Nosy Iranja Private Day Trip: Sandbar, Snorkeling & Local Lunch

Summary

Explore Nosy Iranja’s Sandbar and Village Life on a Guided Day Tour

You’ll cross to Nosy Iranja by boat, walk its famous sandbar barefoot, snorkel among turtles and bright coral reefs, then share real Malagasy food with villagers under coconut trees—all with your own guide making sure you don’t miss a thing.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early with a salty breeze and the low hum of our motorboat leaving Nosy Be. It’s about two hours on the water—long enough to spot a few flying fish darting alongside us and, if you’re lucky like we were, a pod of dolphins that seemed to race our boat for a minute or two. The coastline slips by quietly, with thick green jungle tumbling down to rocky islets. I remember the sun warming up fast, so don’t forget your hat or you’ll feel it by mid-morning.

Landing at Nosy Iranja felt almost unreal. The sandbar was already visible—a wide ribbon of white stretching between two islands. Our guide, Jean-Luc, pointed out how at high tide this all disappears under the water. We wandered barefoot along the sand; it’s soft and squeaky underfoot, not hot yet in the morning. On one side, the ocean looked almost glassy blue; on the other, you could see little flashes of color where coral started just below the surface.

We took a short walk through some tangled greenery up to an old lighthouse (Jean-Luc said Eiffel himself designed it—who knew?). The view from there is something else: endless blue and that crazy-long sandbar below. Afterward, most of us grabbed snorkels and headed straight for the reef—sea turtles glided past like they owned the place, and schools of tiny fish zipped around coral heads in every color you can think of. I even spotted a starfish wedged between rocks.

Lunchtime was in the shade of coconut palms in the village. The smell of grilled fish drifted over before we even sat down. Locals served up big plates—seafood straight from their boats that morning, zebu stew if you wanted something heartier, plus rice and spicy pickles on the side. There were sweet banana chips for snacking and slices of fresh mango and litchi for dessert. Sipping cold Coco punch while watching kids play soccer nearby felt like being part of island life for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nosy Iranja Full Day Tour

• Motorboat ride from Nosy Be to Iranja
• Explore Iranja island: sandbar, snorkeling, lighthouse visit, local village lunch

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Nosy Be to Nosy Iranja?

It usually takes about 2 hours each way by motorboat, depending on sea conditions.

Is snorkeling gear provided or should I bring my own?

Your guide will have basic snorkeling equipment available but feel free to bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes! Just let us know ahead of time—there are always rice dishes and plenty of fresh fruit available.

Is this trip suitable for young children?

Absolutely—it’s family-friendly. Infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during the boat ride.

What’s included

Your full-day tour includes round-trip boat transfer from Nosy Be, all admission fees on Iranja Island, an authentic Malagasy lunch prepared by local villagers (with seafood or chicken options), snacks like banana chips and seasonal tropical fruits throughout the day, plus unlimited soft drinks, water, local beer (for adults), Coco punch and fruit-flavored Malagasy rums (alcoholic drinks only for guests 18+). Your personal guide stays with you all day to help make everything easy and memorable.