Pulling into Toamasina, you’ll find yourself at Madagascar’s busiest port with some decent upgraded facilities – they’ve extended the breakwaters and added container terminals.
For other Madagascar Ports of Call check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Madagascar page.
Getting around is a breeze with those yellow taxis everywhere, or hop on a tuk-tuk for just $2-$5. If you’re feeling thrifty, grab the free shuttle your cruise line probably offers to downtown.
Don’t skip Parc Ivoloina if you want to see those famous lemurs, and definitely check out Bazary Be Market for some cool local handicrafts.
Hungry? The waterfront has some great spots serving up super fresh seafood.
Quick tips: Bring your own water bottles, slap on plenty of sunscreen, and cover up a bit at religious sites – nobody wants to be that disrespectful tourist.
This guide should set you up for an awesome visit!
Map of Toamasina (Tamatave) Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Know Toamasina Harbor and Port Facilities
Toamasina Harbor: Madagascar’s Main Port
Toamasina Harbor serves as Madagascar’s busiest maritime hub, blending natural advantages with growing infrastructure to keep global shipping moving. The harbor sits in a natural bay sheltered by coral reefs, giving ships safe anchorage in waters between 14m and 15.2m deep.
This busy port handles a whopping 80% of Madagascar’s international trade. Recent upgrades include a 474m extension to Container Terminal C4 and a 345m extension to the breakwater. When your cruise pulls in, you’ll notice the results of serious modernization work – deeper basins for bigger ships and improved facilities that aim to triple the port’s capacity by 2026.
Transportation Options From the Cruise Dock
Transportation Options From the Cruise Dock
Just stepped off your cruise at Toamasina’s updated port? You’ll need wheels to check out Madagascar’s cool east coast. Look for the yellow taxis and tuk-tuks hanging around the main gate – they’re ready to go and pretty cheap at about $2-$5 for trips around town.
Heading further out? You might want to book a rental car ahead of time from Avis or Hertz (they charge around $40 per day). If you’re watching your wallet, hop on one of those taxi-brousse minibuses with the locals – they’ll get you to nearby cities for under $10. Many cruise lines run free shuttles into downtown, and if you’ve booked a hotel, they often send their own rides to pick you up.
Must-See Attractions and Local Highlights
While Toamasina opens the door to Madagascar’s eastern gems, the city and nearby spots pack in plenty of cool experiences for your short time on shore.
Make sure to check out Parc Ivoloina, a 12-hectare zoo and botanical wonderland just a quick trip from the city. You’ll join other visitors watching Madagascar’s famous lemurs, checking out ancient tortoises, and chilling by the peaceful freshwater lake at the heart of this natural retreat. It’s a perfect first taste of Madagascar’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
If you’re up for something truly mind-blowing, track down the Vavatiana Giant Strangler – it’s nature’s dramatic survival-of-the-fittest story playing out right before your eyes.
Where to Shop and Dine in Toamasina
Looking for real Madagascan treasures and flavors? Toamasina’s got shopping and dining spots that’ll make you feel like you belong here, not just passing through.
Check out Bazary Be Market where you can grab handwoven raffia stuff and vanilla beans without the tourist markup. If you want something fancier, Galerie Tsara has some pretty cool gemstone jewelry.
- The waterfront restaurants serve up seafood platters that were swimming this morning
- Morning market stalls make these yummy mofo gasy rice pancakes you’ve gotta try
- Don’t miss ravitoto sy henakisoa – it’s this amazing pork and cassava leaf stew
- Pop into CasaMada before you leave for some fair-trade chocolate to take home
See what’s on offer from the Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) for a different Madagascar Ports of Call.
Essential Travel Tips and Safety Information
Packing your bags with goodies and filling up on the local grub? Then it’s time to get around Toamasina without any hassles. Grab yourself an official pousse-pousse or TukTuk to get places, and stretch your legs along the waterfront when the sun’s up.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water – but make sure it’s bottled! Slap on that sunscreen and bug spray like there’s no tomorrow. Keep your phone and wallet close, especially when you’re haggling in the markets. And those beautiful beaches? Just look, don’t swim – sharks are real here, not just movie villains.
Oh, and throw on something modest when checking out temples and churches. Learning to say “azafady” (please) will get you smiles and maybe even better service during your Madagascar adventure.
Day Trips and Excursions Beyond the Port
Ready to venture beyond Toamasina’s busy port? The real Madagascar adventure kicks off just outside the city. Hop in a car or tuk-tuk and within an hour, you’ll stumble upon some mind-blowing natural spots and cultural gems that show what makes this island so special.
- Hang out with lemurs roaming freely at Parc Ivoloina and tackle the 9km of trails cutting through gorgeous rainforest
- Grab your snorkel gear and check out the coral reefs around ĂŽle aux Prunes – just a quick 45-minute boat trip north from the port
- Float down the historic Pangalanes Canal and pull over at local villages where craftspeople show off their skills
- Wander through the Heritage Circuit to see the mix of fancy colonial buildings and clever military designs from the Merina kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available at the Port Terminal?
Sorry, no Wi-Fi at the port terminal. You’ll have to pop into nearby cafes, restaurants, or grab a seat at places like Calypso Hotel & Spa to get connected. Most local spots offer free Wi-Fi when you buy something.
What Wildlife Might Be Spotted During March Cruise Visits?
March brings out some cool wildlife during your cruise stop! Keep an eye out for chameleons changing colors, little geckos scurrying about, and all sorts of bright, chirpy birds right near the port. If you’ve got time to check out nearby places like Ivoloina, you’ll get to hang out with the playful lemurs that Madagascar is famous for. And don’t miss snorkeling near the coast – the reef fish with their crazy colors will blow your mind!
Are There ATMS That Dispense Foreign Currency Near the Port?
Looking for foreign currency ATMs near the port? Hate to break it to you, but there aren’t any! All the ATMs in Toamasina only spit out Ariary. If you need to swap your money, you’ll have to head over to Tama Change Money Changer or hit up one of the local banks instead.
How Reliable Is the Weather Forecast for Toamasina in March?
March forecasts for Toamasina are pretty solid. You’ll get steady temps of about 26.7°C with rain you can usually count on. The trade winds and steady ocean temps mean fewer weather surprises, so go ahead and trust those short-term forecasts when planning your days.
Can Passengers With Mobility Issues Navigate the Port Facilities Easily?
Navigating these ports isn’t easy if you’ve got mobility issues. The facilities are pretty lacking – you won’t find many wheelchair ramps, elevators are scarce, and there aren’t really dedicated paths. Be prepared to ask for help getting from the ship to where taxis pick up, especially since you’ll need to deal with that annoying hill and bumpy ground. It’s definitely not smooth sailing.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin / Ehoala Port) Cruise Ship Port.
