Nosy Be.
Flight from TLV
7h 9m
Best season
מאי–אוק
Avg temp
30°
Currency
Ar MGA · 1=₪0.001
Time zone
+1 שעה מול ת״א בחורף, ללא הפרש בקיץ
Language
מלגשית וצרפתית
Plug
C / E · 220V
Visa
ישראלים נדרשים לוויזת תייר; ניתן לקבל ויזה בהגעה בכפוף לדרכון בתוקף, כרטיס יציאה ותשלום האגרה
Safety
אזורי הריזורטים רגועים יחסית, אך יש להיזהר מכייסות וגניבות, להימנע מחופים ומכבישים מבודדים בלילה ולצאת לשיט רק עם מפעיל מורשה
Overview
🇲🇬Nosy Be
🇲🇬Madagascar
Nosy Be is Madagascar’s most polished tropical island, pairing turquoise water and intimate resorts with the scent of ylang-ylang drifting through its villages. Israeli travelers come mainly for a beach escape enriched by snorkeling with sea turtles at Nosy Sakatia, sailing to Nosy Iranja’s white sandbar, and diving among the archipelago’s reefs. Between sea days, visit Lokobe Reserve for lemurs and chameleons, then climb Mont Passot for sunset over volcanic lakes. Ambatoloaka suits travelers seeking restaurants and relaxed nightlife, while Andilana and the west coast appeal to couples and families wanting a quieter resort stay.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Nosy Be
Each area and who it suits best.
Ambatoloaka
This is Nosy Be's liveliest tourist hub, centered on the main road and beach, with bars, dive centers, restaurants and the casino at Royal Beach Hotel within walking distance. Hotels such as Hôtel Ambatoloaka and Hôtel Benjamin suit travelers who want to go out without hiring a driver. Value is good, but the street can be noisy at night and the beach is less impressive than those in the northwest.
Madirokely
Madirokely sits on a broad bay with pale sand, excursion boats and a calmer atmosphere than neighboring Ambatoloaka. Hôtel Résidence Sarimanok and properties near Royal Beach Hotel place guests within walking distance of Ambatoloaka's restaurants and bars. It is the easiest balance for a first visit, though the sea retreats significantly at low tide and beach vendors are active during the day.
Andilana
At the northwestern tip lies one of the island's most attractive beaches, with calm water and excellent sunsets beside Andilana Beach Resort. It works especially well for families wanting pools, activities and beach time in one place, as well as couples happy to remain at their resort. Rates are relatively high, and Ambatoloaka or Hell-Ville is roughly 35 to 50 minutes away.
Dzamandzar
Dzamandzar is a local town along the west-coast road, with small shops, a daily market and access to beaches such as Ambaro. Villas and apartments offer families and groups more space, usually for less than Andilana's resorts. The experience is less polished, and evenings generally require a taxi or driver to reach restaurants and entertainment.
Ambaro
Ambaro on the west coast is surrounded by greenery, plantations and a quiet shore used for trips to Nosy Tanikely and nearby dive sites. Vanila Hotel & Spa and Ravintsara Wellness Hotel offer tropical gardens, spas and sunsets over the Mozambique Channel. It is romantic and peaceful, but the shoreline is strongly tidal and there is no walkable entertainment center.
Hell-Ville
The island capital, officially called Andoany, is the practical center around Bazar Be market, the port and the colonial buildings of Rue du Général de Gaulle. It is useful for a night before a ferry to Ankify, or for travelers wanting a local market, banks and easy transport. Accommodation is cheaper, but this is a busy port town rather than a beach base, and taxis are advisable after dark.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Nosy Be
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
29°
24°
Excellent
פבר
29°
24°
Excellent
מרץ
30°
25°
Excellent
אפר
30°
25°
Excellent
מאי
30°
24°
Excellent
יונ
29°
23°
Excellent
יול
29°
22°
Excellent
אוג
29°
21°
Excellent
ספט
29°
22°
Excellent
אוק
30°
23°
Excellent
נוב
30°
24°
Excellent
דצמ
30°
24°
Excellent
Most pleasant weather: ינו · פבר · מרץ · אפר · מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק · נוב · דצמ
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. The main peak runs from July through October, when conditions are drier and pleasant, the sea is generally calmer, and whale watching is excellent. July and August align perfectly with Israel’s school holiday, but resorts and flights cost more and should be booked early.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Nosy Be · Open-Meteo
This week in Nosy Be
Measured in Nosy Be
23°
Sunny
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Nosy Be
On the map
Nosy Be on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Nosy Be itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Madirokely and Ambatoloaka
After landing and checking in, begin with an easy walk along Madirokely Beach and check the tide schedule, which completely changes the bay's appearance. Continue on foot into Ambatoloaka, exchange money only at an established business and book boat excursions through the hotel or a recognized operator. Return to the beach around 17:00 for sunset, then dine at the hotel or order a simple grilled-fish-and-rice meal if it fits your kosher practice. Bars and music line the main street, but taking a taxi back is sensible even for relatively short distances.
