Aboard the Nofy Be, Navigation from Ifaty to Morondava
Pangalanes Canal 12 days Charm & Character

Aboard the Nofy Be, Navigation from Ifaty to Morondava

Sail at the rhythm of the winds on the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel aboard an authentic Malagasy schooner.

From€1,270per person
13 years of local expertise4.94/5 (122 reviews including 71 Google)

Duration

12 days

From

€1,270/pers.

Ideal seasons

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Style

Navigation & Cruises

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

The sails billow in the trade winds as the schooner Nofy Be glides over the crystal-clear lagoons of the Mozambique Channel. Aboard this "Grand Dream", accompanied by a Vezo crew, you sail up the west coast of Madagascar from Ifaty to Morondava, at the mercy of the winds and encounters. Salary reveals its fishing villages, the splendid Bay of Assassins reveals its protected waters, Andavadoaka offers its coral reefs where tropical fish and sea turtles thrive.

The Vezo, nomads of the seas, have perpetuated their fishing and navigation traditions for centuries along these coasts bordered by mangroves and bottle baobab forests. In Morombe, a small town with western charm, the echo of zebu caravans still resonates. The days unfold between diving on the coral reef, walks in the dunes of Ambatomilo and musical evenings around campfires, punctuated by sunsets setting aflame the majestic silhouettes of baobabs.

This authentic sailing experience, far from the usual circuits, will let you discover Madagascar from the sea side, where time is measured by the tides and the whims of the wind.

The stages of your journey

D1
Antananarivo
D2
Tuléar
D3
Salary
D4
Ambatomilo
D5
Baie des Assassins
D6
Andavadoaka
D7
Morombe
D8
Nosy Andramitaroka
D9
Belo Sur Mer
D10–11
Kirindy
D12
Morondava

Highlights

Traditional Schooner Cruise
Meeting with the Vezo
Coral Reef Diving
Kirindy Forest
Baobab Avenue
Canal Mozambique Navigation

Day-by-day itinerary

Antananarivo
D1

From Antananarivo to Toliara, flight with Tsaradia

Antananarivo - Tuléar Early in the afternoon, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Tana to take you to Ivato airport where you will catch the flight to Tuléar, the city of sunshine. Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Flight offered with Tsaradia: departure from Antananarivo @ 16:00 - arrival in Tuléar @ 17:50.
Tuléar
D2

Route to Ifaty, installation on board the Nofy Be and departure for Salary at the end of the day

Tuléar - Ifaty After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we leave Tuléar to reach Ifaty, one of the villages facing the majestic Ranobe lagoon with its turquoise waters, renowned for its coral reef. Ifaty - Salary Transfer of your luggage on board the boat from the beach opposite Mangily Scuba. After settling on board, swimming, paddle-boarding, surfing if the swell permits, snorkeling, before hoisting the sails in the afternoon for an overnight sailing journey to Salary.
D3

A day in Salary Bay and discovery of Vezo culture

We anchor in the magnificent Salary Bay for the full day. Morning swim, paddle-boarding, snorkelling and possibility of 2 dives.

Lunch on board before a walk ashore to discover Vezo fishing villages.

Return on board for a good dinner before ending the evening "at Francesco's" entertained by a group of Mikea musicians.

D4

Day at Ambatomilo

Morning navigation to Ambatomilo with the possibility of making 2 dives en route, swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding on the calm waters of the lagoon protected by the coral reef. Lunch on board, followed by a well-deserved siesta before climbing to conquer the dunes overlooking the village. Dinner on board before finishing the evening at Martine's. Night on board anchored in the shelter of the lagoon.
D5

Ambatomilo, Antsepoka and Assassins Bay

Ambatomilo - Assassins Bay Morning navigation before arriving at the splendid Assassins Bay. Weather permitting, there is a beautiful surf break at the entrance of the Bay. Anchoring in the bay under the house of the legendary. Paddle-boarding and a stroll in the Bay. Dinner on board before ending the evening around a campfire at Pierrot's. Possibility to spend the night in Pierrot's superb lodge (not included in the price).
Andavadoaka
D6

From Assassins Bay to Andavadoaka, visit to a bush hospital

Assassins Bay - Andavadaoka As soon as the tide permits, departure for Andavadoaka. Possibility of doing one or two dives on the way. Arrival in Andavadoaka in the afternoon, visit of this incredible hospital for bush people and Vezo villagers from the surrounding area, drinks in the village, dinner and overnight stay on board anchored in the bay.
Morombe
D7

From Andavadoaka to Morombe by water, in the land of baobab forests

Andavadaoka - Morombe Morning navigation to Morombe with the possibility of one or two last dives on the way. Stroll through this little western town, resupply and disembarkation of our dive instructor. Dinner on board followed by an evening out at the Eclipse, vibrant local disco open 7 nights a week before we embark on a night navigation to Nosy Andriamitaroka.
D8

