Île aux Nattes
Island Small tropical island off Madagascar's east coast
Beside Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte‑Marie), Île aux Nattes offers palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs and simple guesthouses; visitors come for snorkeling, slow island life and coastal walks.
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Île aux Nattes (Nosy Nato) is a small island immediately south of Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha) off Madagascar’s east coast, noted for sandy beaches and nearshore coral reef. The island is low-lying and compact, with most facilities concentrated near the narrow channel that separates it from Sainte-Marie.
Visitors come for sheltered swimming, snorkeling on the fringing reef and a quiet island atmosphere with a small number of guesthouses and beachside services. Local boats provide frequent short transfers to and from Île Sainte-Marie and the islands are commonly visited together.
Geographically the island sits off Madagascar’s eastern seaboard within Analanjirofo administrative area, at the southern tip of the larger Île Sainte-Marie.
- Access and snorkeling: Short pirogue or boat crossings link the island to Île Sainte-Marie and the narrow channel between them is popular for short snorkel trips to nearby fringing reef areas.
How to Get to Île aux Nattes #
Access via small boat from Île Sainte‑Marie (Nosy Boraha); boats and pirogues make regular crossings depending on tides and schedules.
Tips for Visiting Île aux Nattes #
- Consult local guides for the best anchorages and small-scale accommodation information.
- Use mooring buoys where provided-reef damage is a real risk around small Malagasy islets.
Best Time to Visit Île aux Nattes #
The dry season (roughly April-November) is the preferred time for visits.
