Luxury Catamaran Sailing Holidays in Madagascar
By Robin Swanepoel on 5th September, 2024
Luxury Catamaran Sailing Holidays in Madagascar
The island off the southeastern coast of Africa of Madagascar may be best known for the hit animation movie of the same name, but it has long captivated sailors, pirates (like Captain Kidd) and visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty, safe coves, and cultural diversity. When my son and I decided to embark on a luxury catamaran sailing holiday in Madagascar, we anticipated an unforgettable experience due to the allure of the island’s coastal beauty and cultural richness. We just didn’t know Cyclone Gamane would have such a profound impact on it.
Cyclone Gamane
Our voyage began in the vibrant coastal town of Hell-ville, Nosy Be. This popular tourist destination is known for its white sand beaches, lush tropical forests, and spices. But there was a slight problem, remember that cyclone I spoke of… It was upon us! The torrential rain had flooded the streets, indoor marketplaces leaked like sieves, and roads had been closed due to landslides. It did not appear promising. Our guide, who had years of local experience and a calm demeanour, didn’t bat an eyelash. A few phone calls later saw us arrive at Hell-ville Marina. Our skipper, deckhand, and chef greeted us with warm Malagasy smiles and welcomed us on board. Our luxury catamaran, a sleek and comfortable eight-berth beauty, would be our temporary home for the days ahead.
The vastness of the Indian Ocean stretched before us, beckoning both discovery and adventure.
“Daddy, where can I…”
Despite the rough seas, the catamaran provided a steady platform, allowing us to quickly separate ourselves from the cyclone. I thought we were safe, but in a cruel twist of fate, my son walked up to me and asked, “Daddy, where can I…” and proceeded to regurgitate his well-digested breakfast onto my lap. So considerate of him not to feed the fish…
As we distanced ourselves from the cyclone, conditions improved, and my son appeared less green around the gills. All colour had transferred and was now inscribed in the distant heavens as nature offered a stunning thunderstorm. As the cyclone ravaged the Nosy Be coastline, we sat in our safe cove, anticipating nightfall, with barely a ripple on the ocean, marvelling at nature’s magnificence. Sitting safe while nature unleashes her fury is a truly humbling experience. The value of life, appreciating our surroundings, being grateful for a warm supper, knowing we were protected, and sleeping in a dry bed were all comforting.
A decrepit Russian fort, a Gustave Eiffel lighthouse. And sashimi…?
We went island hopping, where we discovered hidden coves and stunning beaches. Each destination had its charm. We watched energetic lemurs clamber for bananas, swam with graceful sea turtles in crystal-clear waters, and snorkelled among schools of colourful fish and reefs. A decrepit Russian fort, a Gustave Eiffel lighthouse, and vibrant fishing communities eeking out a living from the sea all drew our attention to know more.
Our skipper set up the fishing gear, and we trolled while sailing. This came in handy when I caught my first GT (Giant Trevally), which served as sashimi for lunch and was wonderfully pan-fried for dinner. All the meals were delicious and prepared in the gourmet kitchen. We were pampered as the experienced crew catered to our every need, providing personalised service and ensuring a memorable experience.
We had a fascinating encounter with a pod of dolphins. On our return journey, we observed a school of dolphins jumping and playing in the sea. We came to a standstill and watched in amazement as they danced around us, their sleek bodies shimmering in the sun. It was a beautiful moment, which brought great joy to my son.
Hope for humanity
As our trip wound down, we reflected on our blessings and the incredible memories we had created. As a family, we had grown stronger, despite Mother Nature reminding us of her power. It furthermore gave us hope in humanity, as we witnessed the resolve of the Malagasy to continue with daily life amidst such adversity.
Our journey to Madagascar was more than just a luxury catamaran sailing adventure; it was a life-changing experience. We had created lasting memories, forged a stronger father-son bond, and discovered the incredible beauty of this unique island nation. As we bid farewell to Madagascar, we knew that we would never forget our time there.
Safety
I was filled with trepidation at placing my son in harm’s way before sailing. I’m grateful I listened to our guide’s sensible advice. If we had bailed, I would have kicked myself for missing out on such an incredible adventure. In addition, our crew was familiar with the sea, the catamaran’s capabilities, and the weather prediction! In retrospect, and despite my doubts, their decision proved correct.
This firsthand experience emphasises the importance of travelling with skilled local guides who can provide great insights while ensuring a smooth and secure journey. Their expertise not only enhanced our enjoyment but also ensured our safety throughout the entire trip. It was a valuable lesson in trusting the professionals when it comes to potentially risky activities. Consequently, their knowledge and expertise allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without worrying about any unexpected mishaps. We left with a newfound appreciation for the importance of local expertise in making our travels both enriching and safe.
Convenient Details
- Departure and arrival: Your sailing adventure begins and ends at Hell-Ville Marina, conveniently located near Nosy Be Airport.
- Ideal Sailing Season: The best time to sail is between May and November, with December to March best being avoided due to the possibilities of cyclones. Strong winds occur between August and September.
- Exclusive Charters: Our catamarans offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort, accommodating up to eight guests, and are exclusively yours for the duration of your trip.
- Privacy: the mobility of a catamaran can whisk you away from prying eyes or an approaching cyclone, or it can be sailed in the opposite direction to your desired sunbathing location.
Luxury Catamaran Sailing Holidays in Madagascar
If luxury catamaran sailing holidays in Madagascar sound like wind in your sails, email Robin at madagascar@fleewinter.com or call us at (UK) 020 7112 0019. We specialise in private, bespoke holidays to ensure you make the most of your time on this magical island. If Madagascar doesn’t grab your attention, enjoy this read by Helen, our Greek sailing specialist.
A six-day luxury catamaran sailing itinerary costs from £3,460 per person full board based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.
Written by Robin Swanepoel
Top Travel Tip
I only have one piece of advice, “travel with loved ones“…
Travelling with loved ones is more than just a vacation; it’s an investment in relationships. Not only does it broaden your perspective, these shared moments become a treasure trove of shared memories. When life’s complexities arise, revisiting these memories can provide solace, laughter, and a renewed sense of connection.