- 2
Day 2
Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely
Depart by boat before 08:00 for calmer water and fewer groups at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, the area's standout snorkeling site for coral, turtles and tropical fish. Continue to Ampangorina village on Nosy Komba, browse embroidery and woodcarving workshops, and visit the local lemur reserve only with a guide who keeps an appropriate distance from wildlife. Most tours include a beach lunch, so kosher travelers should arrange a sealed meal in advance or bring their own food. Return before dark and keep the evening quiet, as the sea and sun make this day more tiring than it appears.
- 3
Day 3
Lokobe and Hell-Ville
Book an official guide and leave early for Lokobe Reserve, usually reached by boat from Ambatozavavy village followed by a rainforest walk in search of black lemurs, chameleons and frogs. Closed shoes, insect repellent and water are essential, and trails become very muddy after rain. In the afternoon, travel to Hell-Ville for Bazar Be market and Rue du Général de Gaulle, keeping phones and cash close in the busy center. Finish with dinner at the hotel and return to the coast before the roads become dark.
- 4
Day 4
Mont Passot and Andilana
Hire a driver for the day and follow the northwestern route through ylang-ylang plantations and the crater lakes Amparihibe and Antsidihy. Spend midday at Andilana Beach, where water is generally calmer and family-friendly, bringing a towel and food if you are not a resort guest. At around 16:30, ascend Mont Passot, the island's highest point, arriving before the sunset rush for views over the lakes and surrounding islands. The descent is after dark, so have a local driver waiting and do not attempt it by scooter.
- 5
Day 5
Nosy Iranja
This is the longest and most photogenic day: depart around 07:00 for Nosy Iranja, two islands linked by a white sandbar revealed according to the tide. Check the marine forecast and low-tide time the previous evening, as the roughly 90-minute to two-hour boat ride each way can be rough. Walk the sandbar, swim only where the guide approves, and climb through the village toward the lighthouse on Iranja Be if the heat permits. Lunch is generally included; return in the afternoon and reserve the evening for rest.
- 6
Day 6
Market, shopping and departure
Keep the final day flexible and boat-free: weather and sea conditions can move plans, while domestic and international flights are unforgiving of delays. If departure is late, visit Hell-Ville's market in the morning and buy sealed vanilla, wild pepper and any required export paperwork rather than an anonymous street bag. You can stop at the Lemuria Land distillery and park to see ylang-ylang, sugarcane and lemurs, but verify opening hours beforehand. Leave for Fascene at least three hours before departure and allow extra time in the rainy season.
Quick game
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Question 1 of 5
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Budget
How much does Nosy Be cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Return flight from TLV
₪3,800-6,500 (one stop+)
4-5-night package
₪5,800-9,500 pp
Mid-range hotel night
₪250-550 per room
Five-star hotel night
₪800-1,700 per room
Restaurant meal
₪35-90 pp
Local beer
₪8-16
Coffee
₪5-12
Short taxi ride
₪12-30
Car and driver daily
₪220-380 (fuel extra)
Nosy Tanikely tour
₪140-260 pp
Daily budget per person
₪300-650 (excl. hotel)
Family, five nights
₪21,000-34,000 (incl. flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Nosy Be
Getting around
From the airport
Fascene Airport is on the island's northeastern side. A private taxi generally costs ₪55-90 to Hell-Ville and takes about 20 minutes, ₪90-140 to Dzamandzar or Ambaro in 35 to 50 minutes, and ₪110-170 to Ambatoloaka, Madirokely or Andilana in roughly 40 to 60 minutes. Hotel-booked shuttles usually cost ₪70-160 per vehicle and are the safest option after a late arrival; there is no train, organized airport bus or dependable Uber or Bolt service. Local minibuses run along the main road and are very cheap, but they are awkward with luggage and some routes require a change.
Need a car?
Most Israeli visitors do not need a rental car: roads away from the main route are rough, night driving is poorly lit, and signage and insurance standards can be inconsistent. Couples and families are better served by hotel transfers and a car with driver for touring; younger guests based in Ambatoloaka or Madirokely can walk at night and use taxis. Self-drive rentals make sense only for confident independent travelers, with a 4WD preferable in the rainy season.
