Yacht Charter Itineraries from Nosy Be

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Every MadagasCaT yacht charter is private, fully crewed and tailored to your pace — whether you’re after relaxed island-hopping, exceptional snorkelling and diving, fishing, or simply time to disconnect.

The itineraries below are guidelines, designed to show what is realistically achievable based on charter length, sea conditions and cruising distances. Your final route is always adapted around weather, guest interests and onboard timing.

Important note on embarkation:
Most guests board their yacht mid to late afternoon on Day 1. As a result, longer crossings are not undertaken on the first day — nearby islands are explored first, with extended cruising starting from Day 2.

3-Night Charters

A Taste of Nosy Be & Surrounding Islands

A three-night charter is perfect for short breaks, or those wanting a relaxed introduction to yachting in northern Madagascar. Cruising remains close to Nosy Be, focusing on easy distances, calm anchorages and varied daily excursions.

You can expect a combination of:

  • Nosy Sakatia – quiet bays, traditional villages, excellent snorkelling and gentle walks ashore

  • Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve – vibrant coral reefs, turtles and clear water snorkelling

  • Nosy Fanihy – a sacred, uninhabited island with pristine beaches

  • Nosy Komba – lemurs, rainforest trails, artisan villages and sheltered anchorages

These charters prioritise swimming, snorkelling and relaxed evenings at anchor.

A three-night charter does not allow for long-distance cruising and is best enjoyed as an immersive local experience.

4–6 Night Charters

Extended Island-Hopping & Southern Highlights

With four to six nights onboard, the cruising range expands, allowing you to venture further south while still enjoying time ashore and unhurried days at sea.

In addition to the islands listed above, itineraries may include:

  • Nosy Iranja – iconic twin islands connected by a sandbank, turquoise lagoons and wide beaches

  • Barahamamay – remote islets, excellent snorkelling and a strong sense of wilderness

  • Additional time around Nosy Komba and Sakatia, allowing for longer hikes, village visits and relaxed afternoons

These charters strike a balance between travel distance and downtime, making them ideal for couples, families or small groups who want variety without feeling rushed.

While beautifully remote, Nosy Iranja and Barahamamay represent the practical southern limit for charters of this length.

7-Night Charters & Longer

Remote Archipelagos & True Exploration

Charters of seven nights or more unlock Madagascar’s most spectacular and least-visited island groups. These longer itineraries allow time for meaningful exploration while respecting sea conditions and cruising distances.

Depending on conditions and guest interests, routes may include one of the following remote regions:

The Mitsio Islands (north of Nosy Be)

Accessible only on 7-night or longer charters, the Mitsio archipelago offers dramatic limestone formations, crystal-clear water and outstanding snorkelling.

Highlights include:

  • Les Quatre Frères – towering rock formations rising from the sea

  • Remote beaches, caves and deep-water snorkelling

  • Exceptional fishing and minimal boat traffic

Nosy Hara Marine Park (far north)

Often combined with longer charters, Nosy Hara is a protected marine reserve featuring razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, untouched reefs and a true expedition feel.

Radama Islands (south of Nosy Be)

A contrasting experience with lush islands, sweeping beaches and traditional fishing villages, ideal for guests seeking cultural encounters alongside nature.

Longer charters also allow for:

  • Slower travel days

  • Multiple nights at favoured anchorages

  • Greater flexibility for fishing, diving and weather windows

A Final Word

Every MadagasCaT charter is planned with local knowledge, safety and enjoyment at its core. Sea conditions, tides and guest preferences always guide the final route — flexibility is part of the magic of travelling by yacht.

If you’re unsure which charter length suits your plans, we’re happy to talk it through and recommend the option that will give you the best possible experience.

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CHRIS DAVIDSON

“We had 7 nights onboard Yacht Turquoise and loved every minute. The crew were fantastic and food was delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed swimming with the turtles and interacting with the lemurs in the villages. It was so peaceful not having a lot of boats around, it really was a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was also a pleasure getting to the harbour and onto the boat, literally 30 minutes from the airport and we were off sailing! We had an awesome trip, thank you Harriet and Lucilia.”

Sample Itineraries

7-night island hopping - General

7-night island hopping - Mitsio & Iranja

7-night Island hopping - Mitsio, Nosy Hara, Cap St Sebastian

7 night coastal exploration - South

13 night Discovery charter exclusive to Maki Cat


David Dalling

“A wonderful, relaxing holiday with family aboard a Cat for 7 nights. Madagascat and Harriet really made sure our holiday was hassle free. I wasn’t sure that 7 nights liveaboard would suit us but the daily itinerary was action packed and well coordinated.”