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 Casual beachfront resort with dining Resort hotel · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Royal Andilana Resort & Spa It’s located by a dreamy beach with turquoise water and soft sand. Resort hotel · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Royal Beach Nice pools, great beach and sunset. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Nosy Be Beautiful island full of activities. Island · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Lemuria Land Nice “zoo”-like park with lemurs, turtles, tortoises, chameleons and crocs. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Tue
Cacao beach, Chez Loulou Nice restaurant and beach equipped with beach umbrella and deckchairs. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM
Cascade de Nosy Be Entrance fee 10.000 Arairy per person (which equals € 2 pp). Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Les Baleines Rand'Eau We really enjoyed snorkeling with the giant tortoises! Whale watching tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Tue
Market Very small but a local attraction to learn what locals eat. Market · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 AM Tue
ZèBurger Cash-only·Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Le Taxi-Be Live music…good atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 2:30 AM
Mont Passot on the way to there you will enjoy kind of life of locals. Mountain peak · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Beach Klub22 Friendly staff, great food and drinks, gorgeous setting. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Bambou Restaurant Very good food and very friendly service in a lovely setting Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Le Papillon Outdoor seating Italian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Casa Mofo Decent place to find burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and coffee and breakfast. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Tue
Les siciliens Great vibe, tasty simple food, and amazing service! Italian restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Lokobe Nature Special Reserve You will see plenty of animals. Nature preserve · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Fun & Boat - Nosy Be - Madagascar We had an amazing few days exploring the islands and snorkeling! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Big Bazar Decent selection for basic items plus bakery and butcher counter. Convenience store · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Tue
Le Moya Beach Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Restaurant Chez Grégoire Dine-in·Takeout Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Andilana Beach good drinks and food, good tours. Beach pavillion · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Cuisine de Marna Very very good food and interior for a reasonable price. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Batumoch Great vegetarian options, good service and you can pay by card. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Distillerie Parfum d’Ylang N.G. Nosy Be Madagascar Onsite services Distillery · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Tue
Alta Marea Restaurant Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options·High chairs Italian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Long Beach Resort Nosy Be Very clean, nice beach, delicious food, quiet and peaceful place to relax. Resort hotel · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Karibo Restaurant Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Anki lodge The owners take real care of the place and have built up something special! Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Baomix Highly recommend if you want fresh fish and multicultural cuisine. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Puro restaurant Quick service, good food and good coffee. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
L'Incognito | Restaurant & Bar Nosy Be I recommend their duck breasts and swordfish filets ! Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 2 AM
Restaurant The View Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
A Casa di Giorgia Lodge Nosy Be Andilana Comfortable rooms and good food in a lovely atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Mahatsingo Sacred Tree A nice little tour all around a sprawling tree. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Tue
Nosy Tagada This was one of my favorite meals in Madagascar! Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Ankibanivato beach bar Come especially for sunset and enjoy one of the cocktails. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
La Villa Nosy-Be Cash-only·Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Eclectic restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
L'Abeille Malagasy 100% Would recommend if your looking for something nice to do in Nosy-Be. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Chez Tina. The traditional fish and the zebu skewers were amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM
Ambaro Ranch Horseback riding service · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Arts Village Nosy Be Lovely handmade products from the region. Handicraft · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Manga Beach Bar & Restaurant Great oven thin pizza, good pasta, and great sunset view. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Tsara Beach And the private beach is super clean and the water refreshing and swimmable. Lodge · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Chez Angeline English Menue, fun waitress. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
La Corniche Restaurant Nosy Be Rooftop seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Plantation mijono ... Marc, you will be treated as Kings and Queens when dining here. Eclectic restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Nosy Be Trusty Tour The best guide in Nosy-be Adventure safe with Trusty tour Travel agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Grand Bazar de Nosy Be Good place for tourists to buy cheap good vanilla. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
TATIE CHRIS Insane atmosphere on Sunday nights. Night club · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Sun
Nosy Be Original Booked a day excursion for 40 ppl to Nosy Komba. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Tue
Nosy Be Tours - By Far the Best Tour Operator Here Fun experience especially Lemur land Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Sunset One of the best restaurants/bars in the area. Barbecue restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Brasco Bar We loved it and went back every night until we left Nosy be. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Ma Petite Cascade Secrète Beautiful place in jungle, nice water Hiking area · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
Nosy-Be Record Excursion Every activity was greatly organised, everything felt very local. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Kabaro Kafé Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Restaurant l'Effet Mer All you can eat·Vegan options·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Pirates Tavern Nosy Be Great rum and the lady behind the bar makes a mean cocktail if ya ask her. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Délices Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Gargotte chez mama Authentic tasty local food. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:15 AM Tue
Nosy be Meva Excursion Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Chez Soraya Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Nosy Beach Cash-only·Dogs allowed inside·On-site parking Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Le Tamarin My client was very satisfy After buying something here Stores and shopping · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Shopping Mall Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Bazar des Arts Collectibles store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Tue
Ambondrona Beach Restaurant Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Lokobe Strict Reserve Experience to do. Nature preserve · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Toby Madagascar Tours Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Fatapera Boutik Nosy Be Ambatoloaka In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Tue
Fashion House Nosy Bé Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Tue
Danae Barea Restaurant Pizza Cabaret Dancing Karaoke bar · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Bar Be Reve Chez Vano Cool little bar 🍺 Snacks Locals Views Bar · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Bar Manequin Chez Nana Outdoor seating Bar · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM

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.