Madagascar welcomes cruise ships at eight different ports, each offering its own unique adventures.
You’ll stumble upon lemur encounters in Nosy Be, discover colonial architecture in Antsiranana, and wander through the bustling markets in Toamasina.
Tolagnaro lets you explore the southern rainforests, while Mahajanga will wow you with its gorgeous seaside promenade.
Don’t overlook the smaller ports like Toliara, Morondava, and Nosy Boraha – they’re worth checking out too!
These varied ports showcase Madagascar’s mind-blowing biodiversity, stunning beaches, and real cultural experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Nosy Be (Hell-Ville) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Cruise into Hell-Ville and you’ve hit the jackpot – it’s the main port on Madagascar’s gorgeous Nosy Be Island. Locals call it the “Perfumed Isle” because of all the ylang-ylang and vanilla growing there. This little slice of paradise on the southern coast doubles as the island’s administrative hub.
You’ve got tons of options here – track lemurs through Lokobe National Park, grab your snorkel and explore Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, hang with locals in Ambatozavavy Village, or just wander around Hell-Ville checking out the old colonial buildings.
Pro tip: Visit during dry season (April-November) for the best experience. Most folks speak French and Malagasy, but you’ll get by with basic English in the touristy spots.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Heading up north from Nosy Be, you’ll stumble upon Antsiranana (or Diego Suarez as the locals still call it) – another hidden gem in Madagascar that’s worth exploring. This old port town offers killer views across one of the world’s biggest natural harbors, plus there’s cool French colonial buildings scattered throughout.
Getting off your ship means a tender boat ride, so keep these tips in mind:
- Roll out of bed early (7-8am) if you want to beat the tender queues
- Travel light and keep your wits about you during the 15-minute walk into town
- If you’re after adventure, book trips to Amber Mountain or the weird red formations at Tsingy Rouge ahead of time
- Try to visit during April-October when it’s not stupidly hot or rainy
Oh, and lots of cruisers swear by the Windsor Castle lookout spot – the views are seriously amazing!
Toamasina (Tamatave) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Nestled on Madagascar’s east coast, Toamasina (locals still call it Tamatave) is the country’s biggest port and offers cruise visitors a totally different vibe compared to western stops like Nosy Be.
From the harbor, you can stroll down pretty palm-lined streets for about a mile to reach downtown. Sharks make swimming a no-go, but don’t worry – there’s plenty to do! Check out the bustling Bazary Be Market, hop on a boat trip through the Pangalanes Canal, or head to nearby Ivoloina Park to spot some lemurs in action.
Cruise ships dock mostly between March and January, with big vessels like Costa Deliziosa dropping off up to 2,260 travelers at a time.
Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin / Ehoala Port) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Perched on Madagascar’s southeastern shoreline, Tolagnaro (locals call it Fort Dauphin) greets cruise visitors at Port d’Ehoala, about 6 miles from downtown. You’ll hop on tenders to get ashore, where free shuttle buses are waiting for you.
Quick tips for your adventure:
- Grab a taxi right at the port – just nail down the price beforehand
- Head to Nahampoana Reserve to hang out with lemurs jumping freely around you
- Check out the stunning Andohahela National Park (UNESCO site about 25 miles away)
- Bring some Malagasy Ariary cash – you’ll need it for shopping and entrance fees
Stay street-smart by keeping flashy stuff hidden when you’re in busy spots, and stick with guides when exploring the nature reserves.
Mahajanga (Majunga) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Mahajanga’s busy harbor (the second-biggest in Madagascar) welcomes cruise ships to the northwest coast on beautiful Bombetoka Bay. You’ll find a cool mix of old colonial buildings and a lively port scene at Port aux Boutres, where those traditional wooden dhows are still going strong.
Take a walk through the Old City Quarter with its merchant houses from the 1800s, then hit the Sea Promenade for some jaw-dropping Indian Ocean sunsets. And definitely check out Tsimenatse Market if you want authentic spices and local crafts.
