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Madagascar boat tour
A boat tour in Madagascar is an exceptional way to discover the island’s rich natural and cultural diversity. With turquoise lagoons, wild rivers, and lush canals, sailing from one site to another gives you access to remote places while traveling at a relaxed pace. With a specialist like Mada Tours Guide (MTG), you will benefit from expert organization, allowing you to travel at the country’s pace… in your own way, with complete peace of mind.
Summary
- Why choose a boat tour in Madagascar?
- Madagascar boat tour : Key destinations
- Madagascar boat tour : Sample 20-Day itinerary
- Madagascar boat tour : Why choose Mada Tours Guide?
- Madagascar boat tour : Frequently asked questions
Why choose a boat tour in Madagascar?
Choosing a boat tour in Madagascar means opting for adventure and authenticity. The country features vast navigable waterways that cross varied landscapes (tropical forests, mangroves, rugged coastlines) and harbor unique wildlife. Traveling by water lets you reach isolated villages and pristine ecosystems far from the usual tourist routes. It’s also a friendly, immersive experience: you’ll witness the daily life of fishermen on the Pangalanes Canal or riverside villages along the Tsiribihina River, sharing special moments with the local population.
Moreover, a boat tour offers a gentler travel pace, alternating moments of adventure (such as camping under the stars) with relaxing stops on beautiful beaches without long, tiring overland journeys.
Madagascar boat tour : Key destinations
Nosy Be and its island archipelago
Nosy Be, off the northwest coast, is an essential stop on any Madagascar boat tour. Known as the “Perfume Island” for its fragrant ylang-ylang plantations, this tropical island is surrounded by an archipelago of idyllic islets. By boat, you can go island-hopping to Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely (a marine park famous for colorful coral reefs and sea turtles), or Nosy Sakatia, a preserved island ideal for snorkeling and swimming with marine life.
Sainte-Marie island (Nosy Boraha)
Off the east coast lies Sainte-Marie Island (Nosy Boraha), known for its authentic charm, protected lagoon and tranquil atmosphere. A boat tour allows you to land and enjoy its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and calm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. From July through September, the crossing to Sainte-Marie becomes magical thanks to humpback whales migrating through the island’s channel to breed. On boat excursions you can see these whales breaching and hear their songs from the sea. Don’t miss the nearby Île aux Nattes to the south (reachable by canoe).
The Tsiribihina river
One of the highlights of western Madagascar is the descent of the Tsiribihina River by traditional boat. Over 3 days of gentle navigation on this tranquil river, you’ll discover spectacular landscapes only accessible by water: ochre sandstone cliffs, hidden waterfalls (like the Anosinampela falls, perfect for a refreshing swim), and wide sandbanks for overnight camping.
The journey on the Tsiribihina is as much a nature experience as it is a human encounter: you’ll pass fishermen’s canoes, hear children laughing on the riverbanks, and spot abundant wildlife (lemurs in the riparian canopy, tropical birds, and even chameleons). Each evening you’ll camp on the wild riverbank, gathered around a friendly campfire under an exceptionally starry sky.
Pangalanes Canal
On the east coast, the Pangalanes Canal offers a peaceful voyage through a chain of coastal lakes and lagoons linking picturesque lakeside villages. More than 600 km long and running parallel to the Indian Ocean, it was developed during colonial times and remains an important transportation route for the eastern Malagasy people.
Cruising the Pangalanes by boat means traveling through landscapes of tropical forest and riverside Betsimisaraka fishing villages: you’ll see slender canoes carrying bunches of bananas or firewood, barges loaded with goods, and children waving from the shores as you pass by.
Southwest Coast with a Vezo Pirogue
For lovers of lagoons and coastal adventure, Madagascar’s southwest coast (from Ifaty and Anakao down to Morombe) is a perfect setting for a traditional boat tour. Here you can cruise in a pirogue Vezo. On board with a Vezo crew, you’ll sail along a coastline of deserted beaches and turquoise lagoons protected by a coral reef.
Each day, you stop at tiny islets or isolated fishing villages: an opportunity to share in the Vezo way of life (centered around fishing) and to enjoy freshly grilled fish on the beach at sunset. The Vezo coast arguably offers Madagascar’s most beautiful sunsets, with the sight of sailboats returning to shore against the glowing horizon.
Madagascar boat tour : Sample 20-Day itinerary
Here is a sample 20-day boat tour itinerary in Madagascar. This tour skillfully alternates boat stages with land journeys, at a moderate pace that allows time to fully enjoy each place. It includes moments of adventure (camping in the wild) and comfort (beachfront hotels), so you can experience everything Madagascar has to offer.
