Catamaran in Nosy Be: your guide to a perfect day at sea
Gliding under sail over turquoise water, dropping anchor off a deserted beach, swimming above the coral and then watching the sun set over the sea: a catamaran trip in Nosy Be is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the archipelago. Here are the possible formats, the islands you can reach, the best season and our tips for choosing well.
Why choose a catamaran?
A catamaran sits on two hulls: it is more stable than a classic sailboat and offers plenty of space, with nets at the front to relax in the sun and a shaded lounge. It is a comfortable option for couples, families and small groups who want to enjoy the sea at an easy pace.
- Catamaran: stable, spacious, sailing, ideal for a relaxing day.
- Speedboat: faster for visiting several islands in one day.
- Traditional dugout canoe: perfect for short crossings, for example to the Lokobe forest.
Possible formats
- Half day: sailing, swimming and snorkelling near Nosy Be.
- Full day: one or more islands, swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board or on an island, depending on the route.
- Sunset: a late afternoon at sea to watch the sun disappear over the horizon.
All our catamaran trips are private and on request: duration, route and meals are adjusted to your group.
Islands you can reach
- Nosy Tanikely: a marine reserve known for snorkelling, with turtles and tropical fish.
- Nosy Komba: the island of lemurs and its craft village.
- Nosy Sakatia: a quiet island known for its sea turtles.
- Nosy Iranja: the famous sandbank linking two islands, further away, best planned as a full day.
The final route always depends on the weather, the wind and the tides. The captain has the final say on sailing conditions.
When is the best time?
| April – June | End of the rains, green island, sea usually calm |
| July – August | Dry season, high season: book early |
| September – November | Dry season, often calm sea and warm water |
| December – March | Rainy season: showers and sometimes rough sea, keep your plans flexible |
Between July and November you may come across humpback whales or whale sharks, depending on the period. These are wild animals: no sighting is ever guaranteed.
What to bring
- Reef-friendly sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Swimsuit, towel and a light T-shirt against the sun
- Mask and snorkel if you have your own (to be confirmed when booking)
- A dry bag for your phone and camera
- Seasickness medication if you are prone to it
Price and booking
The price of a catamaran trip depends on the duration, group size, route, meals and season. That is why we do not publish a fixed price: send us your dates and group size, and we will make you a tailor-made proposal.
To plan the rest of your stay, see our Nosy Be excursions page and our Nosy Be excursion prices guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catamaran trip in Nosy Be cost?
The price depends on the duration, group size, route and season. We prepare a tailor-made proposal once we have your dates and group size.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not to enjoy the sailing. For swimming and snorkelling, let us know in advance if some travellers do not swim.
Is a catamaran suitable for children?
Yes, its stability and space make it a comfortable option for families. Tell us the children's ages when you ask for a quote.
Can we do a sunset cruise?
Yes, the sunset cruise is one of the possible formats, on request and depending on sea conditions.