A Nosy Be travel guide starts with the basics: this island in the northwest is Madagascar’s beach gateway. Covering about 320 km² (124 sq mi), it combines an international airport, beaches facing the Mozambique Channel, ylang-ylang plantations and a string of islets to explore by boat: Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja. This guide helps you decide what to do in Nosy Be, when to go, where to stay, what budget to plan and which precautions to take.
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Beaches: the UK FCDO reports violent robberies and assaults, even in the daytime, on isolated and remote beaches, naming Nosy Be island among the coastal locations concerned: get local advice or use an experienced travel operator when visiting any beach (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026)
Violent crime: the U.S. Department of State lists Nosy Be among the areas where armed robbery and assaults are common, and advises visiting remote sites only in large groups with reputable tour operators (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025)
Ferries: get local advice on ferries to the west coast, including Nosy Be: accidents have been caused by overcrowding, poor maintenance and unexpected squalls (UK FCDO)
On the mainland: avoid driving at night; use an official local guide at the Montagne des Français protected area near Diego-Suarez (UK FCDO)
The situation can change: check the latest advice before booking and during your trip
Nosy Be at a glance
Main townHell-Ville (Andoany), in the eastThe tourist area is concentrated in Ambatoloaka and on the west coast
LanguagesMalagasy and FrenchItalian is common in tourism; English less so
Currencyariary (MGA) · currenciesMostly a cash economy (travel.state.gov). Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget
Time zoneUTC+3, no daylight saving · detailsLocal time now: –:–
AirportsNosy Be (Fascène) AirportMost international travelers connect through Antananarivo or another regional hub
EntryUK: up to 15 days visa-free (10-euro fee); US: visa required, available on arrival · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
The best time to visit Nosy Be is May to October, during the dry season: less than 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain per month, 30 °C (86 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) in the afternoon and nights around 20 °C (68 °F). April and November are transition months. From December to March, the rainy season is very pronounced (nearly 400 mm (15.7 in) in January); this is also when cyclones can hit Madagascar, the season normally running from November to April according to the UK FCDO (December to April according to the U.S. Department of State).
The figures below are official normals for the Nosy Be station. Unlike the Highlands, it is hot all year round: only the rain really changes.
Month
Avg. max
Avg. min
Rain
Rainy days
Crowds
Prices
Verdict
January
31.5 °C (89 °F)
23.9 °C (75 °F)
393 mm (15.5 in)
19.5
Low
Low
❌ Wettest month, cyclones possible
February
31.5 °C (89 °F)
24.0 °C (75 °F)
334 mm (13.1 in)
17.3
Low
Low
❌ Very wet, cyclone risk
March
31.9 °C (89 °F)
24.1 °C (75 °F)
281 mm (11.1 in)
16.5
Low
Low
⚠️ Still very humid, cyclones possible
April
32.2 °C (90 °F)
23.7 °C (75 °F)
106 mm (4.2 in)
9.3
Medium (Easter)
Medium
⚠️ End of the rains, cyclones still possible
May
31.4 °C (89 °F)
22.3 °C (72 °F)
35 mm (1.4 in)
4.7
Medium
Medium
✅ Start of the dry season
June
30.2 °C (86 °F)
20.6 °C (69 °F)
29 mm (1.1 in)
4.5
Medium
Medium
✅ Dry, sea often calm
July
29.7 °C (85 °F)
19.5 °C (67 °F)
21 mm (0.8 in)
3.4
High (holidays)
High
✅ Driest month
August
30.0 °C (86 °F)
19.5 °C (67 °F)
27 mm (1.1 in)
3.6
High (holidays)
High
✅ Dry, high season
September
30.6 °C (87 °F)
20.5 °C (69 °F)
35 mm (1.4 in)
4.2
Medium
Medium
✅ Dry, fewer visitors
October
31.8 °C (89 °F)
22.3 °C (72 °F)
30 mm (1.2 in)
4.0
Medium to high
High
✅ Dry and hot
November
31.9 °C (89 °F)
23.4 °C (74 °F)
135 mm (5.3 in)
9.8
Medium
Medium
⚠️ Showers return
December
31.6 °C (89 °F)
23.9 °C (75 °F)
302 mm (11.9 in)
15.8
High (holidays)
High
⚠️ Rainy season
Temperatures, precipitation and rainy days: 1991-2020 normals for the Nosy Be station, Direction générale de la météorologie de Madagascar, published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA archive). Crowds and prices: our estimate based on holiday periods and the tourist season.
Dry season (May to October): only 3 to 5 rainy days a month, often clear skies, safer boat trips. July-August and late October are the busiest periods. June, September and early October offer the best balance of weather and crowds.
Shoulder months (April, November): about 105 mm (4.1 in) to 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, more frequent showers but lower prices.
Rainy season (December to March): 280 mm (11.0 in) to 390 mm (15.4 in) per month, high humidity, sometimes rough seas and cyclone risk. Some establishments scale back. Best left to flexible travelers with suitable insurance.
As for wildlife, humpback whales visit Malagasy waters during the southern winter, and whale sharks are seen around Nosy Be in some years: timing varies, so ask operators who follow approach rules. For the rest of the island, see the best time to visit Madagascar, and our ideas for June or October trips.
