3-day Nosy Be tour: Market, lemurs, sea turtles

Three days to see lemurs, turtles and a 200-year-old sacred tree without leaving the island

A 3-day tour of Nosy Be combining private guided exploration of the island's markets, spiritual sites and rainforest with a shared snorkeling day at Nosy Sakatia. Day one covers the Grand Bazar, the 200-year-old Sacred Banyan Tree, a hidden waterfall and Mont Passot at sunset; day two takes you by pirogue to Ambatozavary village and Lokobe National Park to spot black lemurs; day three is a shared group snorkel with sea turtles. Private transportation, a live guide in English or French, refreshments and all entrance fees are included. Children from age 10 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Nosy Be: Private Guided City Tour

• Visit Grand Bazar de Nosy Be market
• Explore Banyan Sacred Tree site
• Discover Cascade de Nosy Be waterfall
• Enjoy sunset at Mont Passot viewpoint

Day 2: Lokobe National Park Tour with Pirogue

• Visit Ambatozavary fishing village
• Take pirogue ride to Lokobe National Park
• Explore Lokobe rainforest and wildlife
• Have traditional Malagasy lunch

Day 3: Snorkeling Tour at Nosy Sakatia

• Snorkel with sea turtles at Nosy Sakatia
• Visit Nosy Sakatia village
• Enjoy traditional Malagasy lunch

The experience

The first day is built around Nosy Be's cultural heart. You start at the Grand Bazar de Nosy Be, where stalls overflow with tropical fruits, spices, handmade crafts and local delicacies: a place to meet vendors and see how daily Malagasy life moves. From there, the Sacred Banyan Tree near Hell-Ville stands as a 200-year-old spiritual monument to the Sakalava people. Visitors tie a ribbon and make a personal wish beneath its vast canopy. The Sacred Waterfall, hidden in the forest near Hell-Ville, is a site of ancestral blessing where you can wash your hands in the pure water and reflect. The day ends at Mont Passot, a volcanic crater viewpoint where the sunset turns the landscape gold and the air fills with the quiet energy locals associate with ancestral spirits.

Day two shifts to the rainforest. A pirogue ride departs from Ambatozavary, a fishing village on the northwest coast surrounded by mangroves and calm water, where you can watch fishermen at work before heading out. Lokobe National Park is one of Nosy Be's last untouched rainforests. You walk shaded trails through dense tropical foliage to spot black lemurs, vibrant orchids, towering trees and colorful birds found nowhere else on Earth. A local guide explains the traditional uses of plants and the conservation work protecting the ecosystem.

Day three is a shared group snorkel at Nosy Sakatia, a small island just off Nosy Be with its own fishing village and sandy paths. You enter crystal-clear water to explore vibrant coral reefs, spot colorful fish and encounter sea turtles up close. Snorkeling equipment can be rented at the site if you don't bring your own.

What’s included

• Private transportation between all sites.
• a live guide speaking English or French.
• entrance fees to the Grand Bazar, Sacred Banyan Tree, Sacred Waterfall, Mont Passot, Lokobe National Park and Nosy Sakatia.
• refreshments during each tour day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Senior (81 to 90 years) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Joe nb tour mada

Is this one for you?Day two involves walking shaded trails through rainforest to spot lemurs, and day three is a shared group snorkel in calm lagoons. Both are moderate in pace and suited to travelers comfortable with nature exploration and water entry. Children from age 10 can join the full tour.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the market like at the Grand Bazar de Nosy Be?

The Grand Bazar de Nosy Be is a lively traditional market filled with tropical fruits, fresh spices, handmade crafts and local delicacies. You walk among stalls, meet friendly vendors and get a direct look at daily Malagasy life and the ingredients used in local cuisine.

Will I see lemurs in Lokobe National Park?

Yes. Lokobe National Park is home to black lemurs, the park's famous residents. You'll walk shaded trails through dense rainforest with a local guide who points out the lemurs along with vibrant orchids, towering trees and colorful birds found nowhere else on Earth.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The snorkeling at Nosy Sakatia is suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. You'll swim in calm lagoons with a local guide who teaches you about the ecosystem and helps you spot sea turtles and coral reefs up close.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes private transportation between sites, a live guide in English or French, all entrance fees, and refreshments during each day. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent at Nosy Sakatia if you need it. Personal purchases and gratuities are not included.