Sailing Madagascar: Goleta Adventures

Day 1 - Arrival in Nosy Be

Upon arrival at Nosy Be, the “Perfume Island”, you will be greeted and seamlessly transferred to the charming Anjiamarango Lodge. Settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at the hotel, preparing for the adventures that await. Nosy Be is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and inviting turquoise waters, offering the perfect setting for relaxation and sunbathing. Beyond its idyllic shores, the island and its surrounding islets hold a wealth of natural, cultural, and historical discoveries.

Day 2 - Lokobe

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the lodge before transferring to the bustling Hell Ville port. From there, embark on a unique adventure, paddling a traditional dugout canoe, known as a pirogue, through the serene mangrove forests and across the waters to Lokobe. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Lokobe’s primary forest with a guided walk, discovering its ancient trees and the diverse array of endemic medicinal plants that captivate local scientists. Enjoy a picturesque picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty. In the afternoon, paddle back to the port and return to the comfort of Anjiamarango Lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay. Lokobe, Nosy Be’s last protected primitive forest, offers a glimpse into a preserved ecosystem, home to various endemic creatures, including playful lemurs, fascinating reptiles, colourful chameleons, intriguing insects, and vibrant tropical birds, all within its 740 hectares of largely untouched vegetation.

Day 3 - The sweet smell of Ylang-Ylang

This day provides a unique and enriching experience through an immersive visit to the Andrahibo village community. Leaving Anjiamarango Lodge, you will delve into the authentic rhythm of daily life in a typical northern bush village of Nosy Be. A guided walk through the village’s surroundings will offer opportunities to meet local Ylang Ylang producers and observe their varied market gardening techniques, with your guide providing insightful translations as you walk through their fields. Upon reaching the village, a warm welcome awaits from a local family in their home, where you will participate in preparing a traditional Malagasy meal together. Following this shared culinary experience, your guide will lead you through the village, showcasing the traditional skills of rice pounding by the women, the carpentry involved in house construction, and the intricate art of traditional hair braiding. A particular highlight will be a visit to a local still, where you can witness the fascinating process of distilling Ylang Ylang essential oil, a vital element of Nosy Be’s economy and a truly exceptional local specialty.

Day 4 - Day of leisure

Day at leisure on half board at Anjiamarango Lodge.

Either relax, soaking up the sun, or grab a tuk tuk and explore the island.

Day 5 - Nosy Tanikely & Nosy Faly

An early start from the Crater Marina will take you on a short sail on a goleta to the Marine Park of Nosy Tanikely. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for incredible diving or breathtaking snorkelling in the vibrant underwater world. Enjoy a delicious lunch served onboard as the Westerly winds carry you towards Nosy Faly in the afternoon, with arrival anticipated in the late afternoon. Witness the beautiful sundown paint the sky over the island before returning to the boat for dinner and your first night sleeping peacefully onboard, anchored in the tranquil waters between the mainland and Nosy Faly.

Overnight and dinner on board.

Day 6 - Explore Nosy Faly

For cycling enthusiasts, an appealing option on Nosy Faly is the opportunity to rent bicycles and embark on a picturesque ride around this beautiful, relatively untouched, and less frequented island. No need to channel your inner pack mule and strap bags of coal to your bike to barter for lunch, as this leisurely exploration is at your own pace, with the scenic journey culminating in a delightful picnic at the Nosy Faly Association Plantation. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more pedestrian approach, the same captivating tour can be experienced as a walking excursion. In this case, convenient arrangements will be made for a tender boat to collect you from the Plantation in the afternoon, ensuring a comfortable return.

Overnight and dinner on board.

Day 7 - Mahazandry

Begin your day with an early morning departure, setting sail to take advantage of the prevailing Easterly winds alongside the local “mahaloky” fishermen in their distinctive square-rigged dugout canoes. Your destination is the remote and beautiful bay of Mahazandry, located on the North-East coast of Nosy Be. Upon arrival, take a walk around the peninsula, where you can observe the fishermen’s lobster pots. Enjoy a refreshing swim before indulging in lunch onboard. The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting a local artisanal Ylang Ylang distillery, where you can learn about the production process, followed by an exploration of the traditional fishermen’s village of Ankirankirana. Return to the boat for a delicious dinner and your final night spent peacefully at the anchorage.

Overnight and dinner on board.

Day 8 - Nosy Fanihy & Nosy Sakatia

Embark on an unforgettable full-day island-hopping adventure starting with an exceptionally early departure from your overnight moorings, allowing you to arrive at the pristine shores of Nosy Fanihy, north of Nosy Be, just as the day breaks. Here, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters for invigorating snorkelling and swimming sessions, followed by a leisurely walk to discover the charm of this petite island. Afterwards, you’ll set course for Nosy Sakatia, where a delicious lunch awaits. The afternoon offers a final opportunity to swim alongside graceful sea turtles in their natural habitat, or for certified divers, perhaps an exciting dive. As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to the mainland at Crater Marina, from where a comfortable transfer will take you to Anjiamarango Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 9 - Mont Passot

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Anjiamarango Lodge. Afterwards, embark on a unique morning city sightseeing tour of Nosy Be aboard a tuk-tuk. This offers an intimate and engaging way to experience the local culture and key landmarks. For lunch, you’ll be treated to the authentic flavours of Madagascar at a local restaurant, providing a taste of the region’s culinary delights. As the afternoon unfolds, you’ll journey to the iconic Mount Passot for a refreshing cocktail. This highly visited location, reaching 329 meters, boasts a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking 360° views of the Mozambique Channel and the surrounding landscape. Take in the astonishing beauty and exceptional biodiversity of the area, noting the eight sacred crater lakes below, home to unique freshwater fish. This natural terrace promises unforgettable memories for landscape enthusiasts. Finally, you’ll return to Anjiamarango Lodge for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.