Excursions and Activities in Sainte-Marie

From July through mid-September, humpback whales come to give birth in the Sainte-Marie Channel. Each tour is led by a guide certified by Cétamada.

Half-day trip or private trip.

A boat trip to a secluded islet: white sand, clear water, and colorful seabeds, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and photography. Half-day · Can be combined with a visit to Île aux Nattes.

Every day except Tuesday and Thursday.

A must: an outrigger canoe crossing, a guided tour of this peaceful little island, 360° viewpoints, lunch at a local restaurant, snorkeling, and swimming.

Half-day or full day. Every day.

Sail along the west coast of Sainte-Marie to Cocobay, a coconut grove right on the beach. On the agenda: grilled fish for lunch and swimming among the corals.

Full day. Lunch included.

Set out to explore the east coast, the wildest side of Sainte-Marie. Clipper Bay Beach, mangroves crisscrossed by canoes, villages and plantations fragrant with vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.

Full day · A driver's license is required to ride an ATV.

A half-day tour in the southern part of the island, following in the footsteps of the pirates who landed there from 1680 to 1730: the pirates’ cemetery, Madagascar’s oldest Catholic church, and historical ruins.

Half-day. Morning or afternoon, by ATV or 4x4. Admission included

Our favorite: the roads of the North, a swim at the waterfall, then Cocobay—a coconut grove by the sea—for a barbecue featuring fish and seasonal fruits before heading back at sunset.

Full day · Barbecue included

With Bora Dive & Kite, a PADI-certified center: Bubble Maker for ages 8 and up, introductory dives for ages 10 and up, followed by wreck dives, coral reef dives, and night dives. Courses range from Open Water to Divemaster. From July through September, you can dive to the sound of whales.

Every day, depending on the weather.

A sheltered lagoon and steady trade winds from late May through September: the east coast of Sainte-Marie is perfect for kitesurfing. Bora Dive & Kite welcomes you there for introductory lessons, advanced training, or equipment rentals.

Period: May through September

Looking for some thrills? The towable tube is fun for all ages—no experience necessary—and seasoned water sports enthusiasts can try their hand at water skiing or wakeboarding. For a more leisurely pace, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking let you explore the lagoon at your own pace.

Every day, by reservation.