Excursion to Nosy Iranja
Perched off the northwestern coast of Madagascar, Nosy Iranja consists of two coral‑sand islets linked by a white sandbar that appears at low tide. Between its immaculate beaches, turquoise lagoon and marine turtles, this excursion to Nosy Iranja is one of the most beautiful adventures offered to visitors of the Nosy Be archipelago. With Mada Tours Guide (MTG), a specialist in tailor‑made travel across Madagascar, this experience becomes a balanced stay combining discovery, relaxation and human encounters.
Summary
- About Nosy Iranja
- Why choose a Excursion to Nosy Iranja?
- Four-Day excursion to Nosy Iranja
- Why choose Mada Tours Guide for your Excursion to Nosy Iranja?
- FAQ about this Nosy Iranja excursion
About Nosy Iranja
Nosy Iranja lies about 40 kilometres (25 mi) southwest of Nosy Be in the Mozambique Channel. It is made up of two distinct islands: Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely. The two islets are linked by a nearly 2‑kilometre (1.2 mi) white sandbar that emerges at low tide and disappears when the sea rises.
From the air this natural formation resembles a bright ribbon floating on a deep blue sea. Nosy Iranja Be, the larger island, is home to a small fishing village, a school and a lighthouse built in the early 20th century. Nosy Iranja Kely, the smaller island, hosts an eco‑hotel and beach activities. The white sand beaches and clear lagoon evoke the scenery of the Maldives.
Beyond its spectacular landscapes, Nosy Iranja offers remarkable biodiversity. The main islet is a nesting site for sea turtles: green and hawksbill turtles lay their eggs there at night. In season you can watch tiny hatchlings making their way to the ocean at dawn.
The shallow waters teem with colourful fish, starfish and corals. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are protected, allowing rich snorkeling and diving experiences. Dense tropical vegetation covers the interior of the islets and shelters varied birdlife. The islands are accessible only by boat.
Why choose a Excursion to Nosy Iranja ?
An excursion to Nosy Iranja offers the chance to discover a protected double island famous for its spectacular sandbar and sea turtles. This destination is ideal for families as well as couples seeking dreamlike scenery. Visitors can swim in a clear lagoon, walk along the sandbar that links the two islets, admire the colonial lighthouse, visit the small village and share a meal with the fishermen.
Nosy Iranja is also a snorkeler’s paradise: its transparent waters abound with tropical fish, and the coral reefs provide an experience accessible even to beginners. The island sees little traffic thanks to its boat‑only access, making it perfect for moments of relaxation on deserted beaches or nature exploration.
Four-Day excursion to Nosy Iranja
Here is a sample four-day itinerary to discover Nosy Iranja and its surroundings. Designed at a relaxed pace, this program suits families and couples alike. The circuit begins and ends in Nosy Be and uses only boat and local road transfers.
| Day | Itinerary | Activities & Discoveries | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nosy Be - Nosy Iranja | Transfer from your hotel in Nosy Be to the port of Ambatoloaka. Board a fast boat (about 1 h 30) to Nosy Iranja. Upon arrival, settle into your bungalow. Discover the fishing village and the colonial lighthouse. Take a free hike to the island’s highest point for a panorama of the sandbar. Dinner of grilled fish. | Eco-bungalow on Nosy Iranja Be or local lodge |
| Day 2 | Nosy Iranja | Breakfast overlooking the sea. Morning walk along the sandbar to Nosy Iranja Kely to enjoy deserted beaches. Guided snorkeling around the coral reef: observe tropical fish and turtles. Picnic lunch under the casuarina trees. Afternoon free to relax or take a sea-kayak excursion. Return to Nosy Iranja Be to watch the sunset. | Same accommodation as the previous night |
| Day 3 | Nosy Iranja - Lobster Island - Nosy Iranja | Boat excursion to a nearby islet nicknamed “Lobster Island” (about 30 minutes of navigation). Optional traditional fishing with local fishermen. Lunch on the island: savour lobsters or seafood. Snorkeling on a new reef site. Return to Nosy Iranja in late afternoon for a stroll to the lighthouse and through the village. | Same accommodation |
| Day 4 | Nosy Iranja - Nosy Be | Final morning swim on the beach. Visit a local sea‑turtle conservation association (if open). Boat ride back to Nosy Be around midday. Arrive at Ambatoloaka. End of the tour. | Not applicable (end of circuit) |
After these Four Days you will leave Nosy Iranja with unforgettable memories. This short excursion to Nosy Iranja is designed to fit easily into a longer stay in Nosy Be. It perfectly embodies the spirit of Mada Tours Guide: “Travel at the country’s pace, your way.”
You may personalize the itinerary by extending your stay on the island or adding optional experiences such as scuba diving or visiting Lokobe Reserve in Nosy Be.
Why choose Mada Tours Guide for your Excursion to Nosy Iranja ?
Mada Tours Guide (MTG) is a locally based travel agency specializing in tailor-made tours across Madagascar. Here’s why travelers entrust MTG with their Nosy Iranja adventures:
- Complete, All-Inclusive Organization : MTG handles all logistics including transfers, boat transport, accommodations, meals, and guides. You can simply relax and enjoy your trip. Most packages include full board featuring fresh seafood and optional activities like snorkeling or kayaking.
- Experienced Local Guides : MTG’s guides are natives of the region and know Nosy Iranja intimately. They’ll show you the island’s hidden corners, pristine reefs, and cultural heritage (including the historic lighthouse and fishing traditions). Their guidance ensures an authentic and enriching experience.
- Safety and Comfort : Boats used are modern and equipped with life jackets. Selected accommodations meet hygiene and safety standards, offering simple yet charming comfort (bungalows with mosquito nets and showers). MTG also provides professional snorkeling and hiking supervision to ensure participant safety.
- Sustainable Tourism Commitment : MTG actively supports environmental conservation. Excursions often include visits to local sea-turtle protection or reforestation initiatives. The agency raises awareness about the fragility of coral ecosystems and promotes responsible behavior (no shell collection or coral stepping). By choosing MTG, you directly contribute to community-based sustainable tourism.
- Program Flexibility : Every tour can be customized to match your schedule, interests, and comfort level. Extend your stay on Nosy Be, add a cruise to nearby islands like Nosy Sakatia or Nosy Komba, or combine the excursion with a broader journey across Madagascar.
A trip to Nosy Iranja is an unforgettable highlight for anyone visiting Madagascar. With its gleaming sandbank, sea turtles, and coral reefs, it stands as a true gem of the Indian Ocean.
Accompanied by Mada Tours Guide, you’ll explore this paradise with peace of mind and enjoy a fully personalized itinerary. Every detail is carefully arranged so you can savor each moment.
Don’t hesitate, treat yourself to this once-in-a-lifetime journey and feel the magic of Nosy Iranja, at your own pace.
FAQ about this Excursion to Nosy Iranja
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.