Port information & tips for Nosy Nanto (Ile aux Nattes)
Nosy Nanto, also known as Île aux Nattes, is a paradisiacal jewel off the southern tip of the island of Sainte Marie in Madagascar. This car-free island captivates with its original charm, powdery white sand beaches, and the crystal-clear water of a turquoise lagoon that invites you to dream thanks to its seclusion. Highlights include the historic lighthouse Phare de Blévec with its wide panoramic view over the Indian Ocean, as well as the colorful coral gardens, which offer ideal snorkeling conditions. Since the island does not have a large deep-water port, cruise guests arrive by tender boat directly at the palm-fringed beach or at the central landing pier. From this arrival point, all the sights and picturesque paths of the compact island are easily accessible within a few minutes' walk.
Nosy Nanto, also known as Île aux Nattes, is an idyllic, car-free island off the southern coast of Île Sainte-Marie in Madagascar. A conventional cruise port or terminal in the European sense does not exist here; arrival involves a charming multi-stage journey that includes local transfers and short boat rides.
Airplane (International and National)
Travel from the DACH region typically leads through Antananarivo International Airport (TNR), the capital of Madagascar. From there, domestic onward flights are available with airlines such as Tsaradia (a brand of Air Madagascar) to Sainte Marie Airport (SMS), also known as Ravoraha Airport. This flight takes approximately 50 minutes to one hour. International flights to Antananarivo often have layovers, for example via Paris with Air France.
Transfer & Local Boats
Sainte Marie Airport (SMS) is conveniently located at the southernmost tip of the island, just a few steps away from the strait that separates Île Sainte-Marie from Île aux Nattes. From the airport, you can easily reach the departure point for boats to Nosy Nanto on foot in about 15 minutes or via a short taxi or tuk-tuk transfer. The final crossing to the car-free Île aux Nattes then takes place in a traditional pirogue (canoe) and lasts only five to ten minutes across the narrow channel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel for a Relaxed Arrival
Due to the long international flights to Madagascar and the possibility of delays with domestic flights, it is strongly recommended to arrive at least one day before your scheduled embarkation. Numerous charming accommodations are available both on Île Sainte-Marie and directly on Île aux Nattes to allow you a relaxed start to your cruise adventure or island stay.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Nosy Nanto, also known as Île aux Nattes, is an idyllic, car-free island off the southern coast of Île Sainte-Marie in Madagascar. A conventional cruise port or terminal in the European sense does not exist here; arrival involves a charming multi-stage journey that includes local transfers and short boat rides.
Airplane (International and National)
Travel from the DACH region typically leads through Antananarivo International Airport (TNR), the capital of Madagascar. From there, domestic onward flights are available with airlines such as Tsaradia (a brand of Air Madagascar) to Sainte Marie Airport (SMS), also known as Ravoraha Airport. This flight takes approximately 50 minutes to one hour. International flights to Antananarivo often have layovers, for example via Paris with Air France.
Transfer & Local Boats
Sainte Marie Airport (SMS) is conveniently located at the southernmost tip of the island, just a few steps away from the strait that separates Île Sainte-Marie from Île aux Nattes. From the airport, you can easily reach the departure point for boats to Nosy Nanto on foot in about 15 minutes or via a short taxi or tuk-tuk transfer. The final crossing to the car-free Île aux Nattes then takes place in a traditional pirogue (canoe) and lasts only five to ten minutes across the narrow channel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel for a Relaxed Arrival
Due to the long international flights to Madagascar and the possibility of delays with domestic flights, it is strongly recommended to arrive at least one day before your scheduled embarkation. Numerous charming accommodations are available both on Île Sainte-Marie and directly on Île aux Nattes to allow you a relaxed start to your cruise adventure or island stay.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Arriving at the port of Nosy Nanto immediately immerses you in a relaxed atmosphere and provides quick access to the island's pristine dream beaches. Thanks to the manageable size of the island, all sights are within easy reach.
On Foot
Since the island is completely car-free, you can reach most destinations easily on foot. A relaxed walk around the entire island takes about two to three hours and leads along fine sandy paths through tropical gardens and along the coastline.
Pirogues (Traditional Dugout Canoes)
Traditional pirogues are the most charming means of transport on-site and wait directly along the shorelines. These handcrafted outrigger boats take you safely across the turquoise lagoon to the neighboring island of Sainte-Marie or to remote stretches of beach.
Water Taxis
Motorized water taxis are available at the main landing stages and offer a quick connection to the surrounding coastal towns. These boats allow for a comfortable circumnavigation of the island and are also ideal for guests who wish to reach hotels or restaurants quickly and conveniently.
To experience the untouched beauty of this car-free paradise island at its best, it is recommended to start the day with a traditional pirogue ride and explore the highlights along the picturesque coastal paths at a relaxed pace on foot.
South Beaches & Lagoon
The snow-white sandy beaches around the tip of the island offer an unforgettable postcard panorama and, thanks to the crystal-clear, shallow water, are perfect for snorkeling as well as lingering under coconut palms.
Le Phare de Blévec
The historic lighthouse on the highest point of the island is a wonderful destination for a short walk, and it also rewards visitors with a spectacular panoramic view over the deep blue sea and the adjacent coral reef.
The Green Heart of the Island
The lush vegetation in the interior of the island is home to rare orchids and curious lemurs, making this place ideal for nature observation in an absolutely peaceful atmosphere.
Île aux Nattes
The paradisiacal Île aux Nattes is easily accessible from the pier via a short, picturesque trip in a traditional pirogue and welcomes you with the finest white coral sand and a turquoise lagoon. The beach section around the charming restaurant "Les Lémuriens" in particular offers an excellent infrastructure with shaded areas and the wonderful opportunity to observe curious lemurs directly in the trees. Thanks to the shallow, warm shore zones, this place is perfectly suited for a relaxed swim in the Indian Ocean and also offers first-class photo opportunities of the untouched, tropical nature. Ideally, take advantage of the early morning hours for the crossing to enjoy the idyllic tranquility of the island to the fullest, and plan your return to the ship generously about two hours before departure.
The return to the tender pier on the idyllic Ile aux Nattes usually takes place by water or along picturesque sandy paths. Plan a small time buffer for the relaxed crossing and enjoy the view of the lagoon.
Pirogues (Water Taxis)
Traditional dugout boats are the main form of transport and will take you from the beaches or the southern tip of the neighboring island of Sainte-Marie directly to the agreed meeting point at the pier. You can find these water taxis at any time on the shores in front of larger hotels like the Hotel Les Lemuriens and at the central crossing in the north of the island.
On Foot
On the completely car-free island, you can easily reach the landing pier via well-maintained paths. Orientation is easy thanks to the manageable size, and you can stroll comfortably along the coast from the southernmost beaches or the lighthouse to the central port area in a short time.
Tuk-Tuks and Local Transfers
If your excursion has taken you to the main town of Ambodifotatra on the neighboring island, numerous tuk-tuks are available there for the return journey. These will take you quickly to the southern shore of Sainte-Marie near the airport, where you can transfer directly into a pirogue and reach your ship on time thanks to the well-organized drivers.
