The fourth-largest island in the world, Madagascar boasts of amazing biodiversity, tropical rain forests and endemic wildlife. Nevertheless, in the heart of the rich green Madagascar, there are also the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the world. Whether one is a traveller seeking isolated escapes, aquatic sports or one seeking to have a good time with the golden sands, beaches in Madagascar have it all. In this guide, we shall discuss the 11 best beaches in Madagascar, each has its charms and attractions that offers a memorable beach holiday experience.
1. Nosy Be
The Nosy Be is an off-shore area at the northwestern coast of Madagascar, and it is thought to be one of the best 11 Madagascar beaches. This tropical paradise is known to be a haven of crystal clear waters, rich marine life as well as spectacular coral reefs which has attracted many beachgoers and divers. Nosy Be is also a resort with some of the most beautiful beaches such as the famous Andilana Beach that is a white sand beach with turquoise waters and peaceful atmosphere.
Nosy Be is also characterized by its athletic tropical forests and volcanic terrains and other smaller islands which can be openly reached by boat such as Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. The island is perfect in snorkeling, diving as well as sailing and one may witness sea turtles, dolphins, and coral gardens. To have a more relaxed experience the visitors are also able to relax at one of the luxury resorts with sea facing.
2. Anakao
Anakao is one of the best beaches in Madagascar and is little known as it is hidden in the southwest coast of the country. This is a peaceful picturesque beach on which sands are gold and the waters smooth and shallow. The packet location of Anakao makes it an ideal place to be found in those who would want to enjoy tranquility and privacy, without the crowd.
The rocky outcrops are found in the surrounding of the beach, rendering a dramatic background to the settings of the clear and turquoise sea. Tours to nearby islands are major activities at Anakao, including the Nosy Ve which is a protected nature reserve with beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. There are many water sports such as snorkeling, sea lion swimming, fishing and various others that allow the visitors to enjoy themselves on the clean sands.
3. Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha)
The Nosy Boraha frequently frequented to the east coast of Madagascar is the most beautiful and unique place to visit in Madagascar and is also referred to as the isle Sainte-Marie. Its extensive sandy beaches, water that is crystal clear and a rich history makes this island a must visit by any beach lover. It is known as a pirate haven and has more traditional and relaxed Malagasy experience in contrast to others of the more commercial beaches.
The beaches of the island are ideal to spend free time, enjoy sunbaths, and swimming. You may also visit the surrounding coral reefs, whale watch (mostly in the months of July through to September in which the humpback whales come), or even visit the Pirates cemetery which narrates the exciting history of the island. A serene and untouched atmosphere of Île Sainte-Marie is enough to make it a location that everyone would want to visit to know the ultimate form of paradise.
4. Ifaty Beach
Another competitor to the top 11 best beaches in Madagascar is the Ifaty Beach that is situated in the southwest of Madagascar. The Ifaty Beach, with its long, white sand beaches and shallow, turquoise waters is a great choice among the places that a person would choose to have a relaxing beach time. The beach itself lies in close distance to spiny forests of Madagascar making it an enjoyable location to both have fun in the sea and enjoy the nature as well.
There is an even more favorable place to be found in Ifaty where water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving are common since the ocean waters are abound of marine life. Traditional fishing villages are also located in the area, where the visitor can study the local culture and lifestyle. The area is most suitable to eco-tourism, there is a possibility to watch birds, to hike and see the unique flora and fauna of the southwest of Madagascar.
5. Ramena Beach
Ramena beach is a very isolated beach in the north of Madagascar, the surroundings and the beauty of Ramena beach are breathtaking as well as serene and peaceful. Among its eleven best beaches in Madagascar, it is ranked as one of the best because of its clean waters, white sand and all year round good weather. The area around the beach is rocky with hills, which give the sea a scenic view.
Ramena Beach is also good place to visit when one needs to spend a quiet and uninterrupted time. The beach is not as congested as the other beaches in the island and that is why it is ideal when a person wants to spend his or her time quietly in the beach swimming, snorkeling, or even relaxing in the sun. To the more adventurous tourist, the local Emerald sea provides boat trips, fishing, and tours of the coastal environment.
6. Manafiafy Beach
The Manafiafy Beach is more secluded and untouched than the other popular beaches in Madagascar as it is located in the southeast of Madagascar. The tropical forests are right around the beach which is a distinct contrast to the golden sands and the pure waters. Manafiafy can be described as a very beautiful place characterized by natural beauty and calmness, a place that is among the best 11 best beaches in Madagascar where people can get off the track.
