Yacht Charter Itineraries from Nosy Be

Sample Itineraries

7 Night Island Hopping

This unforgettable 7-night island-hopping adventure showcases the very best of the Nosy Be archipelago. Beginning in Nosy Be, the itinerary cruises to the turtle-filled waters of Nosy Sakatia, the tranquil shores of Russian Bay, the coral reefs of Ankazoberavina, and the iconic white sandbar of Nosy Iranja. Guests then explore the pristine Baramahamay River by tender through its mangrove channels before enjoying the deserted beaches and crystal-clear waters of Nosy Antsoa. The return journey includes another stop at Russian Bay before visiting the renowned Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve for exceptional snorkelling and the Lokobe Nature Reserve, where lemurs can be seen in their natural habitat, before returning to Nosy Be. Highlights include turtle encounters, world-class snorkelling, remote beaches, mangrove exploration, traditional fishing villages, seasonal whale watching and unforgettable sunsets.

7-Night Mitsio & Nosy Iranja Charter

This spectacular 7-day yacht charter combines the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Mitsio Archipelago with some of the most beautiful islands in the Nosy Be region. Departing from Nosy Be, the journey begins with snorkelling in the protected waters of Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve before visiting the traditional village of Nosy Komba. From there, the yacht sails north to the remote Mitsio Archipelago, exploring the sheltered anchorage of Marimbe, the volcanic island of Grande Mitsio, and the pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs of Ankarea. The adventure continues south to the idyllic island of Tsarabanjina, the lush Orchid Island of Nosy Sakatia, the lemur sanctuary of Nosy Antsoa, and the tranquil waters of Russian Bay. The final days are spent at the breathtaking sandbank of Nosy Iranja and exploring the mangroves and traditional riverside villages of the Baramahamay River before returning to Nosy Be. Highlights include exceptional snorkelling, dramatic volcanic scenery, secluded beaches, island villages, lemur encounters, world-class fishing opportunities and unforgettable sunsets.

7-Night Mitsio, Nosy Hara & Cap St-Sébastien Charter

This extraordinary expedition is designed for adventurous travellers wanting to explore some of Madagascar's most remote and untouched cruising grounds. Departing from Nosy Be, the yacht heads north to spend two nights exploring the spectacular Mitsio Archipelago, where secluded anchorages, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and excellent fishing await. The journey then continues to the dramatic Nosy Hara Marine Park, famous for its towering limestone pinnacles, hidden caves, crystal-clear waters and exceptional snorkelling. From there, the charter cruises to the remote mainland headland of Cap St-Sébastien, an area renowned for its wild scenery, quiet beaches and outstanding fishing. The return voyage offers another peaceful overnight anchorage in the Mitsio Islands or an equally beautiful intermediate anchorage before sailing back to Nosy Be. This itinerary offers an unforgettable combination of world-class snorkelling, paddleboarding, fishing, beach picnics, remote island exploration and some of the most spectacular and least-visited coastal scenery in northern Madagascar.

7-Night Coastal Exploration Charter

This relaxed coastal charter explores the spectacular islands, reefs and sheltered bays surrounding Nosy Be, combining pristine beaches with vibrant marine life and authentic Malagasy culture. Beginning at Nosy Sakatia, guests can snorkel with resident green turtles before sailing to the iconic white sandbar of Nosy Iranja and the tranquil mangrove estuary of the Baramahamay River. The adventure continues to the beautiful Radama Archipelago, where two days are spent snorkelling, diving, swimming and exploring secluded beaches, with the opportunity to visit local villages and vanilla plantations. Returning north, the itinerary includes another stop at Baramahamay, the lemur sanctuary of Nosy Antsoa, and the peaceful coves of Russian Bay, before ending with exceptional snorkelling at Ankazoberavina and a final evening at Nosy Sakatia. This itinerary offers the perfect balance of island exploration, marine wildlife, remote anchorages, cultural encounters and relaxed cruising through some of northern Madagascar's most beautiful coastal waters.

