Madagascar is a real gem when it comes to beaches. With over 2,983 miles (4,800 km) of coastline along the Indian Ocean, you'll find beaches that feel untouched and quiet, without the crowds you often get at more touristy spots. Whether you’re after quiet, secluded coves or vibrant underwater ecosystems, the island’s beaches are known for stunning natural beauty. Here's the very best of Madagascar's beaches.
Madagascar’s coastline has all kinds of beach environments. The island’s isolation for millions of years has led to some pretty unique marine ecosystems that you won’t find anywhere else. The eastern coast is lush and tropical, with rainforests meeting the beach. The west side has a drier, more arid climate, with iconic baobab trees and sunsets you won’t forget.
Up north around Nosy Be and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), you’ll find beaches with volcanic black sand mixed in with white coral sand. Down in the south near Fort Dauphin, the landscape gets dramatic, with mountains nearly touching the sea. And there are plenty of offshore islands that have more or less stayed relatively undeveloped. It's not difficult to access Madagascar's natural beauty without the hustle of commercialized tourism.
Nosy Be: one of the best beaches in Madagascar © Shutterstock
Nosy Be is one of the best-known beach destinations in Madagascar. It's called the "Perfumed Island" because of its ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coffee plantations. The beaches here are some of the most stunning on the island, with Andilana Beach standing out for its perfect curve of white sand and clear water that’s great for swimming year-round.
The marine life is what really makes Nosy Be special. You can easily spot sea turtles while snorkeling, and from October to December, you can swim with whale sharks. Even though Nosy Be is more developed than some of Madagascar’s beaches, it still has a relaxed vibe, with just enough infrastructure to make your stay comfortable without feeling overrun by tourism.
You can fly directly to Nosy Be's Fascene Airport from places like Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital), Johannesburg, or Addis Ababa. Alternatively, you can catch a boat from Ankify on the mainland. Once you’re on the island, tuk-tuks and shared minibuses (taxi-brousses) make it easy to get between beaches and towns, but renting a scooter is the best way to explore at your own pace.
The dry season from April to November is the best time to visit, with temperatures around 77-86°F (25-30°C) and little rainfall. If you're hoping to see whale sharks, the best months are from October to December. Just steer clear of January to March, as that’s cyclone season, and heavy rains could mess with your travel plans or beach time.
Tsarabanjina is a small, remote island in the Mitsio Archipelago, just north of Nosy Be. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to completely unplug—just a few quiet beaches with soft, white sand and clear water. There’s only one eco-resort on the island, so it never feels crowded.
It’s also a protected area, which helps keep things feeling wild and untouched. Snorkeling and diving are easy—you can walk straight into the water and find coral reefs and small caves filled with fish. If you're looking for quiet time in nature, this is a great place to be.
First, you’ll need to get to Nosy Be. From there, the resort usually arranges boat transfers, which take about 90 minutes. There’s also a helicopter option if you’re short on time or want the view. Since there’s no public transport, it’s worth planning ahead to make sure everything lines up smoothly. Our guide to getting around Masagascar might be of some help.
The dry season runs from April to November. During these months, the weather tends to be warm and sunny, usually around 77–86°F (25–30°C). July and August are good for snorkeling and diving thanks to calm water and clear visibility. From December to March, you might run into heavy rain and higher humidity, which can make things feel sticky and less predictable.
Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar © Shutterstock
Just off Madagascar’s east coast, Île Sainte Marie is known for its mix of laid-back beaches and a few interesting historical spots. The west coast has calm water that’s great for swimming, while the east side is a bit rougher, with more dramatic waves and scenery. From July to September, humpback whales pass through the narrow channel between the island and the mainland—it’s one of the main reasons people come here.
You’ll also find a pirate cemetery tucked into the trees and plenty of smaller beaches and coves to explore, some of them only accessible on foot or by boat. The island has just enough infrastructure to make getting around pretty easy, without feeling too built up.
The easiest way is to fly in from Antananarivo—it takes about an hour. You can also take a boat from Soanierana-Ivongo, which is around two hours across. Once you're there, motorbikes and bikes are popular for getting around. If you're not up for that, taxi-brousses (shared minibuses) run up and down the main coastal road and connect most of the main spots.
Plan your trip between May and December for drier, easier travel. July to September is whale season if that’s something you want to see. It’s best to avoid January through March—cyclones and heavy rain can make the roads hard to navigate, and a lot of places close temporarily during that time.
Anakao sits on the southwest coast of Madagascar. It’s a small Vezo fishing village that’s gradually become a beach stop but still feels local and low-key. The beach runs for miles, with pale sand and bright, shallow water. You’ll see traditional wooden fishing boats heading out early in the morning, and later you can snorkel or relax on the beach.
