Sainte Marie - Discovering Madagascar

Travelling to Sainte Marie

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Sainte Marie, a pretty good destination in Madagascar (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Sainte Marie and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Sainte Marie, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Madagascar, here's everything to know about Sainte Marie for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Sainte Marie

Sainte Marie is a small island located off the east coast of Madagascar. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island has a rich history of pirates and corsairs, which is reflected in its colonial architecture and museums. The local culture is heavily influenced by French and Malagasy traditions, and visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Sainte Marie is accessible by plane or boat, and the best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is dry and sunny.

What to visit in Sainte Marie

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Sainte Marie along with some information about each: 1. Ile Aux Nattes Beach - A beautiful island located near Sainte Marie with stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and a must-visit for any beach lover.
2. Pirate Cemetery - This cemetery is a unique and interesting tourist attraction that is the final resting place of many of the pirates who used to inhabit the island.
3. Sainte Marie Island - The main island of the Sainte Marie archipelago, this stunning island boasts idyllic beaches, lush rainforest, and a wealth of wildlife including lemurs and orchids.
4. Ankanin'ny Nofy Lemur Reserve - A conservation area located on the nearby mainland, this reserve is home to a variety of lemurs and other wildlife. There are also various trails and guided tours available.
5. Ambodifotatra Market - This bustling market is a great place to experience local culture and buy traditional Malagasy crafts and souvenirs.
6. Ampanihy Bay - A stunning bay located on the island's eastern coast, Ampanihy Bay offers breathtaking views and a range of activities such as snorkeling and diving.
7. Masoala National Park - Located on the nearby mainland, this national park is a protected area of pristine rainforest and is home to a wealth of wildlife including lemurs, reptiles, and birds.
8. Sainte Marie Lighthouse - A historic lighthouse located on the island's southern tip that offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and coastline.
Overall, Sainte Marie is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Madagascar, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Sainte Marie.

When to go on holiday to Sainte Marie

The best time to visit Sainte Marie, Madagascar is during the dry season which runs from April to December. The months of July and August are popular due to European summer holidays, so it may be busier and more expensive during this time. However, keep in mind that the island's weather is known to be unpredictable, so it's advisable to keep an eye on the forecast and pack for both hot and rainy weather.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Sainte Marie

To get to Sainte Marie (Madagascar), you have several options: 1. By Flight: You can take a flight from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to Sainte Marie. The duration of the flight is approximately 1 hour.
2. By Road and Boat: You can travel by road from Antananarivo to Toamasina, which is approximately 300 km away. From there, you can take a boat to Sainte Marie. The boat ride takes around 2-3 hours depending on the sea condition.
3. Private Charter: You may also opt to take a private charter flight or boat to Sainte Marie. This can be arranged through local tour operators or travel agencies.
Please note that some of these options may be affected by weather and sea conditions, so it's best to check with travel agents or local authorities before making any arrangements.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Sainte Marie, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Sainte Marie

Sure, here are some typical foods of Sainte Marie in Madagascar with a brief description for each of them: 1. Ravitoto: This is a dish made with cassava leaves that are finely chopped and cooked with pork or beef. It is typically served with rice.
2. Romazava: This is a flavorful stew made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of greens such as spinach, green beans, and cabbage. It is often served with rice.
3. Laoka: This is a general term used to describe the various side dishes that accompany a meal in Madagascar. These might include fried plantains, beans, or pickled vegetables.
4. Sambos: These are small deep-fried pastries filled with savory ingredients such as ground meat or vegetables. They are often sold as a popular street food in Madagascar.
5. Koba: This is a sweet treat made with ground peanuts, rice flour, and banana or coconut. It has a sticky texture and is often wrapped in banana leaves.
6. Tsakitsaky: These are small fried doughnut-like pastries that are often served as a dessert or snack in Madagascar. They are typically dusted with powdered sugar or coated in honey. 7. Coconut-based dishes: Because Sainte Marie is an island with abundant coconut trees, many dishes feature coconut as the main ingredient. These might include coconut rice, coconut milk-based curries, or coconut bread.
You can find general info about typical foods in Madagascar here.

