Nosy Be Day Trip Review: Worth the Adventure?

Okay, so you are looking at possibly taking a day trip to Nosy Be, right? Nosy Be, an island located off the coast of Madagascar, has some interesting experiences that travelers often talk about. This is a real look at what a day group tour could hold for you, covering the nice parts, a few things to maybe keep in the back of your mind, and hopefully, this helps you decide if it sounds like it could be for you.

First Stop: Meeting the Lemurs on Nosy Komba

The boat ride over to Nosy Komba from Nosy Be itself is pretty scenic, and that’s saying something since everything around there tends to be really gorgeous. Arriving there, the lemurs are usually one of the first stops. So, you might be thinking that seeing lemurs in the wild sounds wonderful. And it totally can be. Just be aware that often these little fellas have gotten pretty used to people, so too it’s almost like visiting a really nice zoo instead of seeing them way out in nature. You know, it is still an up-close encounter, so it could be a wonderful way to begin the day, depending on what expectations you might have. Getting some snapshots with the lemurs is actually very easy and fun. You’ll also probably run into chameleons, that are pretty cool, too, plus it’s pretty neat to see the local crafts made there; remember to bring some cash, right?

Idyllic Sands: A Trip to Nosy Tanikely

Alright, so next up is often Nosy Tanikely, that has crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling here? It’s pretty awesome because visibility tends to be top-notch. That said, prepare to not be the only one there, because this spot, in some respects, can get a bit crowded since it’s such a gorgeous marine reserve. Now, if you are newer to snorkeling, so this could be a good spot, really, since the waters are generally pretty calm and it is fairly shallow near the beach. And all the sea life is vibrant, too. You might see everything from colorful fish to sea turtles just hanging around. I think you’ll probably spend a good chunk of time in the water, so be certain to pack a rash guard and sunblock.

Lunch on the Beach: A Culinary Pause

Having lunch on the beach somewhere is usually included; the seafood BBQ is seriously awesome and fresh. If seafood is not really your thing, you may need to make arrangements ahead of time; they often accommodate preferences with enough heads-up. You’re usually sitting there, toes in the sand, that is an experience, too, and the food generally tastes that much better when you are taking it all in. It’s probably a great time to just take it easy, so it’s a great chance to meet your fellow travelers and share stories from your adventures. It could be a relaxing midday highlight for almost everyone.

The “Sacred” Waterfall

You might come across mention of a “Sacred Waterfall,”, arguably, depending on who you ask, it might seem interesting, while other people might think it feels rather touristy. Basically, if you are hoping for something more adventurous, maybe think about managing expectations here. Still, that place may hold local meaning, plus there are a number of vendors nearby marketing crafts and souvenirs. Very likely, that place could provide you with a snippet of culture, but really keep an open mind. As a matter of fact, ask your tour guide for more info; he or she knows way more than I do. At the end of the day it is just another small, tourist attraction so it depends what you’re after, really.

Planning Your Trip

Okay, so the time of year can affect your experience quite a bit. The dry season, which tends to run from maybe April to October, is often super, so the weather is generally better for being on the water. That said, that means more folks are likely visiting, which may make places a bit more crowded. If you would rather something that’s not full of people, thinking of going during the shoulder seasons (that is, the months right before or after the main busy times) that often means fewer tourists. It might also be a good idea to watch out for cyclone season, from January to March, usually, because weather may affect how safe your trip will be. In fact, you might look at reviews from fellow travelers to figure out which tour companies are worth checking out.

Things to think about, very generally speaking:

Pack Wisely: Bring sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a rash guard, and water shoes, definitely.
Stay Hydrated: You’ll want to bring lots of water; being in the sun really takes a toll.
Bring Cash: So, many smaller vendors might not take cards, so have small bills with you for trinkets or little stuff.
Respect the Locals: So, remember to dress in a way that makes sense for the culture, and always ask before snapping pictures of folks.
Confirm What is Included: Is lunch provided or not? Any entrance fees to be prepared for? Getting these things verified beforehand will keep some surprises from happening.