Madagascar· 8 days · Guided
The Ancient Pirates Refuge
▲▲▲▲▲Easy
Nosy Boraha, or "Sainte Marie Island", is a tropical paradise located in the northeast of Madagascar. For two centuries, this island was the den of pirates and they even left their souls there, thus their cemetery near the "Ile aux Forbans". Every year, humpback whales reproduce and give birth one year after their idyll, always in the tropical waters of Madagascar. Sainte Marie is also full of history and various activities such as the discovery of the natural swimming pool, the discovery of the first church of Madagascar. It also has a luxuriant vegetation. You will find exceptional diving spots, dream beaches and even forest trails that will delight nature lovers.
About this trip
A trip we'd happily do again next month
Nosy Boraha, or "Sainte Marie Island", is a tropical paradise located in the northeast of Madagascar. For two centuries, this island was the den of pirates and they even left their souls there, thus their cemetery near the "Ile aux Forbans". Every year, humpback whales reproduce and give birth one year after their idyll, always in the tropical waters of Madagascar. Sainte Marie is also full of history and various activities such as the discovery of the natural swimming pool, the discovery of the first church of Madagascar. It also has a luxuriant vegetation. You will find exceptional diving spots, dream beaches and even forest trails that will delight nature lovers.
This is one of our signature guided journeys in Madagascar. We've walked it many times — alone, with friends, with our own families — and we've shaped it into something we're genuinely proud of.
You'll be in a small group, led by a local guide who knows the trails, the families along the way, and the best place to stop for lunch. Nothing rushed. Nothing generic.
Glimpses of the trip
Photos from the trail
Day by day
Your 8-day itinerary
A draft of how the trip flows — every itinerary is fine-tuned around your group, fitness and pace before we book anything.
- 01+
Arrival in Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to your accommodation.
Arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to your accommodation.
- 02+
Antananarivo – Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)
Fly to Nosy Boraha, “Sainte Marie Island”, a tropical paradise in the northeast of Madagascar that was the den of pirates for two centuries.
Fly to Nosy Boraha, “Sainte Marie Island”, a tropical paradise in the northeast of Madagascar that was the den of pirates for two centuries.
- 03+
Ambodifotatra & pirate history
Discovery of the town of Ambodifotatra, the pirate cemetery near the “Ile aux Forbans” and the first church of Madagascar.
Discovery of the town of Ambodifotatra, the pirate cemetery near the “Ile aux Forbans” and the first church of Madagascar.
- 04+
Natural pools of Ambodiatafana
Discovery of the natural swimming pools of Ambodiatafana amid the island’s luxuriant vegetation and forest trails.
Discovery of the natural swimming pools of Ambodiatafana amid the island’s luxuriant vegetation and forest trails.
- 05+
Ile aux Nattes & lighthouse
Excursion and tour of the Ile aux Nattes with discovery of the lighthouse, exceptional diving spots and dream beaches.
Excursion and tour of the Ile aux Nattes with discovery of the lighthouse, exceptional diving spots and dream beaches.
- 06+
Beaches of Sainte Marie
Swimming and relaxation on the paradisiacal beaches of Sainte Marie, with humpback whales in the surrounding tropical waters in season.
Swimming and relaxation on the paradisiacal beaches of Sainte Marie, with humpback whales in the surrounding tropical waters in season.
- 07+
Sainte Marie – Antananarivo & Ambohimanga
Return flight to Antananarivo and discovery of the city of Antananarivo and of Ambohimanga, cradle of the Merina monarchy classified as world heritage by UNESCO.
Return flight to Antananarivo and discovery of the city of Antananarivo and of Ambohimanga, cradle of the Merina monarchy classified as world heritage by UNESCO.
- 08+
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Like the look of it?
Tell us when you're thinking of coming — we'll send you a draft within 24 hours.
What's included
Everything that's covered
- ✓Local guide throughout
- ✓All accommodation in selected guesthouses & hotels
- ✓Daily breakfast and most dinners
- ✓Luggage transfers between stages
- ✓All ground transport during the trip
- ✓Detailed route notes and maps
Not included
What you'll arrange yourself
- —International flights to/from Madagascar
- —Madagascar visa (€35 on arrival)
- —Travel insurance
- —Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Request this trip
Tell us a little, we'll send you a draft
Roughly when, who's travelling and what kind of pace you like — that's all we need. We'll reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and a price. No payment until you're happy with the plan.
Or WhatsApp us directly: +261 32 40 607 07
8 days · Guided
The Ancient Pirates Refuge