Sainte-Marie or “Nosy Boraha” is the island that plunges tourists into a dream they do not want to wake up. It’s like a feeling of being in a postcard of which you are the hero. A moment of relaxation that only happens once and we do not want to see it finish. Meeting places lost in heavenly places, giving every day the impression of finding something new. Far from the worries of everyday life and far from the stifling atmosphere of big cities.
Fauna and flora of Sainte Marie island
Paradise Orchids, the island is full of many species of Orchids. Some are endangered like the Orchid Queen of Madagascar and Black Orchid.
The climate of the island is favorable to its flowering of certain plants. Like wild vanilla, the star of Madagascar and two other varieties of endemic orchids. But vanilla, ravintsara, cloves and cinnamon also occupy an important place.
In addition to immersing yourself in lush vegetation, your trip to Sainte Marie will introduce you to a fauna rich in diversity, including Lemurs, Chameleons, Radiata Turtles, Snakes and Amphibians that can be found in the Zoological and Botanical Park in Vohilava.
Activities for all desires
The island offers many activities. You can do Big-game fishing Hiking or Biking to visit the interior of the land. It also includes the primary forests of Ambohidena and Kalalao. During the arrival of Humpback Whales, you can do a sea excurtion.
From Sainte Marie, do not hesitate to make a crossing by canoe to Mats Island. The two islands are separated by a sea loch; the crossing is done in the best conditions. You can also go diving and snorkeling because Sainte Marie is also surrounded by a beautiful coral reef!
On the Mats Island known as “Ile au Nattes” or “Nosy Nanto” in Malagasy, a beautiful lagoon awaits you! With a temperature between 20 and 30 ° C, the place is conducive to idleness as it has sandy beaches.
Do not hesitate to go hiking on this small island of 6 km². Diving, canoeing or sea kayaking, fishing, swimming, sea excursions to visit other islands. Such as Pirates Island and Madam Islet or “Ilot Madame” are all activities not to be missed during your stay!
Your stay in Sainte Marie
For your trip to Sainte Marie, many accommodations are available regardless of your budget. You will find comfortable bungalows nestled in nature. You can also rent charming furnished villas, hotels from 2 to 3 stars. There is also eco-lodges with the majority of them a view on the sea.
As far as catering is concerned, the hotels offer different specialties, however, you will always find menus consisting of seafood dishes and local specialties. To move, you will have the choice between taxis, taxis collective and more ecological: very colorful trishaw.
It should be noted that Sainte-Marie has a small airport located in the south of the island. But you can also drive there from Soanierana-Ivongo, located 168 km from Toamasina to take a ferry and reach the island of Sainte Marie 35 km offshore.
