Sainte Marie is one of the top places to go in Madagascar on vacation– experience tropical paradise at its best. The slender 57 km-long granite island of Ile Sainte Marie (the island’s Malagasy name, Nosy Boraha, is rarely used) lies eight km off the coast of eastern Madagascar. Its popularity has increased rapidly in recent years, to the detriment of Ambodifotatra - the capital of the island and its only real town. Yet, Ile Sainte Marie, also know as St Marie Island, still retains considerable charm - particularly in the small villages that dot the interior - and it makes for a relaxing break from the main island. Madagascar tours to Sainte Marie combine and offer you a mix of everything and anything to make your dream vacation a reality! With its long beaches, shallow seas and almost Caribbean flavour, the island has a completely different atmosphere from Nosy Be, which is Madagascar’s other popular resort destination to the north. Sainte Marie is also seen as interest for its several old buildings and for its long history as a pirate haunt. For outdoor-lovers, the island is crossed with many tracks, and offers many opportunities to explore on foot.

Most hotels on Sainte Marie are along the coast south of Ambodifotatra, where the beach is narrow but pleasant. The north-western part of the island is quieter, but more difficult to access. The east coast is relatively rugged and - until recently - undeveloped. It offers some of the better beaches, particularly on the Ampanihy Peninsula, which is separated from main island by the long Baie d'Ampanihy. The tiny Ile aux Nattes, off Ile Sainte Marie's southern tip, also offers lovely beaches to enjoy and relax on. Madagascar tours and vacations to this region are unforgettable…

Rain can be expected all year-round on Ile Sainte Marie, although the weather is usually the least wet from late August to late November. Between December and March, the island is subject to violent cyclones.