11-Night Grand Charter - South

This unforgettable 11-night expedition showcases the incredible diversity of Madagascar's north-west coast, combining remote islands, exceptional marine life, pristine beaches and authentic cultural encounters. Beginning at Nosy Sakatia, guests can snorkel with resident green turtles before visiting the lemurs of Nosy Antsoa and cruising north to the secluded anchorages of Marotony and the breathtaking twin islands of Nosy Iranja, renowned for their iconic white sandbar. The journey continues to the remote islands of Antany Mora, Nosy Saba and the historic island of Nosy Lava, before passing through the spectacular Maromandia Channel and exploring the beautiful islands of Kalakorjoro. Returning south, the charter visits the mangrove waterways of Baramahamay, the crystal-clear reefs of Ankazoberavina, and the peaceful coves of Russian Bay, before exploring the remote anchorages of Anjanozano and Mamoko. The final days include world-class snorkelling in the Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, a visit to the lemurs and artisan village of Nosy Komba, the forests of Lokobe National Park, and the tranquil anchorage of Ambariotelo before returning to Nosy Be. Combining spectacular snorkelling, fishing, paddleboarding, wildlife encounters, island walks, remote villages and some of the most breathtaking cruising grounds in the Indian Ocean, this itinerary offers an outstanding blend of adventure, relaxation and discovery.

11-Night Mitsio & Nosy Hara Expedition Charter

Designed for adventurous travellers, this remarkable 11-night expedition explores the remote islands and dramatic coastlines north of Nosy Be, visiting destinations that few visitors to Madagascar ever experience. The journey begins at Nosy Sakatia, with its resident green turtles, before exploring the vibrant reefs of the Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, the rainforest of Lokobe National Park, and the lemurs and artisan village of Nosy Komba. From there, the yacht heads north to the spectacular Mitsio Archipelago, where highlights include Grande Mitsio, the pristine beaches of Nosy Ankarea, and the idyllic island of Tsarabanjina, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and exceptional snorkelling. The adventure continues to the remote islands of Nosy Lava, Nosy Antaly, the wild coastline of Cap St Sébastien, the reefs of Nosy Valiha, and the sheltered waters of Ampasidava North, before reaching the breathtaking Nosy Hara Marine Park. Here, dramatic limestone pinnacles rise from turquoise seas, creating one of Madagascar's most spectacular and least-visited marine landscapes. The return journey includes the pristine beaches of Nosy Fanihy before sailing back to Nosy Be. Throughout the voyage, guests enjoy world-class snorkelling, fishing, paddleboarding, secluded anchorages, deserted beaches, spectacular scenery and unforgettable sunsets in some of the most remote cruising grounds in the Indian Ocean. This itinerary is best enjoyed during April, May, early June and November to December, when sea conditions are generally at their calmest, allowing comfortable access to these more exposed northern waters.

13-Night Explorative Charter – Nosy Sakatia to Moramba Bay Loop

This exceptional 13-night expedition is the ultimate way to explore the remote islands and untouched coastline of north-west Madagascar. Beginning at Nosy Sakatia, guests snorkel with resident green turtles before sailing to the iconic sandbar of Nosy Iranja and the mangrove waterways of the Baramahamay River. The journey continues through the spectacular Radama Archipelago, where secluded beaches, colourful coral reefs, traditional villages and vanilla plantations await, before venturing to the historic island of Nosy Lava. The highlight of the voyage is two unforgettable nights in the breathtaking Moramba Bay, where towering limestone pinnacles, ancient baobabs and tranquil waterways create one of Madagascar's most spectacular landscapes. The return journey includes the pristine beaches of Ankingameloka, another visit to Baramahamay, the lemurs of Nosy Antsoa, the crystal-clear reefs of Ankazoberavina, the peaceful coves of Russian Bay, the renowned Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, and Lokobe National Park, before finishing with a final evening at Nosy Sakatia. Combining world-class snorkelling, exceptional fishing, kayaking, wildlife encounters, remote villages and some of the country's most dramatic coastal scenery, this is Madagascar's ultimate yacht charter adventure.

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. Be sure to visit our Madagascar Holiday Packages.

The itineraries 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.

A shorter yacht charter offers a wonderful introduction to the islands surrounding Nosy Be, allowing guests to enjoy relaxed cruising between sheltered anchorages while discovering some of the region's most beautiful nearby destinations. Depending on the duration and weather conditions, itineraries may include Nosy Sakatia, famous for its resident green turtles and excellent snorkelling, the vibrant coral reefs of Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, the pristine beaches of the sacred island of Nosy Fanihy, the lemurs and artisan villages of Nosy Komba, and, with a little more time, the iconic white sandbar of Nosy Iranja and the mangrove waterways of Baramahamay. These charters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, exploring quiet beaches and enjoying spectacular sunsets from the comfort of your yacht. However, due to the limited cruising time, they are unable to reach the more remote highlights of northern Madagascar, such as the Radama Islands, the Mitsio Archipelago, Nosy Hara or Moramba Bay, making a longer charter the best way to experience everything this remarkable coastline has to offer.

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.

 


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.”