Basalt columns, a hike on Ankarea, Tsarabanjina coral reef and nights in a beach bungalow
About 60 km north of Nosy Be, the Mitsio archipelago is one of the wildest corners of northwest Madagascar: volcanic islands, unspoilt beaches, crystal-clear water and villages far from the tourist trail. This 3-day, 2-night trip explores it by boat, on foot and while snorkelling.
The boat passes the famous basalt columns of Grande Mitsio, volcanic rock towering over the ocean, with a stop for photos.
On Ankarea island, a walk among baobabs and pachypodiums and, for those who wish, a climb to the summit for a view over the whole archipelago. Then snorkelling around the island.
On the last day, snorkelling on the Tsarabanjina coral reef, full of fish, then a picnic on the island. Back to Nosy Be between the Four Brothers islands.
You stay in a sea-facing bungalow on full board, with meals of fresh local produce and seafood. A Madagascar rum aperitif at sunset and, depending on the season, sea turtles nesting or hatching on the beach. Discover all our excursions from Nosy Be.
Day 1 · 08h00
Boarding on Nosy Be and a crossing of about 2h30 to the Mitsio archipelago, as the islands appear one by one.
Day 1 · 10h30
Settle into your bungalow, then free time on the beach and in the crystal-clear water.
Day 1 · 12h30
Lunch of fresh local produce, with seafood depending on the catch.
Day 1 · 14h30
A walk through the village to learn about its history and the islanders' way of life, far from tourist areas.
Day 1 · Coucher du soleil
An aperitif facing the ocean, with Madagascar rum cocktails and fresh fruit juice.
Day 1 · 19h30
Dinner on site, then a night lulled by the waves. Depending on the season, sea turtles come to nest or hatchlings head for the sea.
Day 2 · 07h30
Breakfast before another day of discovery.
Day 2 · 08h30
Sailing to Ankarea past the basalt columns of Grande Mitsio, with a photo stop.
Day 2 · 09h45
A walk among baobabs and pachypodiums, an optional climb to the summit for the view over the archipelago, then snorkelling around the island.
Day 2 · 13h00
Lunch served on board or on the island depending on conditions.
Day 2 · 17h30
Back to the lodging and a Madagascar rum aperitif at sunset.
Day 2 · 19h30
Dinner and a free evening by the ocean.
Day 3 · 07h30
Breakfast before the last day in the archipelago.
Day 3 · 09h00
Sailing to Tsarabanjina and snorkelling on the coral reef to see fish and coral, depending on sea conditions.
Day 3 · 12h00
Lunch break and time to relax on the island.
Day 3 · 14h30
Sailing back between the Four Brothers islands with a photo stop, arriving on Nosy Be at the end of the day.
Boarding on Nosy Be at 8:00 am on day one, back on Nosy Be at the end of day three. Groups of 2 to 12 people. Bungalow accommodation on full board. Times may be adjusted to weather and sea conditions. Turtle sightings depend on the season. Bring a dry bag, a headlamp, closed shoes for the hike and sunscreen.
€380 per adult, €190 per child aged 5 to 10 and €270 for ages 11 to 15, for 3 days and 2 nights. The price includes the boat, bungalow accommodation, full board, water, the guide and snorkelling gear. For children under 5, please contact us.
Three days and two nights: boarding on Nosy Be at 8:00 am on day one and back on Nosy Be at the end of day three.
You stay in a bungalow on Mitsio for both nights, on full board. Meals are made with fresh local produce, with seafood depending on the catch.
Allow about 2h30 from Nosy Be to reach the archipelago, about 60 km away. Trips between the islands during the stay are shorter, from 15 minutes to an hour.
Depending on the season and conditions, you may see turtles nesting on the beach or hatchlings heading to the sea. They are wild animals: sightings are never guaranteed.
No. The hikes on Ankarea are optional and adapted to everyone's pace. The climb to the summit is offered to those who want it, but most of the trip is boating, snorkelling and relaxing.
The trip runs all year. Sailing depends on sea conditions: ask us for advice based on your dates on Nosy Be.
It is led by our local team, with an experienced boat and crew and a guide present during activities. We only sail when sea conditions allow. Before travelling to Madagascar, also check your government's official travel advice.
Times and the programme may be adjusted to weather and sea conditions. If sailing is impossible, we contact you to arrange a new date or another solution.
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