Just offshore is Nosy Ve, an uninhabited island that’s easy to reach by boat and great for spotting seabirds or spending a few quiet hours in the water. Anakao feels less like a tourist destination and more like a place where you get a glimpse of everyday life by the sea.
Start by flying to Toliara (also called Tuléar), then take a boat south to Anakao. It’s about an hour across, and most boats leave in the morning. If your flight gets in later in the day, it’s best to stay overnight in Toliara. There are no roads connecting Anakao to the rest of the country, which is part of why it still feels so peaceful.
The dry season (April to November) brings steady sunshine and very little rain. July and August can get windy, which is great for windsurfing but not ideal if you’re after completely calm water. Things settle down from September through November—good conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips. From December to March, expect occasional rain and a quieter vibe overall.
Anjajavy is one of those places that feels far from everything—in a good way. It’s on the northwest coast of Madagascar, where dry forest runs right up to quiet beaches. You’ll find soft sand coves separated by strange, jagged limestone formations called tsingy.
The area’s known for its Madagascar wildlife—Coquerel’s sifakas (those white lemurs) sometimes show up right on the beach, especially early in the morning. Just offshore, the protected marine reserve has healthy coral and plenty of fish, and the snorkeling is easy to get to straight from the beach. Since there are no roads in or out, everything here stays pretty undisturbed. It’s the kind of place where you can walk a coastal trail and not run into anyone else all day.
The only way to reach Anjajavy is by small plane from Antananarivo—around 90 minutes. There are no public roads into the area, which is part of why it stays so well-preserved. Once you’re there, you’ll mostly be walking along clearly marked nature trails to get around.
Dry season runs from April to November and is the most comfortable time to visit. Days tend to stay in the 77–86°F (25–30°C) range. May to August are slightly cooler in the mornings and great for walking and beach time. From September through November, things warm up—good conditions for swimming and spending more time in the water. Anjajavy’s microclimate means it’s usually drier than other parts of Madagascar, even when it’s rainy elsewhere.
A boat sails the sea near Nosy Komba © Shutterstock
Nosy Komba is a small volcanic island between Nosy Be and the mainland, and it’s an easy spot to combine beach time with lemur sightings. The beaches are tucked between thick green hills, and the island’s black lemurs are known for showing up near the trails and around the villages.
The island still feels pretty traditional, with local communities making embroidery and wood carvings. If you're planning on snorkeling or diving, the water here has coral gardens, sea turtles, and rays. It’s also the kind of place where you can slow down—no cars, no rush—just coastal trails and quiet spots to swim. This beach could make a great addition to a Madagascar honeymoon itinerary.
You can reach Nosy Komba by boat—either a 30-minute ride from Ankify on the mainland or 20 minutes from Hellville on Nosy Be. Boats run throughout the day, and there are both public options and private water taxis. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and there’s no motorized transport, which helps keep it calm and quiet.
April to November is the dry season, and it’s the best time for both swimming and seeing lemurs. From May to August, it’s cooler and less humid—around 77–82°F (25–28°C)—which makes it more comfortable for walking. September and October are a bit warmer, with good visibility and calm water for snorkeling.
The beautiful islands of Madagascar Nosy Tanikely (Nosy Tanihely)—Marine National Park - Near Nosy Be © Shutterstock
Nosy Tanikely is a tiny island that sits between Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, and it’s known for its marine reserve. The beach is curved and sandy, and there’s a short hike up to a lighthouse with views of the nearby islands. But most people come here for what’s underwater.
You don’t need to swim far from shore to see a range of coral, tropical fish, turtles, and sometimes even reef sharks (the harmless kind). There’s no accommodation on the island, so it stays pretty quiet—especially in the morning before the tour boats arrive.
It’s a day trip from Nosy Be or Nosy Komba. Most people go as part of a boat excursion, which usually includes snorkeling gear and sometimes food. Private boats are another option if you want more time or flexibility. Since there are no hotels or permanent settlements, the environment has stayed mostly untouched. Spending a day on a boat excursion is one of the best things to do in Madagascar.
The dry season (April to November) has the best conditions for snorkeling, with clear water and calm seas. September and October are especially good, with visibility often over 65 feet (20 meters). Try to get there early—before 10 AM—to beat the crowds. Even at peak times, the number of visitors is kept low to help protect the reef.
