Excursion to Nosy Ankao

Imagine an excursion to Nosy Ankao, an exclusive tropical island off Madagascar’s northeast coast, organized by Madagascar Tours Guide. Ranked as one of the most beautiful private islands in Africa, this exceptional destination promises an out-of-the-ordinary stay. Nestled in an unspoilt archipelago of five islands, Nosy Ankao boasts pristine white sand beaches, lush vegetation and pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. It’s a true paradise off the beaten track, where you feel like you’re at the end of the world, ideal for travelers in search of authenticity, discreet luxury and a complete change of scenery.

Summary

Why choose Nosy Ankao Madagascar?
How to get to Nosy Ankao ?
Nosy Ankao Madagascar one-week tour
Why choose Madagascar Tours Guide as your partner for your excursion to Nosy Ankao?
So, are you ready for adventure?
Nosy Ankao Madagascar excursion FAQs

Why choose Nosy Ankao Madagascar?

Nosy Ankao is one of Madagascar’s hidden treasures. Unlike more popular beach destinations, this private island offers an exclusive ecotourism experience in an unspoilt, serene setting. You’ll find a Robinson Crusoe atmosphere, blending top-of-the-range comfort with natural simplicity: only a few ecolodge villas blend into the landscape.

Nature reigns supreme on Nosy Ankao; from the songs of the tropical birds to the rustle of the virgin forest populated by crowned lemurs, every moment on the island is a reminder of the richness and preservation of the Madagascan environment. Golden sunsets over the ocean complete this idyllic picture.

It’s also a paradise for sea lovers. The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, offering exceptional conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving. In its crystal-clear turquoise waters, you can observe a myriad of multicolored tropical fish, dazzling coral gardens, graceful sea turtles and even migrating humpback whales, depending on the season. Dolphins are not uncommon in the area, sometimes coming to play in the wake of boats. Sport fishing enthusiasts will also be delighted: the open sea abounds with sport fish (tuna, barracuda, marlin, etc.) for memorable big-game fishing sessions.

Nosy Ankao is also an ideal playground for water sports such as sea kayaking, paddleboarding and kitesurfing, thanks to its regular ocean breezes. With its well-preserved marine ecosystem, the island is an invitation to marvel, and guarantees unforgettable encounters both on and under the water.

How to get to Nosy Ankao ?

Located off the northeastern tip of Madagascar (Diego Suarez region), Nosy Ankao is only accessible by air. Most travellers start their journey in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo, then take a domestic flight to Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) on the Grande Terre. From there, it’s a 30-45 minute helicopter ride to Nosy Ankao.

As the helicopter pulls away from Diego, breathtaking panoramas unfold before your eyes: emerald lagoons, wild coastline, small islands scattered in the Indian Ocean… A true aerial glimpse of the wonders that await you, with the occasional chance to spot schools of fish or rays in the translucent water from the air.

For those who prefer an alternative, private helicopter flights can also be chartered from Nosy Be (the other major tourist hub in northern Madagascar) in around an hour.

There is no regular sea service to Nosy Ankao due to its remoteness, making helicopter access to this little paradise almost unavoidable. In any case, Madagascar Tours Guide will take care of all the logistics for you: from the domestic flight to the helicopter take-off, you’ll travel with peace of mind.

Nosy Ankao Madagascar one-week tour

Here’s an example of a one-week tour (7 days / 6 nights) to make the most of Nosy Ankao and its surroundings.