The beach is ideal in swimming, kayaking, and watching birds. Whale watching is another major activity performed in the nearby Manafiafy Bay, especially between July and October when humpback whales can be viewed migrating around the area. Another activity available to the visitors is to explore the neighbouring mangrove forests where they will find very diverse wildlife with lemurs and other endemic wildlife among them.
7. Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is a tiny island situated close to the Nosy Be and it is brought in focus by its beautiful beaches, clear crystal water and brilliant marine life. Compared to Nosy Be, the island is not that developed, and thus it stays a serene option to the visitor who is interested in a more relaxed beach stay. Nosy Komba has a reputation of well-manned forests and the beach is good with soft sands and clear and shallow water, ideal in swimming and snorkeling.
Potential visitors can visit the local villages to understand about the Malagasy culture and see the abode of diverse species of wildlife in the island such as the black lemur. Other activities that are also enjoyed in and around Nosy Komba include snorkeling and diving, which include colorful coral reefs and boiling marine life. The Nosy Komba is among the 11 best beaches in Madagascar where eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts can enjoy its serene and natural environment.
8. Tulear Beach
Some of the best and less popular beaches on the island are found in tulear, which is situated on the southwest coast of Madagascar. Tulear Beach with its blue waters and palm beaches provides the best laid back beach environment and is ideal when one needs to get out of the bustle that comes with day to day life.
The beach itself also opens to the immediate coral reefs and offshore Islands where one can snorkel, dive, or have boat trips. Another thing about Tulear attraction is that there is abundance of cultural legacy and there are traditional fishing villages around the Tulear where the tourist can be exposed to the local way of life. Natural beauty, peace, and cultural experience are the key features that make Tulear Beach among the 11 best places to visit in Madagascar.
9. Anjajavy Beach
Madagascar has a number of splendid beaches and one of them is known as Anjajavy Beach, part of the Anjajavy le lodge; this is a luxury eco-lodge with a unique kind of experience as one of the most clean environments in the island. The beach itself is beautiful, and the water is crystal-clear, the sand is white, and behind it is a inimitable tangle of forest and limestone cliffs. Anjajavy is a destination that is exclusively reached by air only further enhancing its exclusivity and favorable closeness.
This is the beach to be used by people in search of an exclusive and exquisite vacation. Tourists have an array of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking as well as fishing or up lazing around on the beach with a cocktail in their hands. It is also a favorite destination as the regional area boasts of wild life and is home to lemurs and different species of birds and most of nature lovers and eco-tourists will find it a delight to explore the local area.
10. Andavadoaka Beach
Andavadoaka Beach is a secret place, which is situated in the southwest of Madagascar, in a good place of unpolluted beauty and succenence. The beach is not highly affected by tourism and is thus a better place to visit when one is in need of experiencing unpolluted scenery. The waters are clear and crystal blue, and the sand is fine, and thus, swimming there is very charming, whereas the coral reefs which lie around present excellent chances to snorkel and dive.
Andavadoaka Beach also makes a starting point to the surrounding mangrove forests and the fishing villages. There are other species of the sea life that can be found in the area such as sea turtles and the different kinds of fish. It is one of the 11 best beaches in Madagascar as it is isolated, and there is no rush to be found here.
11. Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse Beach, which is in the Island of Nosy Be, is perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in Madagascar. It has a long stretching golden sand and crystal-clear water making it a perfect setting to people who love the beach. The landscape is full of green plants, palm trees and tropical flowers making the place look tranquil and idyllic.
Grand Anse, a calming place with warm and shallow waters, is favorable to families, as well as for swimming and snorkeling. A number of nature reserves are also located in the nearby area which also offer an opportunity to hike and watch birds. The beach of Madagascar known as Grand Anse Beach is said to be one of the best 11 best beaches in Madagascar due to the natural beauty and tranquility of this beach.
Conclusion
The Madagascar beaches deserve the superlatives because of the ideal combination of nature, marine life, and varying landscapes. Nosy Be boasts of the most vibrant coral reefs, whereas Andavadoaka is a secluded beach; the top 11 best beaches in Madagascar all have a distinct experience. Be it to laze on warm sand, swim in the blue seas or explore the green forests and flora and fauna, the coastline of Madagascar has choices to offer to any given traveler. You need to pack, and be ready to have one of the most clean and beautiful beaches of the world in Madagascar!
