Nosy Boraha

Nosy Boraha, commonly known as Île Sainte-Marie, is an island off Madagascar’s east coast in the Indian Ocean noted for sandy beaches, colonial-era settlements and a history of pirate activity. It is a long-established holiday destination for both local and international visitors.

Popular highlights include seasonal humpback whale watching, coastal beaches and snorkeling, and the historic pirate cemetery near the main town. The island is compact and explored on foot, bicycle or by small taxi, with short boat connections to nearby islets.

Historically the island was frequented by European and Indian Ocean mariners in the 17th and 18th centuries and later saw colonial development; remnants of that maritime past remain part of the island’s cultural attractions.

The island lies off Madagascar’s eastern shoreline in the Indian Ocean and is reached by ferry or small aircraft from the mainland. Accommodation and visitor facilities are concentrated around the main town and coastal settlements.

• Whale watching season: Humpback whale watching is a seasonal activity with the highest sightings during the southern winter months; boats operate from the island for guided whale watching.
• Visitor services: The island is small and visited by day-trippers and independent travelers; basic services are concentrated in the main town while beaches and guesthouses cater to tourism.

What to See #

• Ambodifotatra (main town): The island's main town and administrative centre with ferry and small-airport connections and local markets.
• Pirate cemetery: A small cemetery and cluster of graves linked to 17th- and 18th-century pirate activity that is a frequent visitor site.
• Île aux Nattes (Nosy Nato): A small islet at the southern tip separated by a narrow channel, known for white-sand beaches and day-trip swimming/snorkeling from the main island.