Tips
Agree on a cash fare before entering a taxi and photograph the vehicle number; reliable meters and a dominant ride-hailing app are absent. For day trips, ask the hotel for a known driver and clarify whether fuel, waiting time and admissions are included. Speedboats to Nosy Komba and Tanikely operate according to sea and weather conditions, so never schedule an island trip on flight day.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Nosy Be currently has no established permanent Chabad house, active synagogue or known daily minyan, and seasonal listings should not be trusted without direct confirmation. Temporary arrangements are sometimes made for Israeli groups around Ambatoloaka, but Shabbat meals and a minyan must be confirmed in advance with the organizer or hotel. Shabbat-observant guests should choose a walkable beach hotel, request a mechanical key and arrange all food before arrival.
Kosher food
The island has no certified kosher restaurant or supermarket with a permanent kosher section. Larger supermarkets in Hell-Ville and shops around Ambatoloaka occasionally stock imported items bearing kosher certification, along with pasta, rice, sealed tuna and fruit, but availability is unpredictable. Kosher-observant Israelis generally bring dry goods from home, book a kitchenette and use fruit, vegetables and whole fish only according to their own standards and with utensils they have brought.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Nosy Be 🇲🇬
A hospital day in Nosy Be can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
0.07
1 MGA
₪0
100 MGA
₪0.07
1,000 MGA
₪0.7
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Nosy Be 🇲🇬
What you need before you fly
- ישראלים נדרשים לוויזת תייר; ניתן לקבל ויזה בהגעה בכפוף לדרכון בתוקף, כרטיס יציאה ותשלום האגרה
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Nosy Be
- 💵Carry enough Malagasy ariary for several days, as cards are mainly accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, while BNI and BMOI ATMs in Hell-Ville can run out of cash on weekends.
- 🛺Use a tuk-tuk for short rides around Ambatoloaka and Madirokely and agree on the fare before boarding, but book a car with a driver through your hotel for Andilana, Mont Passot, or the airport.
- 🏨Couples seeking quiet and a beautiful beach should favor Andilana or Befotaka, while younger travelers wanting restaurants, bars, and easy boat-trip departures should stay around Ambatoloaka and Madirokely.
- 🚤Book Nosy Iranja and the Nosy Tanikely reserve at least two days ahead and request an early departure, a shaded boat, and an individual life jacket, especially around Sukkot, Passover, and July to August.
- 🌦️The most comfortable period is May through October, while November to April brings humidity, rain, and cyclone risk, so pack a light rain jacket and dry bag even when the forecast looks sunny.
- 🦈For whale sharks, generally aim for September through December and choose an operator that limits swimmer numbers and forbids touching rather than a boat that chases the animal.
- 🎶Nightlife centers on Ambatoloaka around the bars and clubs of Rue de la Corniche, including Le Taxi Be, and it is best to arrive after 11 p.m., keep your drink with you, and avoid walking alone on dark beaches.
- 🍽️Kosher-observant travelers should coordinate in advance with Chabad Madagascar and request a refrigerator and kettle from the hotel, as certified kosher food is scarce and local fish may not be identified or prepared with separate utensils.
- 🤝Gentle bargaining is acceptable in Hell-Ville markets, but ask permission before photographing people and leave a tip of roughly 5% to 10% for a guide or driver who provided good service.
- 📱Buy a local Telma or Orange SIM with your passport at an official shop in Hell-Ville, as coverage outside hotel areas is uneven and international eSIM packages do not always connect reliably on the smaller islands.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Nosy Be feels like Africa moving at an island rhythm: vanilla and ylang-ylang in the air, almost unreal shades of blue, and sunsets that make everyone fall silent. Israelis tend to fall for it the moment they see the sandbar at Nosy Iranja or reach Mont Passot as the volcanic lakes turn golden. I especially love the contrast between a slow morning on Andilana Beach and a lively evening in Ambatoloaka, filled with music, stalls, and local rum. This is not a destination you visit just for the hotel, but for tiny islands, wild nature, and people who never seem to rush."
Loves
My local secret is to reach Madirokely Beach around 4:30 p.m., walk south until the music from Ambatoloaka fades, and choose a table directly on the sand for sunset. Come earlier on Sundays, when local families gather for picnics and dancing and the beach feels especially joyful and authentic.
Skip
I do not recommend booking a Nosy Iranja trip with a random beach seller simply because the price is low: boats can be overcrowded, life jackets inadequate, and departures delayed until the sea becomes rougher. Use an established operator and confirm the boat type, safety equipment, and exact inclusions in advance.
