Offering an ‘alternative’ beach holiday destination, Madagascar has 1,800 miles of gorgeous beaches, palm-fringed shorelines, bountiful off shore islands and colourful coral reefs teeming with life.  Providing an assortment of options, Madagascar is guaranteed to provide for those looking for a unique yet sun drenched beach holiday. 

Ile Sainte-Marie
 
Known to the Malagasy as Nosy Boraha, this island off the east coast of Madagascar is a hot spot for whale watching.  Between July and October, substantial groups of humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to this idyllic breeding place.  The lagoon of Sainte-Marie is endowed with significant coralline growth, making it safe from the threat of sharks.  The underwater ecosystem is preserved as a natural heritage site and is a first-class diving site in the Indian Ocean.  While there’s plenty of scope for sunbathing and relaxing thanks to the sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, Ile Sainte-Marie rewards the more active visitor, with plenty of exciting water sports on offer.  As well as the stunning scenery and adventure options, Ile Sainte-Marie also boasts an intriguing history; during the late 1600s, the island was a haven for piracy.  Sainte-Marie provided shelter and advantageous look out points for pirates, allowing them to plunder the approaching merchant ships. 

Ifaty
 
Ifaty is a beautiful coastal area with an unforgettable island atmosphere, boasting a gorgeous aquamarine lagoon that laps against sugar-white beaches.  The condition of the roads may make it a little difficult to get to, but the bumpy journey will be more than worth it once you reach this stretch of isolated paradise.  An ideal haven for those visitors who are eager to snorkel, visitors can observe wrasse, cowfish, angelfish and pipefish –and the occasional shark – all in their natural habitat.  Beach fishing, diving, kite surfing and horse riding along the lagoon are also available, all offering a different and relaxing beach experience.  There are several hotels accessible across the island, many built out of traditional materials that blend in harmoniously with the environment, providing a truly rustic and traditional feel.  Ifaty is also a place of great interest to birdwatchers and botanical enthusiasts alike, with two of Madagascar’s most threatened birds often seen perched in the surrounding trees. 

Nosy Be
 
This large volcanic island eight kilometres off the northern coast is the most popular location for visitors seeking beach relaxation.  Nosy Be has escaped the modern upgrades of the 21st Century, and it is the quiet and quaint old fashioned charm that makes it such a favourite amongst sun seekers.  With only one resort, Nosy Be remains unspoilt by mass tourism.  Spectacular viewpoints overlooking the jagged coastline and vast ocean can be easily accessed.  Fringed with coral reef and pristine sandy beaches, the warm turquoise sea remains shallow and calm for miles, making it ideal for gentle swims.  The island is home to some of Madagascar’s best snorkelling sports, and offers a wealth of water-based activities, including shark swimming.  The surrounding vegetation supports some remarkable fauna, including a miniature frog that grows to only one centimetre long, and the world’s smallest chameleon; this pygmy breed only grows to roughly the length of a fingernail. 
 
Nosy Iranja
 
Tranquil twin islands south west of Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja Be (big) and Nosy Iranja Kely (small) are connected by a sand bar that seems to magically appear at low tide.  Offering an exclusive getaway for those who wish to spoil themselves with a little piece of paradise, both islands have gently flowing powder white beaches, surrounded by coconut palms, Filaos trees and exotic flowers that perfume the air with their sweet and delicate fragrance.  Nature walks through the tropical undergrowth can reveal various bird and reptile species at every turn, and whilst a stroll along the beach will unearth huge coconut crabs and nesting marine turtles.  The islands are an important breeding site for hawksbill turtles, allowing guests to learn about these creatures and, with a spot of luck, watch turtles hatching at night.  Other activities to indulge in during your time in this perfect sanctuary include water-skiing, kayaking, fishing and sailing.

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