Things to do in Nosy Be: the highlights
Andilana and Ambatoloaka beaches
In the northwest, Andilana is often cited as the island’s most beautiful beach: pale sand, calm water in the dry season and sunsets over the Mozambique Channel. Ambatoloaka, in the southwest, is the liveliest village, with restaurants, bars, dive centers and excursion departures. In between, Madirokely and the west coast are lined with hotels and small coves. On isolated beaches, do not stay alone, especially at nightfall. These beaches have their counterpart on the African coast: see the best time to visit Mozambique to compare seasons.
Nosy Komba, the lemur island
About thirty minutes away by boat, Nosy Komba is a mountainous island home to black lemurs, used to visitors in the village of Ampangorinana. You will also find embroidery and wood carvings. The trip is often combined with Nosy Tanikely on the same day. Avoid feeding the animals.
Nosy Tanikely: snorkeling in a marine reserve
This small protected islet is the best easily accessible snorkeling spot: sea turtles, reef fish and coral a few meters from the shore. An entrance fee is charged for the reserve. Do not touch the coral or the turtles, and choose an operator whose boat carries life jackets.
Nosy Iranja and the more distant islands
Nosy Iranja, to the southwest, consists of two islets joined at low tide by a sandbar; turtles come here to nest. The crossing is longer (allow a good hour by speedboat depending on the sea), so book it for a calm day. Other islands, such as Nosy Sakatia or the Mitsio archipelago, can be reached on a day trip or a multi-day cruise.
Lokobe Reserve
In the southeast of the island, Lokobe National Park protects one of Nosy Be’s last primary forests. With a guide, you can see black lemurs, panther chameleons, boas and many birds. Access is often by pirogue from a nearby village. Half a day is enough.
Hell-Ville, Mont Passot and ylang-ylang
Hell-Ville (Andoany), the small main town, has kept a few colonial buildings, a covered market and the port where boats leave for the mainland. Mont Passot, the island’s highest point, overlooks crater lakes at sunset. Nosy Be is nicknamed the perfume island: visit an ylang-ylang distillery, a cocoa or vanilla plantation, and the great sacred banyan tree of Mahatsinjo.
Diving and boat trips
Dive centers in Ambatoloaka and on the west coast offer try dives and dives on the reefs and drop-offs around the islands. The dry season generally offers the best visibility. Check the center’s accreditation and the condition of the equipment, and make sure your insurance covers diving. The U.S. Department of State notes that safety inspections of tourism equipment and facilities are not common in Madagascar (travel.state.gov).
Itinerary: how many days in Nosy Be?
One week in Nosy Be
Day 1: arrival, settle in Ambatoloaka or on the west coast
Day 2: Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely by boat
Day 3: Hell-Ville, an ylang-ylang distillery, sunset at Mont Passot
Day 4: Lokobe Reserve with a guide
Day 5: a day at Nosy Iranja (on a calm sea)
Days 6 and 7: Andilana beach, diving or relaxing, departure
Two weeks: northern Madagascar and Nosy Be
Days 1 to 5: Diego-Suarez and its surroundings with a driver and guide (the bay, the Emerald Sea, Montagne d’Ambre, the red Tsingy)
Days 6 and 7: daytime drive to Ankify, crossing to Nosy Be
Days 8 to 14: Nosy Be and its islands, then fly home
To combine with the Highlands or the RN7, see our Madagascar guide.
Budget for a trip to Nosy Be
Item (per person per day)
Budget
Comfort
Accommodation (shared double room)
about US$22 to 45 (simple bungalow)
about US$90 to 225 (beach hotel)
Meals
about US$11 to 22
about US$35 to 65
Local transportation (taxi, scooter)
about US$6 to 17
about US$22 to 45 (driver)
Boat trips
about US$17 to 34
about US$45 to 90
Total
roughly US$55 to 100 per person per day
roughly US$170 to 335 per person per day
Rough estimates excluding flights and visa, converted from euros at the European Central Bank rate of 23 October 2026; highly variable depending on the season and the ariary exchange rate.
Flights remain the biggest expense: on top of your long-haul flight, you need a flight on to Nosy Be. Excursion prices are negotiable: compare several providers, putting safety (life jackets, backup engine) ahead of the lowest price.
Getting there and getting around Nosy Be
By air: Nosy Be (Fascène) Airport has domestic and regional flights; most international travelers connect through Antananarivo or another hub. The U.S. Department of State warns that domestic flights are frequently subject to last-minute cancellations (travel.state.gov): confirm the day before and leave a margin before your flight home.
By sea: boats link Hell-Ville with the port of Ankify on the mainland. The UK FCDO reports accidents on ferries to Nosy Be caused by overcrowding, poor maintenance and squalls: choose a boat with life jackets and check the weather locally (GOV.UK).
On the island: taxis (agree on the price before setting off), tuk-tuks, scooter or quad rental. Avoid driving at night: roads are poorly lit.
Excursions: book through your hotel or established agencies, with life jackets for every passenger.