Nosy Andramitaroka and navigation to Belo-sur-mer

Morombe - Nosy Andramitaroka Snorkeling, morning swimming, paddle-boarding and stroll through the camp of nomadic Vezo fishermen settled on this islet with their entire family during the fishing season from March to November. Departure late morning for the Dune de Mite, off which we will anchor to drop the tender at its foot. Climb the Dune to enjoy breathtaking views over the sea on one side and inland lakes and baobab forests on the other. Return to the boat for a good dinner on board before setting off again on night navigation towards Belo-sur-mer.
Belo sur mer
D9

Visit to traditional schooner construction sites and sailing towards Morondava

Belo sur Mer - Morondava Arrival in Belo-sur-Mer in the early morning. Mooring in the bay where you can continue to sleep or visit Kirindy Mitea National Park on the edge of the Mozambique Channel. This is a new UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and also a RAMSAR site (wetland protection). Very different from the forests found north of Morondava, Kirindy Mitea Park is largely covered by dry primary forest, which marks the transition between the landscapes of the West and South. You will find several plant species representative of the arid climate of the South, such as Didiereaceae and Euphorbiaceae, as well as 3 species of baobabs. The park is also home to a coastal brackish water lake, which makes it an excellent bird-watching center. A great diversity of landscapes can be found on this site, between coastal dunes, islets, mangroves and savanna, hosting equally varied fauna: lemurs, reptiles, fish, birds, bats… You can also bathe in the past by visiting this temple of schooner construction using ancestral methods in Belo sur Mer. Activities at your own expense. We meet in the early afternoon for departure to Morondava. Pushed by westerly winds, we will arrive at the Nofy Be Club House pontoon at the end of the day. From there, a car will pick you up to take you to your hotel.
Kirindy
D10

From Morondava to Kirindy: encounter with the Fosa

Morondava - Kirindy After a peaceful breakfast at the hotel, we head to Kirindy, 65km north of Morondava in the heart of the Menabe region, on the road towards Bekopaka and the Tsingy de Bemaraha. Kirindy Reserve is a dry, deciduous forest managed by a Swiss scientific organization. It is also a national forestry training center. You will find lemurs, mongooses, chameleons and other reptiles, the jumping rat also endemic to Madagascar, and numerous bird species. Kirindy Forest is renowned for being the place where you can observe in complete peace and in its natural habitat the Fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the largest carnivore in Madagascar. Day and night visits to the reserve are planned on site, to fully appreciate the diversity of endemic species, both animal and plant, of this site.
Kirindy
D11

Visit to Kirindy Forest and sundowner on the Avenue of the Baobabs

On Day 11, a daytime visit to the forest for approximately 4 hours to explore this environment in a new light, populated with lemurs, chameleons and other surprising animal and plant species. Late in the afternoon, discover the baobabs of the region. Take the track towards Morondava to reach the famous Baobab Avenue. We will walk this avenue to photograph and capture the magnificent sunset which casts its orange hue on the baobabs.
Morondava
D12

Return flight from Morondava to Antananarivo

Morondava - Antananarivo Transfer to Morondava airport to take the flight between Morondava and Antananarivo. Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, welcome and transfer to your accommodation in Tana. Thank you and see you soon! Flight offered with Tsaradia: departure from Morondava @ 13:45 - arrival in Antananarivo @ 14:55. You can also continue this wonderful journey by visiting the Tsingy de Bemaraha, an extraordinary place, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will discover gigantic limestone cathedrals, dense networks of cracks, deep crevasses, limestone blocks sculpted into blades or sharp points that form the "Tsingy" (please contact us).

Price per person

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • Domestic flights from Antananarivo to Tuléar and Morondava to Antananarivo
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Surfboard rental and diving equipment rental
  • Beverages (mineral water, sodas, beers...)
  • Lunches not mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Cancellation insurance, repatriation and first aid costs
  • Visa fees.

Included

  • The 8-day / 7-night cruise aboard the Nofy Be
  • Full board on board (beverages not included)
  • Accommodation aboard the Nofy Be in bunks
  • Accommodation in twin or double room on half board
  • The activities and visits as indicated in the program
  • Airport transfers in Tana and Tuléar on Day 1, in Tana on Day 12

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)

  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price

  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.

Your travel documents

  • Your valid passport,

  • Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,

  • Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -

  • Your vaccination record, not mandatory,

  • Your blood group card if possible.

Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory

Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.

This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.

From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!

Choose the plan that best suits you:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complementary Credit Card

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Noro, Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana
13years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Deep South

Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo

For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.

Noro

Deposit funds guarantee Secure payment 7/7 assistance4.94/5