Nosy Iranja Private Tour: Two Islands at Low Tide

Two islands become one across a white sand bench at low tide

A private full-day tour to Nosy Iranja, Madagascar, where you spend the day on two small islands that merge at low tide, connected by a snow-white coral sand bench. The tour includes pickup, a local English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, a traditional Malagasy lunch prepared by villagers in their fishing settlement, and drinks and snacks throughout. You can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, walk to the lighthouse, or watch for sea turtles nesting on the southern shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Nosy Iranja island and village

• Admire snow-white coral sands
• Visit jungle and fishing village
• Enjoy snorkeling and diving
• Walk to island lighthouse
• Observe sea turtles if lucky
• Have traditional Malagasy lunch

The experience

Nosy Iranja sits off the coast of Madagascar as two separate islands (small and large Iranja) that transform into a single landmass when the tide drops, connected by a bench of white coral sand. The tour runs 7 to 9 hours and centers on this tidal shift: you arrive by private transport, spend the day on the islands with a local guide, and move between the two as the water recedes. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language, and stays with you the entire time.

You're guests of the native fishing village, not passing tourists. The locals provide a palm hut for shade and prepare lunch from what they catch: grilled fish, crabs, shrimp, zebu stew, coconut rice, salads and tropical fruit, served under the palms. Snorkeling equipment comes with the tour. If you want a real scuba experience without a diving license, you can add a 10-minute dive with a mini tank for an extra fee. Between water and shade, you can walk to the island's lighthouse, sunbathe on the sand, or watch for sea turtles laying eggs or hatchlings in the south. The guide also shoots GoPro video and stills of the day for you to keep.

Throughout the tour you get fresh tropical fruits (mango, jackfruit, litchi, banana, papaya depending on season), local banana chips, cooled soft drinks, water, local beer, Malagasy coconut punch and rum. A local phone and SIM card with internet access works across the archipelago if you need to stay connected. Pickup is included from your accommodation.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the islands.
• full-day local English-speaking guide (Spanish, Italian, French or another language available).
• snorkeling equipment.
• traditional Malagasy lunch prepared by villagers including grilled fish, crabs, shrimp, zebu stew, coconut rice and salads.
• fresh tropical fruits and local banana chips.
• cooled soft drinks, water, local beer, Malagasy coconut punch and rum throughout the day.
• local phone with SIM card and internet access for the duration.
• GoPro video and still photographs of your visit.

Before you book

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Fossa Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day moving between two islands as they connect at low tide, eating lunch cooked by the fishing village, and staying in their palm hut rather than a tourist facility.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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 happens to Nosy Iranja when the tide goes out?

The two islands (small and large Iranja) connect across a white coral sand bench at low tide, turning them into a single landmass you can walk between. At high tide they separate again into distinct islands.

Can I snorkel or dive if I don't have a diving license?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour. For scuba diving without a license, you can add a 10-minute real dive experience using a mini tank for an additional 25 euros per person.

Who prepares the lunch and where do we eat?

The locals from the native fishing village prepare and serve traditional Malagasy lunch (grilled fish, crabs, shrimp, zebu stew, coconut rice and tropical fruit) in the shade of coconut palms in their village on the island.

Are there sea turtles on the islands?

Sea turtles nest on the southern shore of the island. The lucky ones may see them laying eggs or hatchlings emerging, depending on the season and timing of your visit.