There are many wild sandy shores on Ile Sainte Marie, which are accessible by boat.Along the way stop off for a refreshing swim and take some memorable photos of the breathtaking scenery!

Pirate Cemetery, Ilot Madame and Ambodifotatra: 1/2 day excursion without lunch

Departures from: Soanambo, Masoandro and Chez Napoleon

Drive to the capital of Ile Sainte Marie, Ambodifotatra and hike along the lagoon for 20 minutes to the Pirate Cemetery. At high tide the transfer is by pirogue. Back in Ambodifotatra visit the former French colonial governor's house on the small island Ilot Madame and the first Catholic church of Madagascar, which was constructed in 1837, on the outskirts of the town. Short city tour and transfer back to the hotel.

Ilots Aux Sables: Day excursion with lunch

Departures from: Soanambo, Princess Bora and Chez Napoleon

Leave by speedboat around 09h00 and arrive an hour later at the sandy atoll surrounded by crystal water, full of shells and coral reefs. A paradise for those who like snorkelling and photography. Umbrellas will be set up and you are free to snorkel around the magnificent reef. Picnic on the sand bank. Charter fishing possible but at extra costs. Back at the hotel around 15h00.

Ile Aux Nattes:

Departures from: Soanambo, Princess Bora and Chez Napoleon

You will be collected by a traditional pirogue from the hotel. 30 minute transfer through the crystal clear lagoon to Ile Aux Nattes. Your guide will take you on a tour of the small island introducing you to the endemic flora and fauna. Visit the small villages in the interior and climb to the summit of the island to the old Blevec lighthouse. On your return you will walk along the beaches on the west coast and stop for a picnic or lunch at a local restaurant. Swim and snorkel and walk back to the northern point of the island from where you will be transferred to the hotel by pirogue. Back at the hotel around 16h30.

The Eastern trail to Ampanihy: Day excursion with lunch

Departures from: Masoandro,Soanamboand Princess Bora

Leave the hotel early and drive by 4x4 to Anafiafy. 30 minute walk to Ampanihy from where we will embark by pirogue through mangroves to the magnificent Ampanihy peninsula. This peninsula is completely virgin territory and the beaches are untouched. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Seafood picnic on the beach. Drive back to your hotel on the southeast road and visit the vanilla, pepper, cinnamon and clove plantations. Back at the hotel around 18h00 in time for sunset.

Whale watching without lunch

Departures from: Soanambo, Masoandro, Princess Bora and Chez Napoleon

Whale watching excursions operate between 01 July to the 30 September. This entails taking a boat trip and cruising very slowly around the humpback whales without encroaching on them. These magnificent creatures reach a length of 15-18 meters and are distinguished by their developed breast fins. The whales are generally playful and companionable, this being evident by their spectacular jumps and approachable nature. As the boats near the whales, the engines are shut off in order not to frighten them and thus allow boats to overtake the whales and reach a minimum distance of 100m. Occasionally some curious whales and their calves will approach the boats and swim under or around the boats, allowing you to observe them at close range and take spectacular photographs.

Excursions - Suggestions:

Please bring light shoes for walks, sunglasses, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, hat, T-shirt for snorkelling, camera, local money for drinks and souvenirs. It is forbidden to purchase any coral and shells from the vendors! At some of the beaches you will need to bring rubber booties to walk into the ocean as there are sharp urchins.