Île Sainte-Marie

Île Sainte-Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha, is a long, slender island off Madagascar's east coast, famous for its laid-back and authentic vibe. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a notorious pirate stronghold; today, visitors can see the world's only pirate cemetery, where weathered tombstones marked with skulls tell tales of a lawless past. The island is lush and green, covered in rainforests and fragrant clove plantations. The crowning jewel of the island's attractions is the annual humpback whale migration. From June to September, hundreds of these majestic creatures migrate to the sheltered waters between the island and the mainland to breed and give birth. The spectacular sight of whales breaching can often be seen directly from the shore. The island's lagoons are protected by coral reefs, making them well-suited for snorkeling and safe swimming. At the southern tip lies the tiny Île aux Nattes, a car-free paradise with some of Madagascar's most beautiful beaches. Culinary experiences here are defined by fresh seafood and dishes infused with local spices. The best time to visit for whale watching is from July to August, though visitors should be prepared for tropical rain year-round. Access is available by domestic flights or ferry from Soanierana Ivongo.

Nearby cities

Toamasina

Main seaport in Madagascar.

Moramanga

Forest-rich city in Madagascar.

Ambatondrazaka

Rice capital in Madagascar.

Maroantsetra

Gateway to Masoala in Madagascar.

Fenoarivo Atsinanana

Coast of cloves in Madagascar.

Mahanoro

Canal city in Madagascar.

Soanierana Ivongo

Gateway to Sainte Marie in Madagascar.

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Vavatenina

Clove production in Madagascar.

Mananara Avaratra

Spice region in Madagascar.

Amparafaravola

Rice-growing area in Madagascar.

Ambodifotatra

Island capital of Sainte Marie in Madagascar.

Vatomandry

Recreational destination in Madagascar.

Mahambo

A laid-back coastal village on Madagascar's east coast, renowned as the country's premier surfing destination and for its tropical tranqu…

History & landmarks

Pirate Cemetery of Sainte-Marie

A historic cemetery on Île Sainte-Marie where famous pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries are buried.

Port of Toamasina Terminal

The main infrastructure of Madagascar's largest seaport, which handles most of the country's international trade.

Ambatovy Refinery

A massive hydrometallurgical plant near Toamasina, processing one of the world's largest nickel and cobalt mines.

Nature

Lake Alaotra

The largest lake in Madagascar, known for its agricultural importance.

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Mangoro River

A long river that drains the eastern coast.

Mangoky River

The longest river in Madagascar, flowing through the southwest.

More places

Île Sainte-Marie French Fort

Remains of the French military headquarters after the conquest of the pirate island.

Ambodifotatra Port

The main port of the island of Sainte-Marie, forming an important bridge for tourism and freight transport to the mainland.

Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery

A historical burial ground for pirates from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Nosy Boraha

An island off the east coast, known as Île Sainte-Marie.

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Tampolo Nature Reserve

A beautiful reserve with dense vegetation and many lemurs.

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Manda Fort Mahavelona

A coral stone fort built in the 19th century by King Radama I to protect the coast.

Nosy Mangabe Dutch Inscriptions

Rock inscriptions carved into stone by Dutch sailors in the 17th century.

Antongil Dutch Settlement

The remains of an early Dutch trading post in Antongil Bay.