Port information & tips for Port d'Ehoala
Port d’Ehoala is the gateway to the wild south of Madagascar and welcomes travelers to one of the most untouched regions of the Indian Ocean. The modern port facility is picturesquely situated between rugged mountains and the deep blue sea, impressing with its calm, natural atmosphere and proximity to unique ecosystems. Within direct reach, the Nahampoana Reserve beckons with its trusting lemurs and botanical diversity, as does the beautiful Libanona beach, which invites you to relax. In addition, the Mandena Conservation Zone offers fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna. Ships dock at the state-of-the-art deep-water terminal of Port d’Ehoala, from which the city center of Fort Dauphin, located about ten kilometers away, can be easily reached thanks to available shuttles or taxis.
Port d'Ehoala in Madagascar is a modern deep-water port near the city of Tôlanaro (formerly Fort Dauphin), which receives cruise ships in addition to its primary industrial business. The port area is primarily industrial in nature and does not offer traditional cruise terminal amenities.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region usually involves a long-haul flight to the international airport of Antananarivo (TNR), followed by a domestic flight. The nearest airport to Port d'Ehoala is Tolanaro Airport (FTU), also known as Marillac Airport or Fort Dauphin Airport. This is located approximately 5 to 10 kilometers from the port and the city of Tôlanaro. The flight time from Antananarivo to Tolanaro is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Due to the long travel time from Europe, we recommend flight planning that includes an overnight stay before embarkation to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Tolanaro Airport (FTU), you can easily reach the port or the city of Tôlanaro by taxi, with the journey taking only a few minutes and costing around 1-2 USD. For cruise guests arriving directly at Port d'Ehoala, free shuttle buses are also offered from the port to the city center of Fort Dauphin (Tôlanaro). These shuttles are highly recommended, as the approximately 6 to 10 kilometer long route between the port and the city leads through an industrial zone and is not safe or practical on foot. The journey time is approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times and the required domestic flights to Madagascar, arriving a day before the embarkation date is particularly advisable. An overnight stay in one of the hotels in Tôlanaro (Fort Dauphin), such as the Talinjoo Hotel or the Lavasoa Hotel, allows you a relaxed start to your cruise and offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding area at the same time. This way, you avoid stress on embarkation day and can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Madagascar even before setting sail.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
