Infos zur Region - allgemein
Nosy Be and its coral islands…
In everybody’s mind, tropical islands are coconut trees and white sand. Nosy Be is much more than that. First of all, its geographic location is a major advantage. Besides its cultural specificity one can discover through rites, its «fady» (bans or exclusions), its holy sites (sacred trees), tiny traditional villages (falafa), Nosy Be owns a very rich historical inheritance, which marked it deeply (Prince House, royal tombs, etc.…).
Certain rites of inhabitants, «boutres», Indian village, are tracks that Comorian and Zanzibar migrants left during intense seaborne trade periods in Indian Ocean. Other historical events were so significant that they gave their names to some sites (Mont Passot, Hellville, Baie des russes…)
Nosy Be, is an ideal suitability between cultural et natural. One can meet quite often numerous species: (turtles, skates, dolphins, whales). This destination is well known for its harmless whale sharks. Reefs are true aquariums.
Klima und Wind
Trade winds are blowing there between June and November. During this period, prevailing winds are l’Avarabe from North-East and Talio from South-West (during afternoons). Temperature is pleasant with an average of 25°, and water remains rather warm all the year long, reaching sometimes 30° during summer.
Segeltörns - Törnvorschläge
Itinerary 7 days / nights
Southward cruise – toward RADAMA Islands Archipelago.
Nosy Be - Nosy Tanikely - Mamoko - Baie des Russes - Nosy Iranja - Kalakajoro - Nosy Ovy - Antanimora - Baramahamay - Nosy Be
Day 1 : NOSY BE - NOSY TANIKELY – MAMOKO (23M)
After welcome and installation on board, we will rig out for 1 hour cruise, toward Nosy Tanikely meaning "small land island" in Malagasy. This national under sea reserve can be explored in snorkelling. One can go round the island surrounded by myriads of turtles and multicoloured fishes.
An abandoned lighthouse in the middle of the island, allows accessing a very beautiful panorama of Nosy Bé bay. In the afternoon, you sail toward Mamoko waterfall. A local dinner will take place in the boat cockpit with candle lights listening to the waterfall sound.
Day 2 : MAMOKO – BAIE DES RUSSES (25M)
After breakfast, once landing you will link a picture of the waterfall with the sound you heard previously. Its limpid and fresh water invites to take a bath, whereas the site is ideal to relax. For the most «courageous », you can go through the water curtain to discover a cave.
During the morning, start for Baie des Russes. A full day of cruising during which you will fish hand swim, will lead you to an unusual place. Unusual by its name (coming from a Russian ship and its crew forgotten there, during the conflict of 1905 with the Japanese).
All the crew died without knowing war was over without them! Now a day it’s the dolphins’ playground. You will moor deeply inside the bay….absolute silence guaranteed…
Day 3 : BAIE DES RUSSES – NOSY IRANJA (15M)
Morning will begin by 30 minutes of dinghy. You will enter a labyrinth of a luxuriant mangrove. You will land to reach isolated village of Amboany. Departure from Echoes after lunch toward Nosy Iranja. You moor late afternoon in a shelter of île aux Tortues (famous spot of turtle’s reproduction). This island only has a unique village of fishermen; for sure you will feel like Robinson Crusoé. For dinner, 2 different ambiances: barbecue on the beach under coconut trees or gastronomic dinner restaurant at Petite Iranja (4 stars) hotel. (About 25 euros/pers).
Day 4 : NOSY IRANJA - NOSY KALAKAJORO (20M)
After a nice night, rocked by the waves, sunrise will reveal an outstanding island. Actually, there are 2 inlets linked by a sandbank you can access at low tide. There are so many fishes that you can hunt some for lunch.
You can climb up the lighthouse, or practice sailboard or Kite surf or dive with the diving club of the island. For the others, massages are possible (about 15 euros / hour). During the afternoon, heading on Radama.
Day 5 : NOSY KALAKAJORO - NOSY OVY - NOSY ANTANIMORA (17M)
Kalakajoro island characterizes itself by the beauty of its desert beaches and its enormous coral reef, north of island. Before lunch, you will sail for 1 hour toward Nosy Ovy. This island is the biggest of archipelago. Its buildings are looking like the 20’.
A land excursion, will give you the opportunity to see it closer. After 1 hour walk among a very rich flora, (coffee tree, avocado tree, pepper plant, mango tree…) you will reach the summit of the island. The end of this excursion is followed by the departure for Nosy Antanimora meaning «easy land» in Malagasy. Another destination for diving, farniente, Sun bath or hammock.
Day 6 : NOSY ANTANIMORA – BARAMAHAMAY (27M)
For sure morning will be too short in this haven of peace. In fact, this island is nearly desert; it is only inhabited by fishermen for short periods. The most beautiful sand banc of archipelago is located south of this island.
The last mooring night will be in Baramahamay river estuary. Dinner on board, listening to many sounds of mangrove fauna.
Day 7 : BARAMAHAMAY - NOSY BE (34M)
After breakfast, everybody embarks on dinghy, for a fascinating exploration of the surroundings. You will see herons, pigeons, guinea hens, crocodiles. The wake of our dinghy will awake some endemic mammals. The end of this excursion will be followed by departure to Nosy Be. Arrival at Hell Ville harbour before lunch. Free time, you can do a last visit: the market with multicoloured stands with nice smelling of vanilla, spices, and cinnamon...
This last excursion will depend on your flight schedule.