DIEGO SUAREZ and NOSY BE

ABOUT DIEGO AND NOSY BE

Diego Suarez and surroundings

Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, is the largest city in northern Madagascar and the island’s third-largest port. Once a French garrison, Diego Suarez and its surrounding region offer a special destination with a variety of water and land-based activities. One of its must-see attractions is the magnificent Ramena Beach, acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful. Stretching over several kilometers, this beach alone justifies a trip to Diego Suarez. Located approximately twenty kilometers from the city, it is sheltered by the quaint fishing village of Ramena. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide range of water sports in a mild, year-round climate.

Depending on the season of your visit, you can also enjoy interesting cultural tours. Ramena Beach serves as the starting point for the Emerald Sea (Mer d’Emeraude), renowned for its supernatural beauty with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its shallow depth and light sandy bottom give it its distinctive color. Nearby, the tranquility of Baie des Pigeons, once a sanctuary for endemic birds, enhances the serene atmosphere of Diego Suarez.

In the Antsiranana region, several natural parks await exploration. These include Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Ankarana Special Reserve, Tsingy Rouge d’Antsiranana, and Montagne de Français Private Park.

Nosy Be Archipelago

The Nosy Be archipelago is a popular destination in Madagascar known for its stunning natural scenery. Often referred to as the “perfume island” due to the delightful aroma of ylang-ylang and spices carried by the humid air, it features dense forests dotted with volcanic lakes and typical Madagascan flora and fauna. The archipelago also includes numerous small islands that are easily accessible for sightseeing: Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia, and Nosy Iranja.

Nosy Komba, or Lemur Island, is famous for hosting numerous families of lemur makis, considered sacred by the locals. Nosy Tanikely is a marine reserve abundant with coral, providing a habitat for numerous underwater species. Nosy Sakatia is a preserved ecosystem protected and classified for its natural wonders, including heavenly beaches, rare birds, endemic plants, and much more. Finally, Nosy Iranja, the most famous island in the Nosy Be archipelago, astounds all visitors with its vast expanse of white sand.