| Day | Itinerary | Main Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Antananarivo (arrival) | Arrival in Antananarivo, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest and begin exploring Madagascar’s capital city (depending on arrival time, you might enjoy a short visit to the city center or the artisanal market). |
| Day 2 | Antananarivo - Pangalanes Canal (Manambato → Akanin’ny Nofy) | Early drive east (5h) to Manambato on Lake Rasoabe. Board a boat on the Pangalanes Canal (a series of coastal lakes and lagoons). Cruise to Akanin’ny Nofy where a lodge sits on Lake Ampitabe. Overnight in a bungalow by the canal. |
| Day 3 | Pangalanes Canal - Tamatave | Continue cruising north along the Pangalanes Canal. Observe local life on the water: fishermen’s canoes loaded with bananas and wood, stilt villages on the shore, and lush tropical vegetation (palms, travellers’ palms). Arrive in Tamatave (Toamasina) in the afternoon. Check in to the hotel and enjoy a relaxed tour of this lively port city. |
| Day 4 | Tamatave - Soanierana Ivongo - Sainte-Marie Island | Coastal drive north (3h) to the village of Soanierana Ivongo. Board a local ferry or boat for the 1.5h sea crossing to Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie) off the east coast. Arrive in Sainte-Marie by late afternoon. Check in to a beachfront hotel. |
| Day 5 | Sainte-Marie Island | Full day exploring Sainte-Marie Island: relax on its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and swim in the calm turquoise lagoon. Optional visits include historical sites (the pirate cemetery, old forts) or biking through local villages. Between July and September, you can take a whale-watching excursion (humpback whales migrate here during these months). |
| Day 6 | Sainte-Marie Island → Île aux Nattes (excursion) | Excursion by pirogue (dugout canoe) to the small Île aux Nattes, south of Sainte-Marie. Spend the day on this paradisiacal islet where time seems to stand still: pristine beaches, snorkeling on the reef, and walking through tiny village paths. Return to Sainte-Marie by late afternoon. |
| Day 7 | Sainte-Marie Island - Antananarivo (flight) | Morning at leisure on Sainte-Marie’s beaches. In the afternoon, transfer to Sainte-Marie airport for a domestic flight to Antananarivo (Tana). Arrive in Tana by late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight in the capital. (Alternatively: If no flights are available, a two-day return by boat and road to Tana can be arranged.) |
| Day 8 | Antananarivo - Miandrivazo (by road) | After breakfast, depart westward (8h by car) to Miandrivazo. Cross the Central Highlands and descend onto the western plains. Arrive in Miandrivazo, a small town on the banks of the Tsiribihina River. Prepare logistics for the river expedition ahead. Overnight in a simple hotel in Miandrivazo. |
| Day 9 | Miandrivazo - Tsiribihina River (Day 1) | This morning, board a traditional boat (or motorized barge) and begin the descent of the Tsiribihina River. Enjoy peaceful navigation along the brown river water, flanked by wild riverbanks and ochre cliffs. Watch for wildlife: herons, waterfowl, and bats among the cliffs. Camp on a sandy riverbank under the stars. Evenings around the campfire create a warm, convivial atmosphere in nature. |
| Day 10 | Tsiribihina River (Day 2) | Continue down the Tsiribihina through dramatic landscapes. Stop at the hidden Anosinampela waterfall nestled in greenery for a refreshing swim in its natural pool. Cruise past gorges and riverine forests, where you may spot sifaka lemurs in the treetops. Observe Malagasy river life: isolated village children waving from the banks, and fishermen in pirogues. Camp on a beach under tents, lulled by the sounds of nature. |
| Day 11 | Tsiribihina River (Day 3) - Belo-sur-Tsiribihina | Complete the river descent by mid-morning as you arrive in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. Disembark and bid farewell to the boat crew. In the afternoon, travel by 4x4 over rough tracks (4h) toward the coast, heading for Morondava. En route, stop at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset: the majestic baobab trees silhouetted against the orange sky create an unforgettable spectacle. Arrive in Morondava in the evening and check in to the hotel. |
| Day 12 | Morondava (Coastal Leisure) | Free day around Morondava, a small coastal town on the west. You can relax on the beach (e.g., Kimony Beach), visit the nearby fishing village of Betania by pirogue, or arrange an excursion to Kirindy Reserve (1.5h drive) to see sifakas, fossas, and other endemic wildlife. Late afternoon, you may wish to return to the Avenue of the Baobabs for a second sunset. Overnight in Morondava. |
| Day 13 | Morondava - Toliara (flight) - Ifaty | Transfer to Morondava airport in the morning. Fly to Toliara (Tuléar) on the southwest coast. Upon arrival, meet your driver and travel 25 km north to the seaside village of Ifaty on the lagoon. Check in to an eco-lodge by the sea in Ifaty. Afternoon at leisure: swim in the turquoise lagoon, snorkel on the nearby coral reef (Ranobe reef), or visit the local Vezo fishing village to get a first glimpse of Malagasy coastal culture. Overnight in Ifaty. |
| Day 14 | Ifaty - Ankasy Bay - Tsiandamba | Begin a cruise by traditional Vezo pirogue along the southwest coast. Embark from Ifaty with a Vezo fisherman crew. Sail in the blue lagoon along a pristine shoreline. First stop at Ankasy Bay, known for its crystal-clear water and tranquility. Continue to the fishing village of Tsiandamba. Meet the local residents and experience an authentic fishing village way of life. Camp on the beach. |
