Nosy Be, an island of adventures and excursions
Nestled in north-west Madagascar, Nosy Be is known for its idyllic beaches, unspoilt nature and wide range of excursions. For travellers looking for authenticity, the area offers many holiday activities, whether natural, cultural or sporting. Villa Jongoa, on the Andilana peninsula, is ideally placed to discover everything the island has to offer. In this article, we review the best excursions in Nosy Be for different types of travellers, along with practical tips to prepare your stay.
1. Excursions in Nosy Be: what to discover around the island?
A wide range of sea and land excursions
Nosy Be appeals through its diversity. From stretches of white sand to lush forests, the island invites adventure and contemplation. Excursions in Nosy Be are varied:
- Exploring nearby islands (Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja)
- Discovering wildlife and plants, on land or underwater
- Immersion in Malagasy markets and villages
- Boat trips, diving, snorkelling, fishing or whale watching
These activities are easy to reach from Villa Jongoa, where we put you in touch with local providers.
Why start your excursions from the Andilana peninsula?
Staying near Andilana beach means choosing tranquillity and easy access to Nosy Be’s main excursion sites. From Villa Jongoa, you can arrange a tailor-made excursion while enjoying the comfort of a private villa.
2. Excursions in Nosy Be: the must-sees around Villa Jongoa
Day trips by sea
Nosy Komba
Reached by boat from the south of Nosy Be, the island of Nosy Komba is famous for its lemurs (endemic to Madagascar), its fishing villages and its craftspeople. An excursion to this island offers a unique cultural and natural experience.
Nosy Tanikely
A protected marine reserve, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Its turquoise waters shelter countless tropical fish, corals and turtles.
Nosy Iranja
Often called the turtle island, with white sand beaches and postcard landscapes. A must for any day trip from Nosy Be.
Other easily accessible islets
- Nosy Sakatia: for diving or hiking lovers.
- Nosy Fanihy: known for its unspoilt beaches and absolute calm.
Land excursions from Villa Jongoa
Beyond sea trips, Nosy Be offers land activities for hikers and for those who want to discover Malagasy culture.
- Mont Passot: the highest point, with an exceptional view over the volcanic lakes and tropical greenery.
- Lokobe Forest: a nature reserve with remarkable plants and wildlife (chameleons, lemurs, rare birds).
- Hell-Ville market: to soak up the typical, colourful atmosphere of Madagascar.
- Nosy Be villages: traditional ways of life, local crafts and tastings of local specialities.
3. Organising excursions from Villa Jongoa
Services available to guests
One of the advantages of staying at Villa Jongoa is help with organising excursions in Nosy Be. We put you in touch with local providers (guides, boats) and advise you on outings that suit your interests. Excursions are on reservation, at extra cost.
Excursion options and types of activities
Private or small-group excursions
Depending on your preferences, you can choose:
- Private outings: for an intimate, personalised experience
- Group excursions: to share discoveries with other travellers
Choice of activities
Among the many options:
- Scuba diving or snorkelling
- Pirogue trips
- Big-game fishing
- Guided visits to nature reserves
- Whale watching (July to October)
- Photo sessions on the beaches
Back at the villa
After a day of exploring, you return to the calm of the villa:
- Meals prepared by the cook (groceries paid by the guests)
- Relaxing by the private pool
- Advice for an authentic experience
In other words, Villa Jongoa combines the comfort of high-end accommodation with easy access to the best excursions in Nosy Be.
4. Excursions in Nosy Be: practical tips for organising your stay
Preparation and safety
Before any excursion, it is advisable to:
- Check the day’s weather
- Bring suitable gear (hat, sunscreen, light clothing)
- Think about specific equipment for snorkelling or diving (rental available locally)
- Find out about the best periods for whale or turtle watching
We put you in touch with local professionals.
Respecting the environment
Nosy Be is an ecological gem. During excursions in Nosy Be, it is essential to:
- Respect wildlife and plants
- Choose eco-responsible operators
- Leave no rubbish behind
Commitment to sustainable development is a strength of the region and of the welcome at Villa Jongoa.
Budget and logistics
Excursion prices in Nosy Be vary with duration, type of activity and number of participants. We put you in touch with local providers: check with them on the price and what it includes before booking.
5. Why choose Villa Jongoa as a base for your excursions in Nosy Be?
Strategic location
5 minutes by car from Andilana beach, Villa Jongoa gives quick access to the main departure points for sea trips and land excursions. The airport and the port are also less than 45 minutes away.
Comfort and quality of stay
Villa Jongoa offers modern, comfortable accommodation to recharge after a day of excursions:
- 4 air-conditioned bedrooms, up to 8 guests
- Private pool and large garden to relax after your outings
- Wi-Fi to share your memories and plan your next activities
Personalised service
On-site support and knowledge of local partners make for a tailor-made experience for every traveller. Whether for a family outing, a stay with friends or a couple’s getaway, everything is done to ensure a safe and enriching stay.
6. Sample excursion itineraries from Villa Jongoa
A typical day at sea
Morning
- Departure by boat
- Stop at Nosy Komba, visit to the village and the lemurs
- Snorkelling on an unspoilt reef
Midday
- Picnic lunch on a deserted island, swimming
Afternoon
- Exploring Nosy Tanikely: diving, turtle watching
- Return to the villa before sunset
A typical day on land
Morning
- Hike up Mont Passot, view over the volcanic lakes
- Visit to an ylang-ylang or cocoa plantation
Midday
- Tasting local produce with a local family
Afternoon
- Discovering small villages and their traditional architecture
- Strolling through the Hell-Ville craft market
7. Extra tips to make the most of excursions in Nosy Be
- Choose the low season (outside school holidays) for more tranquillity
- Match your excursions to your interests (nature, culture, sport)
- Alternate relaxing days at the villa with discovery outings for the perfect balance
- Talk with local people to learn more about regional culture
The art of travelling in Nosy Be, between adventure and comfort
In short, excursions in Nosy Be offer an exceptional range of activities at sea and on land. Thanks to its ideal location, Villa Jongoa gives easy access to all the island’s main sites, while offering a peaceful, comfortable place to come back to after each discovery. Set off to meet Malagasy biodiversity, the neighbouring islands and local traditions with peace of mind.
For nature lovers, families or water-sports enthusiasts, there is always an excursion to suit you. Villa Jongoa, with its services and attentive welcome, is the perfect base for your adventures. Contact us to plan your stay.
Key points
- Excursions in Nosy Be cover a wide range of activities: diving, hiking, cultural discovery, sea trips.
- Staying at Villa Jongoa gives easy, safe access to the main excursion sites.
- We advise you and put you in touch with local providers.
- Respect for the environment, authenticity and well-being are at the heart of every excursion in Nosy Be.
Discover Nosy Be with confidence, for a stay full of memories and emotions.