Boutique pick
I start at 7:30 a.m. with a boat from Ambatoloaka to Nosy Komba, walking through the villages to see lemurs and local embroidery, then continue to snorkel in the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve before the day boats crowd in. After lunch of freshly grilled fish, rice, and a well-cooked zebu salad, we return to the hotel for a shower and short rest. At 4:30 p.m. we leave for Mont Passot, pause beside one of the volcanic lakes, and watch sunset from the summit before a relaxed evening in Madirokely.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Nosy Be
"On the boat trip to Nosy Iranja, we realized that photos simply cannot capture the color of the water, and walking along the white sandbar felt unreal. The next evening we watched sunset from Mont Passot, which made this exactly the romantic escape we wanted."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 8 nights · September
"The children could not stop talking about the lemurs on Nosy Komba, and at Nosy Tanikely they snorkeled above turtles and colorful fish with a patient guide. We stayed near Andilana Beach, where the calm sea also gave us easy family days without another drive or boat ride."
Michal and Uri, Ra'anana
Family with children · 9 nights · August
"We snorkeled near Nosy Sakatia and encountered huge sea turtles only a few meters away, an experience none of us will forget. That evening we moved between Taxi Be and Djembe Disco in Ambatoloaka, a small and simple nightlife scene but cheerful and full of character."
Roy, Daniel and Shahar, Be'er Sheva
Friends · 7 nights · October
"In Lokobe Reserve, our guide spotted chameleons and lemurs we would never have noticed alone, and the trail felt wild yet manageable. We spent our final day at Madirokely Beach watching a quiet sunset over the bay and left Nosy Be wishing we could stay longer."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 10 nights · June
FAQ
Common questions about Nosy Be
Do Israelis need a visa for Nosy Be?
Yes. Nosy Be is part of Madagascar, and Israelis can generally obtain a tourist eVisa in advance or a visa on arrival, depending on the length of stay; bring a passport valid for at least six months and confirm the latest fees and entry rules before flying.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Nosy Be, and how long is the flight?
Nosy Be has no regular year-round nonstop service from Tel Aviv, although seasonal charter flights are sometimes offered and take around seven hours. Connecting itineraries, most commonly via Addis Ababa, usually take 11 to 16 hours depending on the layover.
When is the best time to visit Nosy Be, and when is peak season?
The most comfortable period in Nosy Be is May through October, with less rain, pleasant seas and peak demand in July and August. September through November is especially good for whale sharks, while humpback whale sightings are common from August to October.
How many days do you need in Nosy Be, and what should you combine it with?
Allow at least seven nights in Nosy Be, or nine to ten if you want several boat excursions without rushing. It can be combined with a mainland Madagascar wildlife trip, particularly Andasibe, plus a night in Antananarivo if flight schedules require it.
How do you get around Nosy Be, and is it safe?
In Nosy Be, tuk-tuks work well for short rides around Ambatoloaka and Madirokely, while taxis or private drivers are better for Andilana, Hell-Ville and Mont Passot; use an established boat operator with life jackets for island trips. The island is relatively relaxed, but avoid isolated dark areas at night, keep valuables out of sight and do not rent a scooter unless you are experienced.
How much does a Nosy Be vacation cost?
A week in Nosy Be typically costs about ₪8,000 to ₪15,000 per person sharing a room, including flights from Tel Aviv, a good hotel and two or three boat trips; a luxury resort, diving and private transfers can raise this to ₪16,000 to ₪25,000 per person. Carrying cash is important because card payments and even ATMs can be unreliable outside the larger hotels.
What are the must-do attractions in Nosy Be?
The essential Nosy Be experiences are a boat trip to Nosy Iranja and its white sandbar, snorkeling in the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve and meeting the lemurs on Nosy Komba. Add a guided walk in Lokobe Reserve, sunset from Mont Passot and a relaxed day on Andilana Beach.
Does Nosy Be have nightlife and casinos?
Nosy Be nightlife is concentrated in Ambatoloaka, particularly along the main strip and at venues such as Taxi Be and Djembe Disco, but it is small-scale and local rather than a major party scene. Nosy Be has no meaningful casino scene or gambling venue worth planning a trip around.
Is kosher food or Chabad available in Nosy Be?
Nosy Be has a Jewish presence connected with Chabad Madagascar, but services, meals and prayer gatherings are not guaranteed every day or season, so advance contact is essential. The island has no dependable selection of certified kosher restaurants, and observant travelers should prearrange meals and bring sealed products from Israel.
Is Nosy Be better for families or couples, and what should you pack?
Nosy Be suits both couples seeking a quiet Andilana resort and families whose children enjoy marine life and wildlife, though toddlers may struggle with long boat rides and rough roads. Pack strong mosquito repellent, reef-friendly sunscreen, water shoes, a hat, regular medication, a dry bag and lightweight long clothing for evenings.