| Day 15 | Tsiandamba - Salary Bay - Andravony | Awaken by the water’s edge. Sail toward Salary Bay, known for its long white sand beach and well-preserved reef. Stop for snorkeling to admire the coral. Then continue to the village of Andravony. Explore this small village and walk along its untouched emerald-green beach. Camp on the beach, enjoying a barbecue of freshly caught fish over a wood fire. |
| Day 16 | Andravony - Ambatomilo - Bay of Assassins | Morning navigation to Ambatomilo, another coastal village surrounded by a beautiful lagoon. Then head to the mysterious Bay of Assassins (Baie des Assassins), a broad, secluded bay with calm waters. Explore the surrounding mangrove and look for seabirds. In the evening, sit by the campfire and camp wild on a beach of the bay. |
| Day 17 | Bay of Assassins - Andavadoaka | Depart for the village of Andavadoaka, known for its turquoise lagoon and nearby coral formations (the Belo-sur-Mer reef is close by). Arrive in Andavadoaka by afternoon. Free time to swim, stroll in the village or go diving (optional) on one of the region’s renowned sites. Camp on the beach under the casuarina trees, listening to the waves. |
| Day 18 | Andavadoaka - Islets near Morombe | Final leg of the Vezo cruise northward: sail among small wild islets south of Morombe. Stop on deserted islet beaches for swimming and exploration. Watch colonies of seabirds on the rocks. Arrive near Morombe late in the day. Camp on a sandbank or beach before Morombe to enjoy the exceptional starry sky of southern Madagascar. |
| Day 19 | Morombe - Toliara (Return) | Morning boat ride into Morombe. End of the pirogue expedition. A waiting vehicle will transfer you by off-road tracks back to Toliara (several hours) or, depending on availability, a speedboat ride back to Toliara. Arrive in Toliara by afternoon. Check in to the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner of seafood. |
| Day 20 | Toliara - Antananarivo (flight) | Transfer to Toliara airport. Fly back to Antananarivo. Arrive in the capital at midday. Afternoon free for rest at the hotel or to shop for souvenirs (e.g., Andravoahangy craft market or local specialty stores). Overnight in Antananarivo. |
Madagascar boat tour : Why choose Mada Tours Guide?
Opting for Mada Tours Guide (MTG) brings you the expertise of a recognized local agency and many advantages for your grand tour:
- Turnkey, all-inclusive service: MTG takes care of all logistical details of your trip. Airport transfers, internal transportation (private minibus, 4×4 with driver, boats, domestic flights), accommodations at each stop, local guides in national parks… everything is included, as well as most meals and park/reserve entrance fees. You know in advance what’s covered, avoiding any budget surprises.
- Customizable & flexible itineraries: The itinerary is tailored to your interests, group composition and pace. With MTG, you can add an extra stop, extend a beach stay or insert additional breaks for younger travelers, for example. Every tour is fully personalized to suit your preferences.
- Professional & friendly local guides: Throughout the tour you’ll be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide who is passionate about Madagascar. He will ensure your comfort and safety, introduce you to authentic local spots, and share anecdotes about Malagasy culture and nature. The boat excursions are handled by qualified local crews (sailors, trackers) selected by MTG for a smooth, worry-free experience.
- Varied experiences in comfort: MTG finds the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. You will enjoy unforgettable moments (like camping on a remote beach or sailing a traditional canoe) while regularly staying in comfortable accommodations (boutique hotels, lodges with pools) to refresh. Quality camping equipment is provided for wilderness nights, and more upscale alternatives can be arranged at certain stages for added comfort. Full board (all meals) is included, allowing you to savor authentic Malagasy cuisine alongside international dishes to suit all tastes.
Madagascar boat tour : Frequently asked questions
What is the best season for a boat tour in Madagascar?
The dry season, from April through November, is ideal for a boat tour in Madagascar. During these months weather conditions are more favorable: there is less rain (the heavy rains run from December to March), temperatures are cooler and the seas are generally calm. Avoid the height of the rainy season (January–February) due to cyclones in the Indian Ocean and swollen rivers.
Do I need any special navigation skills?
Not at all. Boat tours organized by MTG are led by professional crews. You do not need to know how to sail or even how to swim (though being at ease in the water can be a plus). The boats used (motorized canoes, sailing yachts with a skipper, barges, etc.) are piloted by experienced local sailors who know Madagascar’s waters intimately. Life jackets and all necessary safety gear are provided. Your only role is to enjoy the scenery!
Are boat tours suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes, absolutely, provided the itinerary is well organized. A boat tour with Mada Tours Guide can accommodate families with children as well as seniors. The itinerary is adjusted to avoid overly long or strenuous days: for example, we include frequent breaks and we plan activities that appeal to younger travelers (like observing lemurs or feeding sea turtles). We also alternate navigation days with land stops so everyone can stretch their legs. The boats carry child life jackets and the crew looks after everyone’s safety. Similarly, the program can be adapted for seniors (assistance with boarding/disembarking, optional land excursions based on physical fitness).
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.