Île Sainte-Marie, known (more formally) as Nosy Boraha [ˈnuʃ buˈrahə̥], is an island off the east coast of Madagascar. The main town is Ambodifotatra. The island was a popular base for pirates during the 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous vestiges of this history can be found on Sainte Marie including a pirate cemetery.
Safe from sharks, the lagoon of Sainte Marie Island is endowed with significant coralline growth. Its underwater fauna is preserved as a natural heritage and first-class diving site in the Indian ocean. The island is also visited by humpback whales during their mating season from July to September.
Things to See & Do
* Whale watching
* Scuba diving
* Snorkeling
General Information
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Language – Malagasy, French
Land Area – 600 km²
Population – 16,400 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT plus three hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 261
Travel Links - This small island is accessible by sea and air. The planes start from Tananarive and land there after 1h flight or from Toamasina with just 15mn from take-off.
By sea, one can start from Toamasina driving the road towards Soanierana Ivongo then rent a boat from there, where local or fast patrol boats make the shuttle.