The city’s got quite the cultural mix – from the Grand Mosque to those massive 800-year-old sacred baobab trees. When you get hungry, local spots dish up amazing seafood – try the crab curry or octopus salad!
Toliara (Tuléar) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Toliara (Tuléar) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Tucked away on Madagascar’s southwestern shores, Toliara is where cruise passengers get their first taste of this unique corner of the world. Your ship will drop anchor offshore, and you’ll zip to land by tender boat to discover this lively gateway to the Atsimo-Andrefana region.
While in Toliara, make sure to check out:
- The rainbow of fishing boats and bustling seafood markets just a quick 2km jaunt from where you dock
- Quick getaways to Anakao and Ifaty beaches – snorkelers and divers, you’re in for a treat!
- The hustle and bustle of local craft markets where talented woodcarvers show off their skills
- Day trips to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park – yeah, it’s a mouthful, but worth it for Madagascar’s weird and wonderful wildlife
Morondava Cruise Ship Port Guide
Morondava Cruise Ship Port Guide
What makes Morondava so special on Madagascar’s west coast? Three things: it’s your gateway to the incredible UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha limestone formations, home to the famous Avenue of Baobabs, and offers a chill beach vibe you’ll love.
You’ve got two main spots to dock: the Morondava Cruise Terminal (perfect if you’re heading to the national parks) and the Beach Terminal with its gorgeous palm-fringed shoreline. Just know that boats mostly come through during the dry months from April to November.
While you’re here, check out the villages around Anakao for a real taste of local life, or go spotting those crazy-cute lemurs in the nearby reserves. Fair warning – the amenities are pretty basic, but that’s part of the charm. This place is for travelers who want the real deal, not a polished tourist trap.
Nosy Boraha (ĂŽle Sainte-Marie) Cruise Ship Port Guide
While Morondava wows folks with those iconic baobabs on the west coast, the northeastern gem of Nosy Boraha offers a completely different Madagascar adventure. Your ship will drop anchor offshore, and tender boats will ferry you to the small port in Ambodifotatra.
Must-sees during your stay:
- Catch sight of humpback whales in the Sainte-Marie Channel (June-September)
- Wander through the Pirate Cemetery where seafaring outlaws were laid to rest
- Chill on pristine beaches and snorkel around vibrant coral reefs
- Spot unique critters at Lokobe Natural Reserve
Grab a bike or scooter to cruise around this 60km² island. Most locals speak French and Malagasy, so brush up on your bonjour!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Languages Are Spoken at Madagascar Cruise Ports?
When visiting Madagascar’s cruise ports, you’ll mostly hear French and Malagasy being spoken. French is the go-to for business stuff, while the local Malagasy language changes a bit depending on which part of the island you’re in. Don’t count on English everywhere – it’s mainly found in touristy spots and isn’t that common outside those areas.
Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Madagascar Ports?
Nope, definitely don’t drink the tap water in Madagascar ports. The water treatment systems aren’t great, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll pick up something nasty. Just grab bottled water, boil what comes out of the tap, or use a good water purifier if you want to avoid spending your vacation hugging the toilet. Trust me on this one.
What Vaccinations Are Required Before Cruising to Madagascar?
Planning a cruise to Madagascar? You’ll need a yellow fever shot with an official WHO certificate, plus your MMR vaccine. Smart travelers also get hepatitis A, typhoid, and Tdap boosters. Just make sure to get your shots at least 4-6 weeks before sailing to build up immunity. Trust me, nothing ruins a vacation faster than getting sick while exploring with your cruise buddies!
Can I USe US Dollars at Madagascar Port Shops?
Don’t count on using those dollars in Madagascar port shops! The local ariary is what you’ll want in your pocket for hassle-free shopping. Most of us cruise folks have found we get way better exchange rates if we hit up the official currency exchanges in port instead of converting money on the ship.
When Is the Best Season for Cruising Around Madagascar?
Madagascar cruises really shine from April to October, when the weather’s dry and lovely. If you’re looking for the sweet spot, aim for July and August – absolutely perfect timing for adventure. Just steer clear of January through March unless you fancy dealing with cyclone season!