Is Sainte Marie an expensive destination for tourists?

In comparison to other destinations in Madagascar, Sainte Marie can be considered a bit more expensive due to its popularity among tourists. However, it still remains a place where visitors can find affordable accommodation and food options. The cost of transportation may be higher as the island can only be accessed by boat or plane. Overall, it is possible to enjoy a trip to Sainte Marie without breaking the bank if you plan and budget accordingly.

Where to find accomodation in Sainte Marie

The best areas to find accommodation for visiting Sainte Marie (Madagascar) are: 1. Ambodifotatra - This is the main town of Sainte Marie and has the most accommodation options. It's also close to many restaurants and bars.
2. Ile aux Nattes - This is a smaller island off the coast of Sainte Marie and is known for its pristine beaches and peaceful atmosphere. There are a few accommodation options here, including bungalows and guesthouses.
3. Anivorano - This area is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls and forests. There are a few eco-lodges and guesthouses here.
4. Ankazoberavina - This is a remote island off the coast of Sainte Marie and is known for its unspoiled beaches and coral reefs. There are a few guesthouses and eco-lodges here, but it's more difficult to reach and may require a boat transfer.
You can check hotel prices at Sainte Marie here:
Booking.com

Is Sainte Marie a safe destination for tourists?

Sainte Marie Island in Madagascar is a relatively safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1. Avoid walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit areas and travel with a group if possible.
2. Don't leave your belongings unattended on the beach or in public areas.
3. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation seems unsafe or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
4. Be cautious when using local transportation. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition and the driver is licensed.
5. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, as this can help you communicate and connect with locals.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your vacation to Sainte Marie without any problems.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Madagascar here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Sainte Marie.

What type of travelers will enjoy Sainte Marie the most?

Sainte Marie, Madagascar is an ideal destination for those looking for a laid-back and relaxing vacation. This peaceful and stunningly picturesque island is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time. There are many things to do here, such as visiting the picturesque villages, relaxing on the white sandy beaches, hiking in the lush green forests, whale watching (from July to September), and diving in its coral reefs.
Overall, Sainte Marie is best suited for couples looking for a romantic island getaway, families looking for quality time together, and anyone looking to soak up the natural beauty of Madagascar in a tranquil setting. Young people seeking nightlife and parties might not find this place as lively and vibrant as other destinations in Madagascar.

How to get around Sainte Marie

The most common mode of transportation in Sainte Marie (Madagascar) is by using a bicycle or motorbike. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also available but they are less common and more expensive options. There are also boats available for island hopping and exploring nearby islands. However, it's important to keep in mind that roads and transportation services may not be as developed as in other parts of Madagascar, so it's always best to plan ahead and make arrangements in advance.

What to see around Sainte Marie

Certainly! Here are some great day trip options from Sainte Marie: 1. Île aux Nattes: This beautiful small island offers some of the best beaches in Madagascar, as well as snorkeling and diving opportunities.
2. Sainte-Marie Island: Explore the main island's sandy beaches and lush forests, as well as historical sites like pirate cemeteries and the Musée de la Pirate.
3. Canal des Pangalanes: This 645-kilometer series of canals and lagoons winds its way along the eastern coast of Madagascar and is a peaceful place to experience the country's natural beauty.
4. Lokobe National Park: Take a boat trip to Nosy Be and then a short hike through the Lokobe rainforest to spot some of the island's endemic flora and fauna, such as black lemurs and chameleons.
5. Nosy Tanikely National Park: This small island offers wonderful opportunities for snorkeling and diving in clear waters with a varied marine life.
6. Emerald Bay: A perfect destination for those loves beaches, hiking and observing different kinds of birds, as well as Lemurs.
These are some of the most popular day trip options from Sainte Marie that are sure to create a memorable experience for you.
For every travel information about Madagascar you can click here.

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