Day	Itinerary	Activities & Discoveries	Lodging
Day 1	Arrival in Diego Suarez	Welcome by Madagascar Tours Guide at Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) airport. Check-in at your hotel. Free time to relax or start exploring the city. In the late afternoon, stroll through the colonial city center and along the waterfront to soak up the local atmosphere. Optional: admire the sunset from a panoramic viewpoint over the magnificent bay of Diego Suarez.	Hotel in Diego Suarez (bay view, family comfort).
Day 2	Diego Suarez → Nosy Ankao (helicopter)	Morning helicopter transfer to Nosy Ankao. Spectacular arrival on the island and installation in your ecolodge villa. Welcome briefing by the local team on the island's habits and customs and environmental instructions for preserving this natural sanctuary. Relaxing afternoon: first swim in the crystal-clear waters and snorkeling near the beach to observe the multicolored tropical fish and perhaps a few sea turtles in the lagoon.	Villa ecolodge on Nosy Ankao.
Day 3	Stay on Nosy Ankao	In the morning, explore the island on foot with a local guide: stroll through the rainforest in search of crowned lemurs reintroduced as part of a conservation project. On the way, observe exotic birds and discover endemic flora (palms, filaos and plants typical of Madagascar's coastline). Panoramic view of the ocean from one of the island's highest points. Afternoon water sports: sea kayak or paddle along the coast to discover hidden coves, or supervised scuba diving (baptism possible for beginners) to admire the deep reefs. In the evening, relax with your feet in the sand and contemplate the starry sky, far from any light pollution.	Villa ecolodge on Nosy Ankao.
Day 4	Excursion to Nosy Ankao archipelago	Day trip by boat to the archipelago's neighboring islands. First stop: Nosy Manampaho, a wild islet with a colony of seabirds and a sublime deserted beach. On the way, you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing with the crew (tuna, marlin or barracuda). Robinson" picnic lunch on a white sandy beach. In the afternoon, snorkeling on an unspoiled site renowned for its beautiful corals and the presence of sea turtles. Relax on the beach and return to Nosy Ankao by boat before sunset.	Villa ecolodge on Nosy Ankao.
Day 5	Farniente stay on Nosy Ankao	Free day to enjoy the island and its top-of-the-range facilities. Depending on your mood, you can laze on the beach, swim in the turquoise lagoon, or perhaps enjoy an optional wellness treatment at the spa (traditional massage). The more adventurous can try their hand at kitesurfing, wind conditions permitting, or take a family snorkeling trip along the reef for one last look at clownfish, colorful coral and giant clams. At the end of the day, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the ocean. Why not extend the evening with a campfire party on the beach, to the gentle sound of Malagasy melodies under the stars?	Villa ecolodge on Nosy Ankao.
Day 6	Nosy Ankao → Diego Suarez (return by helicopter)	Last moments in paradise in the morning: a farewell stroll along the beach to soak up the beauty of the place one last time, and a few souvenir photos with the lagoon as a backdrop. Late morning helicopter flight back to Diego Suarez. Arrival in Diego in the early afternoon. Free time to re-acclimatize to "la grande terre": stroll around town and buy a few souvenirs (spices, vanilla, Malagasy handicrafts) or simply relax at the hotel, enjoy the pool and the new-found urban comfort.	Hotel in Diego Suarez (same establishment as day 1).
Day 7	Diego Suarez (end of tour)	Depending on your international flight schedule, you can enjoy a final morning in Diego Suarez. Weather permitting, Madagascar Tours Guide can organize a short excursion to the nearby Three Bays (Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons, Baie de Sakalava) to admire the Malagasy coastline one last time and, why not, catch a glimpse of kitesurfers in action on Baie de Sakalava. Transfer to Antsiranana airport by your driver-guide and assistance with departure formalities. End of excursion.	N/A (return trip planned).

“Travel to the rhythm of the country… your way”. This Madagascar Tours Guide slogan takes on its full meaning in this itinerary: you’ll discover Nosy Ankao in a leisurely fashion, enjoying free time and activities that can be adapted to your desires. The trip is designed to suit you, whether you want to explore, relax on dream beaches or enjoy family adventures in total freedom.

Why choose Madagascar Tours Guide as your partner for your excursion to Nosy Ankao?

Choosing Madagascar Tours Guide to organize your trip to Nosy Ankao means opting for the peace of mind and quality of an experienced local operator. Here are the advantages you’ll enjoy with this partner:

Local expertise and personalization: MTG is a specialized Malagasy agency with in-depth knowledge of northern Madagascar, Diego Suarez and the Nosy Ankao archipelago. Your tour is 100% tailor-made, with a professional local guide who will adapt the program to your interests (diving, fishing, relaxation, nature and cultural discoveries, etc.) and to your family’s rhythm. Nothing is set in stone, everything is flexible to meet your specific expectations.
All-inclusive package: With Madagascar Tours Guide, you benefit from a complete package including transfers (domestic flights and helicopter), accommodation both on Nosy Ankao and in Diego Suarez, full board (meals included) and the activities mentioned in your program. No worries or surprises: everything is planned for you, with no hidden costs.
Comfort and safety: The accommodation selected by MTG is comfortable, family-friendly and full of local charm (on the island, you’ll stay in a luxury beachfront ecolodge, combining modern comfort with respect for the environment). The agency ensures your safety during transfers and nautical activities, working with certified pilots, skippers and instructors. Quality equipment, safety briefings before each outing, assistance if needed: you can travel with peace of mind, supervised by a reliable and attentive team.
Responsible commitment and quality service: As a specialist in tours to Madagascar, Madagascar Tours Guide makes it a point of honor to offer a service that’s both friendly and professional. You benefit from 24-hour assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances, and sound advice throughout your stay. MTG is also committed to responsible tourism: respect for local communities (partnerships with neighboring villages, measured interventions on a private island) and respect for the environment (ecological activities, raising travelers’ awareness of the fragility of ecosystems).

