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 to the rhythm of the winds on the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel aboard an authentic Madagascar schooner.

From€1,270per person
13 years of local expertise4.94/5 (128 reviews including 73 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 crystalline 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, following the whims of the winds and encounters. Salary reveals its fishing villages, the splendid Bay of Assassins unveils its protected waters, Andavadoaka offers its coral reefs where tropical fish and sea turtles thrive.

The Vezo, nomads of the seas, have perpetuated their traditions of fishing and navigation 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 resounds. Days unfold between dives on the coral barrier, strolls through the dunes of Ambatomilo and musical evenings around campfires, punctuated by sunsets setting ablaze the majestic silhouettes of baobabs.

This authentic sailing experience, far from classic circuits, will let you discover Madagascar from the sea, 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
Alley of the Baobabs
Navigation Mozambique Channel

Day-by-day itinerary

Antananarivo
D1

From Antananarivo to Tuléar, flight with Tsaradia

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

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

Tuléar - Ifaty After a quiet 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 aboard the boat from the beach opposite Mangily Scuba. Once settled on board, swimming, paddleboarding, surfing if the swell permits, snorkeling, before hoisting the sails in the afternoon for an overnight sail to Salary.
D3

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" animated by a group of Mikea musicians.

D4

Day at Ambatomilo

Early morning sailing to Ambatomilo with the possibility of doing 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 nap before climbing to conquer the dunes overlooking the village. Dinner on board before ending the evening at Martine's place. Night on board anchored in the shelter of the lagoon.
D5

Ambatomilo, Antsepoka and Assassin's Bay

Ambatomilo - Bay of Assassins Morning navigation before arriving at the splendid Bay of Assassins. Swell permitting, there is a beautiful surf break at the entrance of the Bay. Mooring in the bay below the legendary house. Paddle-boarding and a boat tour 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 - Andavadoaka 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, a drink in the village, dinner and overnight on board anchored in the bay.
Morombe
D7

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

Morning navigation to Morombe with the possibility of one or two last dives on the way. Stroll through this little western town, refueling and disembarkation of our dive instructor. Dinner on board followed by an evening at the Eclipse, vibrant local disco open 7 nights a week before embarking 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 walk through the camp of nomadic Vezo fishermen settled on this islet with their entire family during the fishing season from March to November. Departure in late morning for Mite Dune, off which we will anchor to drop off in a dinghy at its base. Climb the Dune to enjoy breathtaking views of 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 of traditional schooner construction sites and sailing towards Morondava

Arrival in Belo-sur-mer in the early morning. Mooring in the bay where you can continue to sleep or visit the Kirindy Mitea National Park on the edge of the Mozambique Channel. This is a new UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and also a RAMSAR site (protection of wetlands). 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. There are thus 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 littoral lake of brackish water, 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, harboring equally varied fauna: lemurs, reptiles, fish, birds, bats… You can also bathe in the past by visiting this temple of schooner construction by ancestral methods in Belo sur mer. Activities at your own charge. We will meet in the early afternoon for departure to Morondava. Pushed by westerly winds, we will arrive at the Nofy Be Club House dock 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 quiet breakfast at the hotel, we leave for Kirindy, 65km north of Morondava in the heart of the Menabe region, on the road towards Bekopaka and the Tsingy de Bemaraha. The Kirindy Reserve is a dry deciduous forest managed by a Swiss scientific organization. It is also a national forestry training center. You can find lemurs, mongooses, chameleons and other reptiles, the jumping rat also endemic to Madagascar, and many bird species. Kirindy Forest is renowned as the place where you can observe in complete peace and in its natural habitat the Fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the largest carnivore in Madagascar. Daytime and nighttime visits to the reserve are planned on site to fully appreciate the diversity of endemic species, animal and plant, of this site.
Kirindy
D11

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

On Day 11, forest exploration, daytime, for approximately 4 hours to explore this environment in a new light, populated by lemurs, chameleons and other surprising animal and plant species. Late in the afternoon, let's discover the baobabs of the region. Let's take the track towards Morondava to reach the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. We will walk through this avenue to photograph and capture the magnificent sunset that 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. Misaotra (thank you) and see you soon! Proposed flight with Tsaradia: departure from Morondava @ 13:45 - arrival in Antananarivo @ 14:55. You can also continue this beautiful journey by visiting the Tsingy de Bemaraha, an extraordinary place, listed as UNESCO World Heritage where you will discover gigantic limestone cathedrals, dense networks of crevasses, deep fissures, limestone blocks carved into blades or sharp points that form the "Tsingy" (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 program
  • The rental of surfboards and diving equipment
  • Beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...)
  • Lunches not mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Cancellation insurance, repatriation and emergency medical expenses
  • Visa fees.

Included

  • The 8-day / 7-night cruise aboard the Nofy Be
  • Full board on board (beverages not included)
  • Accommodation on board the Nofy Be in berths
  • Twin or double room accommodation in half board
  • The activities and visits as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Tana and Tuléar on D1, in Tana on D12

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

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