Just off the southern tip of Île Sainte Marie, Ile Aux Nattes is a small, circular island where everything moves at a slower pace. There are no roads, no cars, and not much in the way of modern infrastructure—just beaches, palm trees, and quiet. You can walk the entire island in a couple of hours, and you’ll mostly stick to a path that hugs the coastline. This is where you can easily find some of the best beaches in Madagascar.
Life here is still centered around fishing, and electricity is limited. That makes it feel a bit removed from the pressures of daily life. The west side has calm, shallow water that’s easy to swim in. The east side is a bit more rugged, with leaning palms and open stretches of sand. If you bring a mask and snorkel, you can head right into the water—there’s good reef and marine life just offshore.
From Île Sainte Marie, you just need to cross a narrow channel by boat. It takes about 10 minutes, and the boats run during daylight hours. Once you’re there, it’s all on foot—there are no motor vehicles, and the island is small enough that walking is the easiest way to get around. Getting around Madagascar can sometimes require planning ahead, but it's almost always worth it.
May to December is the dry season, with the most consistent weather. July through September tends to be breezy and mild—good beach weather without much rain. If you’d rather go when it’s quieter, October and November are still dry but see fewer visitors. Rain is more common from December to April, though everything turns green and prices are often lower.
North of Toliara, Salary Beach is a long stretch of white sand and calm water. It’s a remote spot with just a few small communities nearby. The lagoon is protected by a reef, so the water stays shallow and clear—good for swimming or just floating around.
There’s not much built up here. You’ll mostly come across local fishing villages, big open beaches, and spiny desert landscapes with baobab trees. It’s the kind of place where you can walk for a while and not see anyone else. Meals are usually simple—fish, rice, maybe some coconut sauce—cooked fresh and eaten outside.
Getting there takes some effort. It’s about four hours by 4x4 from Toliara, mostly on rough dirt roads. In rainy season, it can be slow going. Some hotels can arrange boat transfers, which skip the road entirely and are a good option if you're short on time. The journey itself is part of the trip—you’ll pass through spiny forests and remote villages along the way. Just be sure to pack everything you need, as there aren't a lot of places to stock up on items (more on that in our Madagascar travel tips).
April through November is the best time to go, since the roads are more manageable. From June to August, the weather is mild, and you’ll usually get a breeze coming off the water. September and October tend to have warmer water and clearer visibility, which is great if you're planning to snorkel. Mornings are usually calmer, so that’s the best time to head out onto the water.
Mangily is about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) north of Toliara and is one of the easier beaches to reach in the southwest. It’s a long, wide stretch of sand backed by native vegetation, and you’ll see both guesthouses and fishing boats along the shore. It’s a bit more developed than places like Salary but still feels grounded in local life.
There’s a shallow lagoon that’s good for swimming or beginner snorkeling. You can also head out by boat to deeper reef sites. Nearby, the Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve is worth a visit if you’re interested in local plants and wildlife—it’s home to ancient baobabs and a range of bird species.
It’s about an hour from Toliara by taxi-brousse or private transfer. The road can be a bit bumpy, but it’s manageable. Some hotels provide direct airport transfers. Once you're in Mangily, everything is pretty walkable, and the beach stretches for several miles. This is one of the best beaches in Madagascar.
Dry season runs from April to November. July and August can be windy—good for kitesurfing if that’s your thing. September through November usually brings calm seas and warmer temperatures. Morning boat trips are best for snorkeling before the wind picks up (see more tips in our guide to staying healthy in Madagascar). Even during the wet season, this part of the coast doesn’t see much rain.
Mahavelona, still often called Foulpointe, is one of the easiest beaches to get to from Toamasina. It’s about an hour north and has long stretches of golden sand and calm water, thanks to a coral reef just offshore. The water stays pretty gentle, so it’s good for swimming or just wading in.
On weekends, families from nearby cities come to relax, which gives the place a friendly, local feel. You’ll see wooden pirogues pulled up on the shore and fishermen bringing in the day’s catch. If you’ve got time, swing by Fort Manda—a 19th-century Merina fort just a short walk from the beach. There are also plenty of places near the water where you can get grilled fish or seafood.
You can catch a taxi-brousse from Toamasina, which takes about an hour and a half on a decent road. They run regularly throughout the day and are a good option if you're traveling light. If you want something more private, taxis are available too—it'll just cost a bit more. Since it’s so close to the port city, it’s one of the more straightforward beach trips to plan.
July through November is the dry season, with comfortable weather and not much rain. September and October are usually warm and sunny, around 77–82°F (25–28°C). Weekends are the busiest, but that’s also when you’ll see the beach come alive with families and street food vendors. Avoid February and March—those months are peak cyclone season on the east coast.
