With the richness of its coastline bathed by the Indian Ocean, the island of Madagascar deserves to be discovered from one port of call to the next, cradled by the magic of the waves. Off its north-western coasts, Nosy Be stands as the essential departure point for magnificent sailing cruises.

A Cruise to Northern Madagascar

Heading north, the sailing voyage combines geological riches with paradisiacal landscapes. Stretching across 70 kilometres, the islands of the Mitsio archipelago unfold before you. First to cross your path, the island of Tsarabanjina, ringed by luminous white-sand beaches, is home to a rich avifauna of cormorants and fish eagles. Further north, after passing the Four Brothers—rocky domes with steep flanks protecting nests of tropicbirds and frigatebirds—the discovery of Grand Mitsio reveals its basaltic organ pipes, veritable sculptured colonnades. Plunging from their sharp, symmetrical formations into the sea, they bear witness to the volcanic origins of the archipelago. The stark, raw power of the geological landscape contrasts with the sophisticated grace of the coral reefs off Ankarea. Anchoring near its shores will allow diving enthusiasts to explore them in their aquatic context.

Southern Madagascar

Sailing south from Nosy Be, the islands of the Radama archipelago punctuate the journey with fresh surprises. Artisanal heritage and exotic plantations offer, in turn, glimpses of ancestral craftsmanship and tropical agriculture. The highest of the islands, Kalakajoro, reveals the secrets of building its sailing vessels. Wooden structures worked with adzes, they are crafted according to the rules of the art, passed down from generation to generation. As for Berafia, its southern section displays magnificent plantations of coffee, ylang-ylang, and pepper plants. Thus, discovering Madagascar's riches by cruise remains the perfect way to combine the magic of travel with exceptional heritage.