Located about fifteen kilometers from Ambanja, the Ankify dock is the main departure point from mainland Madagascar to reach Nosy Be, one of the country’s top tourist destinations. This small, bustling port sees a steady flow of travelers each day heading to the island. Easily accessible by car or taxi from Ambanja, Ankify is an essential stop on the route.
It’s highly recommended to arrive early, especially during the dry season. The trade winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, making the sea rougher and potentially leading to the closure of the Hell-Ville port. To avoid disruptions, it’s best to plan your crossing before 3 p.m.
Several types of boats operate the crossing. Speedboats, commonly referred to as “coques,” can get you to Hell-Ville in 20 to 30 minutes, with an average fare ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 ariary per person. Slower but more budget-friendly, classic motorboats take about an hour and cost around 5,000 ariary. Travelers with vehicles can use the ferry, which charges between 100,000 and 150,000 ariary per vehicle. The distance between Ankify and Nosy Be is approximately 30 kilometers.
There is no set schedule for departures—boats leave once they’ve filled up with enough passengers. This means advance booking is not possible. During slower periods, you might be asked to cover the cost of empty seats with other passengers. Speedboats usually carry around ten people, which is another reason why morning departures are preferable.
Upon arrival at Hell-Ville port, expect to be quickly approached by numerous taxi drivers. If you want to go directly to a beach on the west coast such as Ambatoloaka, it’s best to arrange a private taxi or book your transfer through your travel agency, rather than navigating the shared taxi-brousse area.
Electronic payment is not always available, so be sure to bring enough cash in ariary. If your final destination isn’t Hell-Ville but another island like Nosy Komba, inform the boat captain before departure to avoid any confusion.
