The Santa Maria Island, known locally as Nosy Boraha, is a tropical paradise located on the east coast of Madagascar. With its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life, this destination is perfect for those seeking to relax and enjoy natural beauty in a pristine environment. In this guide, we present everything you need to know to plan your vacation on the beaches of Santa Maria Island.
What to do on Santa Maria Island
The beaches of Santa Maria Island offer a wide variety of activities for all tastes. Some of the most popular options include:
- Swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches
- Diving or snorkeling to explore the rich marine life
- Boat excursions to spot humpback whales (from July to September)
- Exploring the island by bike or on foot
Hotels and apartments near the beaches of Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria Island has a wide range of accommodations for all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget bungalows and apartments. Some popular options include:
- Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa: a luxurious resort with private villas and spa
- Les Tipaniers Lodge: a charming lodge with Malagasy-style bungalows
- La Crique: an affordable hotel with simple and comfortable rooms
Places of interest near the beaches of Santa Maria Island
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Santa Maria Island also has several historic and cultural sites of interest, such as:
- Île aux Forbans: a small island with an old pirate cemetery
- The Chapel of Saint Anne: a historic church built in the 19th century
- Nosy Boraha Marine National Park: a protected marine reserve that houses a great diversity of marine life
Where to eat on Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria Island offers a wide variety of gastronomic options to enjoy local and international cuisine. Some of the best restaurants include:
- Le Bourgeois: known for its delicious seafood and French dishes
- La Cambusa: an Italian restaurant serving homemade pizzas and pastas
- La Varangue: a cozy restaurant offering local and international cuisine
The weather on Santa Maria Island
The weather on Santa Maria Island is tropical, with warm and humid temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is from May to October, when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall. However, if you want to spot humpback whales, the whale-watching season is from July to September.
MADAGASCAR WEATHER
Where is and how to get to Isla Santa María
Isla Santa María is located on the east coast of Madagascar, about 8 km from the city of Soanierana-Ivongo. To get to the island, you can take a flight from the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, to Nosy Boraha airport, or take a taxi-brousse (local minibus) to Soanierana-Ivongo and then a boat to the island.
What sports can we practice in Isla Santa María
Isla Santa María is an ideal destination for lovers of water and outdoor sports. Some of the popular sports activities on the island include:
- Diving and snorkeling to explore coral reefs and marine life
- Surfing and kitesurfing on the beaches with good waves
- Canoeing and paddleboarding on the calm waters of the island
- Cycling and hiking to explore the interior of the island
Can we go with children to Isla Santa María
Isla Santa María is an ideal destination for families with children, as it offers a wide variety of activities and experiences suitable for all ages. Children can enjoy swimming in calm waters beaches, exploring marine life with snorkeling, or participating in boat trips to spot whales and dolphins.