So, are you ready for adventure?

An excursion to Nosy Ankao is a rare and exceptional experience that combines adventure, relaxed luxury and awe at Madagascar’s natural treasures. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your family, as a couple or with friends, this five-day trip orchestrated by Madagascar Tours Guide will enable you to create unforgettable memories on an unspoilt, intimate island. Don’t wait any longer to make this tropical dream come true: contact Madagascar Tours Guide now to design your tailor-made trip to Nosy Ankao Madagascar and live the adventure your way!

Nosy Ankao Madagascar excursion FAQs

When is the best time to take an excursion to Nosy Ankao?

The best time to visit Nosy Ankao is during the dry season, from April to November. During these months, the climate in northern Madagascar is sunny, with pleasant temperatures (around 25-30°C) and generally calm seas. The period from July to October is particularly popular: not only is it dry and cool, but it’s also the season for watching the humpback whales that migrate into Malagasy waters.

On the other hand, the rainy season (December to March) is not recommended for Nosy Ankao: heavy rainfall and the risk of cyclones in January-February can disrupt helicopter transport and make the sea rough.

What activities are available on Nosy Ankao?

A stay on Nosy Ankao offers a wide range of water sports and outdoor activities. The main activity is snorkeling on the coral reef that surrounds the island. You can also sea kayak or paddle along the coast to discover hidden coves on your own.

Sport fishing (big-game fishing) is another activity available offshore, supervised by local crews to try your hand at catching tuna, swordfish or barracuda. For gliding enthusiasts, Nosy Ankao offers kitesurfing and windsurfing in fine weather, when the wind blows sufficiently in the exposed bays.

On land, a guided walk will take you in search of crowned lemurs in the island’s dense forest. Finally, don’t underestimate the simple pleasures: relaxing and swimming on the sandy beaches, building sandcastles with the kids, or stargazing after dark.

Is a trip to Nosy Ankao suitable for families with children?

Yes, absolutely. This tour is designed to suit families, including those with young children. Nosy Ankao is a safe island, surrounded by calm beaches where children can swim under parental supervision.

Many activities can be adapted for families: for example, a group snorkeling trip with life jackets for younger children, colorful fish spotting in the shallow waters of the lagoon, or beach games (shell hunting, kite flying, etc.).

Madagascar Tours Guide‘ local guides are accustomed to working with families, and will suggest fun discoveries (such as following the tracks of lemurs or teaching children a few Malagasy words). What’s more, villa accommodation on the island offers every comfort for parents and children alike.

How many days should I allow to enjoy Nosy Ankao?

To fully appreciate Nosy Ankao, we recommend spending at least 3 to 4 nights there, the equivalent of 4 to 5 days on site. This minimum duration allows you to soak up the island’s unique atmosphere, take part in several excursions (diving, boat trips in the archipelago, forest walks) and still have time to relax.

Of course, Madagascar Tours Guide can adapt the duration to suit your availability: some families, for example, combine Nosy Ankao with other stages in Madagascar.

Is it possible to visit Nosy Ankao in a single day from Diego Suarez or Nosy Be?

Technically, it is possible to organize an express round trip by helicopter on the same day from Diego Suarez (or even Nosy Be) to visit Nosy Ankao. However, this is not recommended. Indeed, even if the flight only lasts around 40 minutes, the actual time on the island would be very limited – a few hours at most – which would not allow you to really enjoy it.

If you’re on a tight schedule, Madagascar Tours Guide can recommend other islands that are more accessible as day trips (such as Nosy Komba or Nosy Tanikely near Nosy Be, for example), but Nosy Ankao, because of its exclusivity, is best explored over several days.

What type of accommodation is available on Nosy Ankao?

As Nosy Ankao is a private, unspoilt island, there is only one hotel on the island. It’s a luxury ecolodge on a human scale, featuring spacious seaside villas built with respect for the environment.

Each villa offers every comfort: air-conditioned or naturally ventilated rooms, top-of-the-range bedding, modern bathrooms, sometimes even a small private pool or pond, and gourmet catering featuring fresh local produce (fish, tropical fruit, etc.).

Helinirina Raharomanana

Helinirina Raharomanana is an independent guide, founder, and manager of the agency Madagascar Tours Guide. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, he specializes in organizing tailor-made trips across the entire Malagasy territory. Collaborating with a team of experienced guides and drivers, he is dedicated to providing an in-depth exploration of Madagascar’s landscapes, traditions, and customs.