Category: Destinations

🏝️Nosy-Be –Madagascar’s perfume island.

🌸 A Fragrant Paradise in the Indian Ocean.

POSTED ON ; 10-02-2025

Author : Ajmal zaib, founder of Feryall.com sharing real experiences & Travel Tips.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Feryall.

Welcome to Nosy-Be Madagascar’s perfume island, the island where the air is sweet with ylang-ylang, the sunsets melt into the sea, and every moment feels like a postcard. Known as “Perfume Island”, The island is Madagascar’s most beloved destination — a place where nature, culture, and adventure blend into an unforgettable experience.

Tourist attraction.

🌿 Why It’s Called “Perfume Island”

Nosy-Be earned its nickname from the lush plantations of ylang-ylang, vanilla, coffee, and pepper that scent the breeze. As you explore the island, you’ll pass fields of tropical flowers and spice gardens — each one a sensory delight.

nosy-be Madagascar's perfume island

Nosy-Be Madagascar’s Perfume island

Best Time to Visit Nosy-Be.

  • May to October → Dry season. Perfect weather, calm seas, and great for outdoor activities.
  • July to September → Peak whale-watching season. Humpback whales pass through the waters around in this season.
  • December to March → Rainy season. Expect lush greenery and fewer crowds, but heavy rains may affect travel.

If you want the best balance of sunshine, nature, and activities, aim for June to September.

Top Things to Do.

It is not just a beach destination — it’s an island of activities and experiences.

1. Go Whale Watching

Every year, humpback whales migrate along Madagascar’s coast, and this specific island offers front-row seats. Join a guided whale-watching cruise for an unforgettable experience.

Book Whale Watching Cruise in Madagascar…

whale watching.

2. Explore Lokobe National Park

One of the last remaining primary forests in the country, Lokobe is home to rare lemurs, chameleons, and unique flora. A guided tour gives you a deeper understanding of Madagascar’s fragile ecosystem.

Join a Lokobe National Park Tour…

3. Visit Ylang-Ylang Plantations

The island earned its name “Island of Perfumes” from the cultivation of ylang-ylang, used in luxury perfumes worldwide. A plantation visit is both fragrant and fascinating.

4. Sunset at Mont Passot

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Mont Passot at sunset. Overlooking crater lakes and the Indian Ocean, it’s one of the most romantic spots on the island.

5. Snorkeling & Diving

Perfume island and its surrounding islands (Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Tanikely) are a diver’s dream. Coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for underwater lovers.

snorkeling spots

🌐 Travel Tools & Guides

  • Travel Insurance – Stay safe and covered during your trip.
  • Currency Converters & Maps – Handy tools to make your journey easier.
  • Travel Apps – Essential apps for navigation, language, and planning.

Where to Stay.

Whether you’re a luxury traveler, a backpacker, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of accommodation options.

  • Luxury: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel…
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Nosy Be.
  • Budget: Auberge La Terrasse .
  • Tip: Always check Booking.com for the best rates and reviews.

HOW TO GET THERE.

  • By Air: Direct flights from Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital) and some international destinations.
  • By Sea: Ferry services connect Nosy-Be with the mainland port of Ankify.
  • Getting Around: Once on the island, taxis, tuk-tuks, and scooters are the easiest ways to move around.

AMBERGRIS

For centuries, the waters surrounding Nosy-Be, have served as an important migratory channel for whales traveling through the Indian Ocean. Along these routes, local fishermen occasionally encounter one of the sea’s rarest treasures—Ambergris. Formed in the digestive system of sperm whales, ambergris washes ashore after years of floating and maturing in the ocean. Its waxy texture and distinctive scent have made it one of the most valuable natural substances in the world, especially prized in the perfume industry.

For Malagasy fishermen, discovering Ambergris is both a stroke of luck and a reminder of the deep connection between their coastal livelihoods and marine life. The find often sparks curiosity and admiration for the mysterious processes of nature. As generations pass, tales of these remarkable discoveries continue to enrich the maritime heritage of this island.

  • Final Thoughts
  • Nosy-Be Madagascar is more than a tropical escape — it’s a destination that blends nature, adventure, and Malagasy culture in one fragrant package. From spotting whales to strolling through ylang-ylang plantations, every moment here feels like a sensory journey.
  • If you’re planning your first trip to Madagascar, let Nosy-Be be your starting point. It’s not just a destination you visit; it’s an island that stays with you.
  • 🌍 Explore the country.
    🐋 Things to Do
    🧭 Plan Your Trip

  • Dive into the culture, geography, and spirit of this place — from nosy-Be island to the highlands.
    Whale watching, snorkeling, hiking, local markets, and more — all from firsthand experience.
    Book flights, hotels, and tours with trusted partners like Booking.com and GetYourGuide.
  • Have a nice day |