Where to stay in Nosy Be
Ambatoloaka and Madirokely: the widest choice at all prices, restaurants and excursion departures within walking distance; noisier in the evening.
Andilana and the northwest: beautiful beaches and large hotels, more isolated: plan for transport and meals on site.
West coast in between: bungalows and mid-sized hotels, a good compromise.
Nearby islands: lodges on Nosy Komba or Nosy Sakatia, for more peace and quiet; boat access only.
Safety tip: choose guarded accommodation and do not leave valuables in sight.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025), you need a passport valid for six months from your date of entry with three blank pages, and a visa, obtained before traveling or purchased at the port of entry for stays of less than three months (payable in US dollars, euros or ariary; credit cards are not accepted). You must also show evidence of onward or return travel and proof of sufficient funds, plus a yellow fever vaccination card if you have been in a yellow fever endemic area within six months of arrival.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026), you can visit for up to 15 days without a visa, paying a 10-euro administration fee on arrival and showing onward or return tickets. For longer stays, you can buy a 30- or 60-day single-entry tourist visa on arrival at the airport or apply in advance to the Embassy of Madagascar in London. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with at least 2 blank pages.
Sources differ: travel.state.gov does not mention a visa-free period for US citizens; in case of doubt, check with the Embassy of Madagascar. Entry requirements checked on 26 October 2026.
Malaria and other risks: health risks include malaria and dengue (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026); the U.S. Department of State also lists chikungunya and rabies. See a doctor or travel health clinic about malaria prevention before you leave. Tap water is unsafe: drink only boiled or bottled water (UK FCDO).
Medical care: hospitals in Antananarivo can only handle routine operations, and complex cases are flown to Mauritius, South Africa or Réunion (UK FCDO): insurance covering medical evacuation is essential.
Safety: see the box at the top of the page. Do not walk alone after dark, on deserted beaches or in town, and do not use your phone or show cash in the street (UK FCDO).
Cyclones: November to April according to the UK FCDO; follow Meteo Madagascar, World Meteorological Organization warnings and official instructions.
Emergencies: ambulance or police, 117 from a mobile or 17 from a landline (UK FCDO).
To choose the right cover, see our travel insurance guide. The law against sexual abuse of children (aged 17 and under) is strictly enforced, especially for incidents involving foreign tourists (UK FCDO).
Practical tips for Nosy Be
Money: Madagascar is primarily a cash economy; some high-end establishments accept credit cards (normally only Visa), and ATMs, generally Visa only, are found in large towns. Dollars are not widely accepted and $100 bills are often refused (travel.state.gov). You can bring in up to 400,000 ariary, and foreign cash worth 7,500 euros or more must be declared (UK FCDO).
Internet: local SIM card or eSIM; coverage is decent in tourist areas, weak on the islets.
Tipping: appreciated for guides, drivers and boat crews.
Etiquette: respect the fady (local taboos) your guide will point out, ask before photographing anyone, cover up in town.
Environment: do not buy shells, coral or animals.
Who is Nosy Be for?
Beach and relaxation: yes, from May to October: Andilana beach, the west coast and islets such as Nosy Iranja, reached on a calm sea.
Diving and snorkeling: yes: the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve, dive centers in Ambatoloaka and on the west coast; the dry season generally offers the best visibility.
Nature lovers: yes: the lemurs of Nosy Komba, the primary forest of Lokobe with chameleons and boas, ylang-ylang plantations.
Budget travelers: partly: roughly US$55 to 100 per person per day on the ground, but flights remain the biggest expense.
Solo travelers: with caution: both the UK and US advice report violent crime on isolated beaches and in Nosy Be. Avoid isolated beaches in the evening.
Short trips: not ideal: getting there takes a long day of travel; allow at least a week.
May to October, during the dry season: less than 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain per month and 30 °C (86 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) in the afternoon according to 1991-2020 normals for the Nosy Be station. June, September and early October are a little less busy than July-August.
Is Nosy Be safe for tourists?
Take precautions: the UK FCDO reports violent robberies and assaults on isolated beaches, including on Nosy Be, and the U.S. Department of State lists Nosy Be among areas where armed robbery is common. Do not walk alone at night and book excursions with reputable operators.
Do you need a visa for Nosy Be?
The rules for all of Madagascar apply: UK citizens can stay up to 15 days without a visa, paying a 10-euro fee (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026); US citizens need a visa, available on arrival for stays of less than three months (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025). Passports must be valid 6 months after arrival.
Are there direct international flights to Nosy Be?
Nosy Be (Fascène) Airport has some regional flights, but most travelers from Europe or North America connect through Antananarivo or another hub. Check current routes when you book.
How many days should you spend in Nosy Be?
A week lets you see Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Lokobe and Nosy Iranja and enjoy the beaches. In two weeks, you can add the north of the mainland, around Diego-Suarez.
Do you need malaria prevention for Nosy Be?
Malaria is among the health risks in Madagascar (UK FCDO). See a doctor or travel health clinic about prevention before you leave, and protect yourself against mosquito bites.
Climate data: 1991-2020 normals for the Nosy Be station, Direction générale de la météorologie de Madagascar, published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA archive)
European Central Bank, euro reference exchange rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion)
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