Madagascar · Local experts
Île Sainte-Marie
Long, narrow, palm-lined and quiet. Sainte-Marie sits in the path of the humpback whale migration: from July to early September the channel between the island and the mainland fills with calving whales. The rest of the year, it's a beach.
Why Île Sainte-Marie
One of the regions we know best
We've spent years sending travellers across Île Sainte-Marie in every season. The trips below are built around the routes that work — the quiet ones, the beautiful ones, the ones with great food at the end of the day.
If none of them quite fit, get in touch. We'll happily build you a private version, shaped around your interests, fitness and pace.
How we travel here
Three ways to experience Île Sainte-Marie
Wildlife & Lemurs
Wildlife & Lemurs in Île Sainte-Marie
Naturalist-led walks at dawn and dusk in the parks. Local guides who can name every species we'll see — and know where to find them.
- ▲2–4h walks per day
- ▲Easy–Moderate
- ▲April–November best
- ▲Photography-friendly pace
Trekking & Adventure
Trekking & Adventure in Île Sainte-Marie
Multi-day treks through the Tsingy, Andringitra and the Makay massif. Sandstone canyons, suspension bridges and remote camps for travellers who want to walk further.
- ▲4–8h trekking days
- ▲Moderate–Expedition
- ▲May–October best
- ▲Porter support included
Beach & Relaxation
Beach & Relaxation in Île Sainte-Marie
Slow days on Nosy Be, Sainte-Marie and the south-west coast. Snorkelling, dhow trips, and the Indian Ocean at the end of a long, dry road.
- ▲3–7 night beach extensions
- ▲All ages
- ▲Year-round on the coast
- ▲Whale-shark snorkel Sept–Dec
Our trips
Trips in Île Sainte-Marie
6 trips built and led by our local Malagasy guides — from gentle wildlife weeks to long crossings of the country.
Build your own trip →
Meet your guides
Designed and led by local experts
We live in Île Sainte-Marie. We walk these trails, ride these roads and eat in these villages every week. When you book with us, you'll usually speak directly to one of the people who'll be guiding you.
Meet the whole team →
Hasina Rakoto
Management
Quality assurance, sales and communication.
Ravaka Rasoanaivo
Management
Product development, sustainability and marketing.
Patricia Andrianjaka
Tour operations manager
Backoffice — keeps every trip running smoothly on the ground.
Kennedy Razafy
Reservations & group tour operations
Backoffice — bookings, group logistics and guest care.
Ready to plan your trip to Île Sainte-Marie?
Tell us roughly when, who's travelling and what kind of pace you like. We'll send back a draft itinerary within 24 hours, no payment until you're happy with the plan.
Plan your trip