Nosy Iranja Snorkeling Private Cruise Excursion

Nosy Iranja's turquoise reef and two-kilometre sandbar, timed to your port call

A private snorkeling excursion from Nosy Be to Nosy Iranja, designed for cruise ship passengers, with motorboat pickup directly from the port and return timed to your ship's departure. Snorkel the coral reef full of fish and sea turtles, walk the white sandbar at low tide, visit the fishing village, and eat a traditional Malagasy lunch prepared by locals. A live guide in English, Italian, French or German stays with you the whole day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nosy Iranja private island tour

• Meet at Nosy Be port
• Boat trip to Nosy Iranja
• Spot dolphins en route
• Camp in native village
• Sunbathe on sandbar
• Snorkel and swim with turtles
• Visit lighthouse viewpoint
• Take short island excursion
• Enjoy traditional Malagasy lunch
• Boat trip back to Nosy Be port

The experience

Nosy Iranja sits roughly 90 minutes by speedboat from the cruise port in Nosy Be, and the operator meets you at the dock with their own motorboat the moment you step off your ship. This matters because every other excursion to the island leaves early in the morning from town, which means you miss your port window. This one moves on your schedule. The boat ride passes small islands where dolphins sometimes appear, and the crossing itself is part of the day.

Once you arrive, the island splits into two halves connected by a sandbar of white coral sand that stretches nearly 1.5 kilometres into the turquoise ocean at low tide. One side is for sunbathing and wading. The other side holds a sprawling coral reef where you snorkel among blooming corals, schools of colourful fish, and gentle sea turtles. The reef is shallow enough for swimmers of all levels. Between the water, you can walk through the native fishing village, meet the people who live there, and sit down to a real Malagasy lunch (seafood stew, zebu, or chicken) cooked and served by the villagers themselves. Snacks and tropical fruits come throughout the day, along with cooled drinks and local coconut punch.

If you want to climb, the lighthouse at the island's top offers a view of both Iranja islands and the open Indian Ocean. A short walk around the island is also an option. Everything is flexible: your guide stays with you all day and adjusts to what you want to do. In the afternoon, you take the same speedboat back to the port, timed so you're back before your ship departs.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment.
• traditional Malagasy lunch prepared by locals in the fishing village.
• cooled soft drinks, water, local beer, coconut punch and fruit-flavoured rum.
• fresh tropical fruits and local snacks throughout the day.
• private motorboat pickup and return from the cruise port.
• live guide in English, Italian, French or German for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (21 to 80 years) · Child (12 to 20 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 28

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Fossa Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks for a full day. The motorboat timing syncs with your port window, so you choose activities (snorkeling, the lighthouse hike, or the sandbar) rather than rush through a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 20 years). Children under 12 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 is the coral reef like at Nosy Iranja when I snorkel there?

The reef on the ocean side of the sandbar is shallow and full of blooming corals, millions of colourful fish, and sea turtles. Dolphins are occasional visitors too. The water is turquoise and calm enough for all swimming levels.

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

The speedboat takes roughly 90 minutes each way. The crossing passes small islands and offers a chance to spot dolphins during the journey.

What happens at the fishing village on Nosy Iranja?

You meet the local people who live there and eat a traditional Malagasy lunch they prepare and serve: seafood stew, zebu, or chicken dishes, cooked in the village. You can walk around and spend time with the community.

Can I climb the lighthouse on Nosy Iranja?

Yes, if you want to. The lighthouse sits at the top of the island and offers a view of both Iranja islands and the Indian Ocean. A short walk around the island is also available as an option.

What's included in the snorkeling excursion?

Snorkelling equipment, the traditional Malagasy lunch, cooled soft drinks, water, local beer, coconut punch, and fresh tropical fruits and snacks throughout the day are all included. Your guide speaks English, Italian, French or German and stays with you the entire time.