Nosy Be Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 5.5/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from April to November is ideal, with whale sharks often present from September to December.
- Population
- 0.1M
Overview
Madagascar's premier island getaway off the northwest coast, Nosy Be is fringed with palm-lined beaches, ylang-ylang plantations and turquoise waters. It's a base for snorkeling, diving and spotting lemurs and whale sharks.
Getting around
Taxis, tuk-tuks and rental scooters cover the island, while boats reach neighboring islets like Nosy Komba.
Local etiquette
Dress modestly in villages away from resorts and respect local fady customs. Ask before photographing people and bargain politely.
Safety
More relaxed than the mainland, but petty theft occurs, so secure valuables on beaches and at night. Use reputable operators for water excursions.