Malagasy and French, and they’ll often mix both languages when explaining things. Most guides can handle English for international travelers too. Some even know a bit of German or Italian to help you out.
Is There Reliable Cell Phone Service or Public Wi-Fi Access?
Cell service here is like chasing ghosts—now you see it, now you don’t. You’ll catch a signal in Ambodifotatra, but elsewhere it’s pretty hit-or-miss with patchy 3G/4G. Hotels offer Wi-Fi, but don’t count on it for anything important. Your best bet? Snag a local SIM card when you arrive if staying connected matters to you.
Are There Medical Facilities or Emergency Services for Cruise Passengers?
Ambodifototra Clinic offers basic care, but don’t expect a full hospital. Your cruise ship’s doctor will handle initial treatment if you get sick or injured. For anything serious, you’ll definitely need evacuation insurance with coverage over $50,000. If things get really bad, MadaAssist steps in to coordinate emergency transport off the island.
What Unique Local Foods or Delicacies Should Visitors Try?
Fresh coconut water is a real treat here, and you’ve gotta try the grilled marlin with lime – so good! The Mokary rice cakes make a perfect snack when you’re out exploring. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab some octopus salad or dig into a hearty Romazava stew. And before you leave, sip some Rhum Arrangé – it’s booze infused with local vanilla and spices that’ll knock your socks off!
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Nosy Be (Hell-Ville) Cruise Ship Port.