Manafiafy (sometimes called Sainte Luce) is a quiet spot on the southeast coast where you can spend time on the beach and also see some pretty unique wildlife. The coast is full of small coves and stretches of sand backed by forest—this littoral forest is one of the few remaining patches of its kind. It’s a good place if you’re up for more than just sunbathing., and one of the best beaches in Madagascar.
You can kayak through mangroves, take night walks to spot lemurs, and look for leaf-tailed geckos that are almost impossible to see unless you know what to look for. Between June and September, humpback whales pass by just offshore, and sometimes you can even spot them from the beach. The focus here is more on nature than development.
Fly into Fort Dauphin (Tolagnaro), then head north by car—it's about a 2.5-hour drive. The road’s not the easiest, and you’ll need a 4x4, but it’s a scenic trip with views of eucalyptus groves, villages, and forests. Most people arrange a ride through their accommodation, since public transport in this area is pretty limited (see our guide to Madagascar accommodation if you're still deciding where to stay).
The dry season runs from April to November, with mild temperatures around 77°F (25°C). Wildlife is especially active from July to September, and that’s also when the whales come through. October and November are a little warmer, so that’s better for swimming. Mornings are usually best for walks in the forest—animals are more active, and it’s cooler and quieter on the beach.
Just outside Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), the Emerald Sea is known for its shallow, clear water and changing shades of green and blue. It’s basically a wide, shallow bay protected by a peninsula, so the water stays calm and warm. Depending on the tide, you’ll see sandbars appear and disappear throughout the day, which makes it feel like the landscape is constantly shifting.
You can walk along the sandbars, explore tiny islands that pop up at low tide, or snorkel above coral reefs close to shore. It’s a peaceful spot with great views of the surrounding coastline.
Most people do this as a day trip from Diego Suarez. It usually involves about an hour’s drive to Ramena Beach, followed by a short boat ride on a traditional sailing boat. Several local guides run regular trips and know how to time them with the tides. There’s also the option of a helicopter tour if you want to see it from above—it’s definitely a splurge, but the view is something else.
Go anytime between April and November if you want clear skies and calm seas. Visibility is best from May to August if you’re planning to snorkel. Try to go in the morning—the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon. Low tide is when the sandbanks are most visible, so it’s worth checking the tide schedule when planning your trip.
Morondava sits on Madagascar’s west coast and feels more lived-in than touristy. It’s a wide stretch of sand where local fishing boats head out early in the morning and families gather to watch the sky change color in the evening. The current is strong here, so it’s not great for swimming, but the beach is still worth a visit — especially around sunset, when the light turns golden and the silhouettes of dhows and baobab trees create some pretty striking views.
This beach town is also a good base if you’re planning to check out the Avenue of the Baobabs or Kirindy Forest. Mornings are especially active on the beach, when traditional wooden boats with colorful sails head out into the water. The beach itself stretches far enough for long walks.
There are regular flights from Antananarivo to Morondava — it’s about an hour. If you’d rather travel overland, taxi-brousses run from the capital via Antsirabe and Miandrivazo, usually over two days with overnight stops. Once you’re in town, everything’s close — you can get around on foot, and tuk-tuks are easy to find for short rides.
Dry season runs from April to November, which makes it easier to get to nearby sights without worrying about the roads. June through August tends to be cooler, while September and October are warmer and better for spending time on the beach. Sunsets are consistently beautiful, especially when the skies are clear. January through March usually brings heavy rain and the occasional storm, so it’s a tougher time to travel.
Antongil Bay curves along Madagascar’s northeastern coastline and feels pretty remote. Most of the beaches here are only reachable by boat, and the rainforest comes right down to the water in some places. It’s one of those places where you might see lemurs in the trees and then jump into the water to snorkel above coral reefs — all in the same day. It's easily where you'll find some of the best beaches in Madagascar.
Between July and September, humpback whales come into the bay to breed, and there’s a good chance you’ll see them if you’re on the water. The surrounding marine areas are protected, so the reefs are in good shape, and some of the species here are found only in this part of the world.
You’ll need to fly into Maroantsetra, which sits at the southern end of the bay. Flights run from Antananarivo, sometimes with a stop in Toamasina. From there, you’ll rely on boats, often arranged through guesthouses or local guides. Some of the beaches also involve a short hike through the forest. It’s worth noting that boat trips can depend on the weather, especially during the wetter months.
Whale season is July through September — that’s when you’re most likely to see humpbacks in the bay. April to June and October to November are good times too, with more stable weather and fewer downpours. Rain is common year-round, which is why the rainforest stays so green, but mornings tend to be calmer if you’re planning to go out on the water.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 12.05.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Madagascar
