About Île Sainte Marie
Île Sainte Marie (aka Nosy Boraha).
If you refer to the Bradt Guide to Madagascar you will learn: "Here is a cliché of a tropical island with endless deserted beaches overhung by coconut palms, bays protected from sharks by coral reefs, hills covered with luxuriant vegetation, and a relative absence of unsightly tourist development. Most travellers love it: "As soon as we saw the island from the air, we were ready to ditch our travel plans and spend the rest of our trip nestled in paradise. Everything about the island is intoxicating: the smell of cloves drying in the sun, the taste of coco rum and the warmth of the sea". In addition to this head, holiday atmosphere, Ile Sainte Marie is the best place in Madagascar for whale-watching.
Île Sainte Marie is 50km long and 7km at the widest point. The island was once the major hideout of pirates and for about forty years starting around 1680 they dominated the seas of the East coast of Africa. Thomas White, John Every and William Kidd were the most notorious of a group of nearly 1000 pirates working these waters. Through various peculiar means Île Sainte Marie became the first part of Madagascar under French rule in1750.
A piece of pirating memorabilia remains on Sainte Marie in the form of the world’s only Pirate Cemetery which is worth a visit.
Île aux Nattes (aka Nosy Nato).
Most people would agree that this island is even more beautiful than 'mainland' Sainte Marie. It's eensy small and situated a short pirogue ride off the southern tip of Sainte Marie. There are no cars here, just bicycles and footpaths, so it is quieter and the beaches less populated.
Kayaking Sainte Marie
We regret that Sainte-Marie Tours are suspended indefinitely due to fire.
Management, June 13th 2010.
Kayaking is a unique and probably the most enjoyable way to explore the natural splendours of Île aux Nattes and Île Sainte Marie. Pristine beaches, charming villages, invitingly cool cascades, coral reefs that must be snorkelled, friendly people and excellent cuisine are only some of the delights that await you when you choose a kayak holiday in Sainte Marie.
Being the only guided kayak tour operation on Île Sainte Marie, KayakingSainteMarie offers a selection of tours to suit just about everybody, from the intrepid / adventurous explorer to the laid-back sight-seer. State-of-the-art crafts designed and manufactured by Johan Loots of Paddleyak © ensure stability, comfort and safety.
To make your holiday truly memorable, we have selected the finest Malagasy owned and managed resorts and hotels for your accommodation, thereby giving you a 100% Malagasy experience. We have various tours available to suit both experienced and novice paddlers.