Sainte-Marie Island

It is one of Madagascar's leading destinations and continues to charm tourists from all over the world. It is the island Sainte-Marie, called paradise on earth thanks to the calm that prevails but especially its beaches and lagoons of amazing beauty. This district is attached to the Region Analanjirofo, in the province of Toamasina 30 kilometres from Soanierana Ivongo.
 
A real place of appeasement
The island of mats not far south of Nosy Boraha (another name of Sainte-Marie) is particularly fascinating to visitors since it is the ideal place to watch the world go by, far away from the hectic days and stress, related to daily life, of city dwellers. Apart from the fine sand, this popular place has other interests such as forests, succulent seafood and tourist sites, for example, the pirates cemetery constituting a heritage dating from the eighteenth century. To spice up your stay, visit the island paradise by motorcycle or quad. Finally, last but not least, the warm welcome of the local population amplifies the paradisiacal reputation of Sainte-Marie. The preservation of this value justifies the number of tourists who keep growing from year to year.
 
 

This article was featured in Prime Magazine January 2018

Useful Information

When to go

A warm, humid climate characterises this part of the Big Island throughout the year. Migration of humpback whales is between June and November, which explains the regular whale festival around this period. This year, the festival will run from 07 to 15 July. It's up to you to see if you want (and can) wait for that date or go in advance. To your diaries!

How to get there

A regular line connects Toamasina and Sainte-Marie: 170km by car on the National Road 5 then by speedboat or boat (only in the morning) from Soanierana Ivongo. The best way to get to Sainte- Marie is by air, you will be there after just an hour flight from Antananarivo.

Where to stay

The hotels are not lacking in this dream location, you will be spoiled for choice. Here are some suggestions: Tipaniers Lodge, Libertalia Hotel, Soanambo Hotel, Hotel Vanivola, Mora Mora Village Hotel. It seems that the hotel industry professionals in this area are really good at satisfying tourists. The service and the reception in general are exceptional.

Where to eat

Idyll Beach is considered the best table by most visitors. Also try La Crique, a culinary experience not to be missed.

What to see

There are many activities to do on Île Sainte-Marie: scuba diving is possible, or go around the island of mats by canoe or watch the whales. The whales festival in July Initially, the initiative was based on the protection of marine mammals and their habitat, and came from an association working in the protection of the environment. The festival has now become a springboard for local or national tourism with the involvement of other participants from different sectors.