Saint Marie Island, Madagascar
Île Sainte-Marie, known (more formally) as Nosy Boraha [ˈnuʃ buˈrahə̥], is an island off the east coast of Madagascar. The main town is Ambodifotatra. The island was a popular base for pirates during the 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous vestiges of this history can be found on Sainte Marie including a pirate cemetery.
Safe from sharks, the lagoon of Sainte Marie Island is endowed with significant coralline growth. Its underwater fauna is preserved as a natural heritage and first-class diving site in the Indian ocean. The island is also visited by humpback whales during their mating season from July to September.
Things to See & Do
* Whale watching
* Scuba diving
* Snorkeling
General Information
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Language – Malagasy, French
Land Area – 600 km²
Population – 16,400 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT plus three hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 261
Travel Links - This small island is accessible by sea and air. The planes start from Tananarive and land there after 1h flight or from Toamasina with just 15mn from take-off.
By sea, one can start from Toamasina driving the road towards Soanierana Ivongo then rent a boat from there, where local or fast patrol boats make the shuttle.
Safe from sharks, the lagoon of Sainte Marie Island is endowed with significant coralline growth. Its underwater fauna is preserved as a natural heritage and first-class diving site in the Indian ocean. The island is also visited by humpback whales during their mating season from July to September.
Things to See & Do
* Whale watching
* Scuba diving
* Snorkeling
General Information
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Language – Malagasy, French
Land Area – 600 km²
Population – 16,400 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT plus three hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 261
Travel Links - This small island is accessible by sea and air. The planes start from Tananarive and land there after 1h flight or from Toamasina with just 15mn from take-off.
By sea, one can start from Toamasina driving the road towards Soanierana Ivongo then rent a boat from there, where local or fast patrol boats make the shuttle.