Nosy Bé

Nosy Bé

Madagascar

Snorkel pristine coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and swim with gentle whale sharks in turquoise Indian Ocean waters.

💱 Currency Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
🗣 Language Malagasy, French
🕐 Time Zone EAT (UTC+3)
☀️ Best Time to Visit March, April, and December offer the best cruise experiences, though December marks the start of the rainy season; April provides ideal weather conditions.
🚢 Typical Duration 11-20 nights
💰 Price Range From $2,430 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Nosy Bé is Madagascar's premier island destination, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique wildlife, making it an ideal gateway for Indian Ocean and African coast explorations.

Cruises that visit Nosy Bé

Build Your Day in Nosy Bé

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
VOI Andilana Beach Resort ... staff was very friendly with our kids and organized many activities. Resort hotel · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Royal Andilana Resort & Spa So many activities, great food and even better people. Resort hotel · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Royal Beach A relaxed urban escape with cozy comfort and a laid-back vibe. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Nosy Be Beautiful island full of activities. Island · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Lemuria Land Local guides available for no fixed fee, pay at your discretion. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Nosy Be Hotel Very calm and warm place ❤️ the staff here is super helpful and friendly 🥰 Resort hotel · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Ravintsara Wellness Hotel A chill nature experience Hotel · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Cascade de Nosy Be Magic place you should not skip if in Nosy Be. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Le Taxi-Be Live music…good atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Le Papillon Best restaurant we went to in Nosy be. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Leader Price Where you go to buy quality homeware and groceries. Supermarket · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Lokobe Nature Special Reserve Beautiful place to learn more about nature Nature preserve · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Fun & Boat - Nosy Be - Madagascar The money is worth it. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 7 AM
Les siciliens The only good pizza i ate in madagascar. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Big Bazar Well-stocked, small supermarket. Supermarket · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7:30 PM
Restaurant Chez Grégoire The best restaurant in Nosy Be. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Cuisine de Marna The best restaurant in Nosy Be! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Anki lodge The owners take real care of the place and have built up something special! Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Alta Marea Restaurant I had an incredible experience dining at this amazing restaurant in Nosy Be! Italian · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
A Casa di Giorgia Lodge Nosy Be Andilana Nice place, great staff, good food, shame about 5* resort. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
La Villa Nosy-Be Great place to get some work done. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Restaurant The View Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Ankibanivato beach bar Come especially for sunset and enjoy one of the cocktails. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Ambaro Ranch Thank you so much for the great experience 🩵 Horseback riding service · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Coin Sauvage The food is outstanding — honestly the best we had on the island. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
La Corniche Restaurant Nosy Be If you’re in Nosy Be, La Corniche is a must-visit. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Arts Village Nosy Be Lovely handmade products from the region. Handicraft · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Grand Bazar de Nosy Be Remember to bargain about the price. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
TATIE CHRIS Insane atmosphere on Sunday nights. Night club · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Sun
Nosy Be Tours - By Far the Best Tour Operator Here Doris is a great guide Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Nosy Be Original Booked a day excursion for 40 ppl to Nosy Komba. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Nosy Be Madagascar trip Such a unique and fun way to see Nosy -Be. Tour operator · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Sunset One of the best restaurants/bars in the area. Barbecue · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
NOSY BE PARADISE TOURS Oír guide Ernest was excellent and so was the service provided by Narcise Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Pirates Tavern Nosy Be Great rum and the lady behind the bar makes a mean cocktail if ya ask her. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Joe NB Tour Mada – Nosy Be Tours & Activities, Shore Excursions, Snorkeling, Island Adventures & Wildlife Tours Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore Nosy Be, Madagascar! Tour operator · ★ 5 · 0k
Nosy be Meva Excursion Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Shopping Mall Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
SUPER ZENABY STORE / QUINCAILLERIE In-store shopping Building materials market · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Océan bar Cool little bar Bar · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Lokobe Strict Reserve Nature preserve · ★ 3.7 · 0k
Toby Madagascar Tours Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Fatapera Boutik Nosy Be Ambatoloaka In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Fashion House Nosy Bé Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
YAS Store Nosy-Be Mall Telephone company · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bar Afro Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Nosy Bé is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Nosy Bé

About Nosy Bé

Nosy Bé, Madagascar's premier island destination, welcomes cruise passengers as a port of call on some of the Indian Ocean's most intriguing itineraries. Three major cruise lines—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS—call here regularly, with five upcoming cruises offering voyages that typically span 11 nights. From Nosy Bé, ships venture to diverse destinations including Male, Cape Town, Richards Bay, Durban, and Mahé, making it an ideal hub for exploring Africa's eastern coast and the Indian Ocean islands. The port experiences peak activity during the southern hemisphere summer months of March, April, and December.

Stepping ashore, cruise visitors discover a tropical island paradise renowned for its remarkable marine life and pristine beaches. The warm waters surrounding Nosy Bé offer world-class opportunities for snorkeling and diving, while the island's lush landscapes and unique wildlife provide an authentic taste of Madagascar's natural wonders. Whether you're seeking underwater adventures or cultural exploration, Nosy Bé delivers an unforgettable African island experience that complements any Indian Ocean cruise itinerary.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Pristine Beaches and Coral Reefs

Nosy Bé boasts some of the Indian Ocean's most stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish just offshore, or relax on powdery white sand beaches like Andilana. The calm, protected waters make this an ideal destination for water enthusiasts of all levels.

2

Fresh Seafood at Local Markets

Dive into Nosy Bé's culinary scene at bustling waterfront markets where fishermen sell the day's catch of grouper, snapper, and lobster. Sample grilled fish seasoned with local spices at beachside restaurants, or try traditional Malagasy dishes like octopus curry and coconut-infused rice. The fresh seafood here reflects the island's rich maritime heritage.

3

Sacred Nosy Komba Island Lemurs

Take a short boat excursion to nearby Nosy Komba to encounter black lemurs in their natural habitat at the island's sacred lemur reserve. This unique wildlife experience allows you to observe these endangered primates up close while learning about Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity. The island also offers stunning views back toward Nosy Bé's lush coastline.

4

Vibrant Local Markets and Crafts

Wander through Nosy Bé's colorful markets overflowing with handmade crafts, wood carvings, and traditional textiles created by local artisans. Browse unique souvenirs including woven baskets, beaded jewelry, and intricate wooden masks that showcase Madagascar's rich cultural heritage. The markets pulse with authentic local energy and offer genuine connections with island craftspeople.

5

Ylang-Ylang Plantations and Perfume

Visit the famous ylang-ylang plantations that have made Nosy Bé renowned for producing some of the world's finest perfume essence. Tour the distilleries to learn how these fragrant yellow flowers are harvested and transformed into luxury products. Purchase authentic local perfumes and essential oils directly from producers at exceptional prices.

Cruise Lines at Nosy Bé

Cruises Departing From Nosy Bé

Cruises Visiting Nosy Bé

Ship Schedule at Nosy Bé

Nosy Bé Location

Other Cruise Ports in Madagascar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nosy Bé?

Nosy Bé is a large island off Madagascar’s northwest coast, famed for perfume production, beaches, and laid-back charm.

How can I reach Nosy Bé?

Fly to Nosy Be Airport or take a domestic flight from Antananarivo, then local transport to Hellville.

What are must-see attractions?

Hellville market, Mt. Passot viewpoint, Nosy Komba lemur reserve, and pristine beaches.

When is the best time to visit Nosy Bé?

Dry season from May to October is ideal for outdoor activities and sunbathing.