Sailing in Madagascar: Radama Islands Sailing Guide

Sailing in Madagascar’s Nosy Be & Radama Islands: routes, conditions and practicalities

Madagascar’s northwest corner blends warm trade winds, gin‑clear anchorages and characterful villages into a sailing ground that still feels genuinely off‑grid. Base yourself in Nosy Be and fan out across snorkel‑bright islets like Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia, or press south to the Radama Islands for powder‑sand beaches and night skies unspoilt by light. The pattern is mercifully simple: dry, reliable trades from May to November; lush, lighter‑wind wet season from December to March. Infrastructure is minimal but sufficient, with Hell‑Ville and Crater Bay providing fuel, fresh food and friendly technical help. Beyond that, it’s sand, coral and the Mozambique Channel.

This guide sets out where to go, when to go, and how to do it safely and legally—whether you are chartering a catamaran for a week or planning an extended cruise.

Quick links

• Why sail in Madagascar’s Nosy Be & Radama Islands?
• Itineraries
• When to go
• Wind and weather
• Getting there
• Chartering
• Licences and formalities
• Anchorages and marinas
• FAQs
• References

Why sail in Madagascar’s Nosy Be & Radama Islands?

Nosy Be and the Radama chain reward skippers who value seamanship and serenity over marina‑hopping. The sailing is tactile and visual: you read the reef colours, you feel the afternoon trade fill in, and you anchor by eye over sand in five to ten metres. In return you get empty beaches, turtle‑grazed shallows and anchorages that feel like private lagoons.

Geography works in your favour. The main island of Nosy Be is ringed by short, protected hops to Komba, Sakatia and Tanikely, ideal for building confidence or easing into the rhythm after a long flight. Push a little further and you reach statement destinations—Russian Bay and the Baramahamay River—before the Radama Islands open up a classic one‑way arc of spacious, reef‑sheltered anchorages.

Culture and nature are constant companions. Market runs in Hell‑Ville are lively but straightforward; village landings in the Radamas are met with smiles and offers of fruit, fresh fish and carved zebu horns. Ashore, low‑impact trekking brings you to lemurs and ylang‑ylang groves; afloat, the snorkelling is some of the most reliable in the Indian Ocean.

All of this sits in a wind regime sailors understand: established south‑easterly trades through the dry season, moderated by daily sea breezes and a forgiving fetch between islands. For many, it’s the perfect balance of adventure and attainability.

Itineraries

Below are suggested itineraries tailored to different timeframes and crew profiles. Use them as frameworks, adjusting legs to suit wind, tide and your crew’s energy. Arrive at new anchorages in good light, read the water by eye, and give yourself margin for the occasional squall or irresistible snorkel stop.

7‑day Nosy Be Classic Loop

This easygoing loop strings together Nosy Be’s greatest hits—Tanikely’s marine reserve, lemurs on Komba, the big‑sky calm of Russian Bay and turtle‑grazed Sakatia. Distances are modest and protection is excellent, making it ideal for mixed‑experience crews easing into Madagascar’s rhythms.

Day 1 — Check‑in: Hell‑Ville and Crater Bay

Arrive, provision and complete the technical handover. A short shakedown sail round to Crater Bay sets you up for a calm first night on a mooring. Use the afternoon to fine‑tune ground tackle, test the dinghy and familiarise yourself with local VHF practice.

Day 2 — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

A gentle reach to Tanikely brings you into glass‑clear water and lively fringing reefs. Pick up a park mooring where available, or anchor in clean sand well clear of coral. Spend the day snorkelling with turtles and reef fish; pay fees to the ranger boat and respect no‑take zones.

Day 3 — Nosy Komba (Ampangorina)

Make a short hop to Komba. Wander the craft stalls of Ampangorina, visit the lemur reserve, and anchor off the northern bays in good sand with reef protection. Arrive with the sun high to thread between coral heads by eye, and enjoy a settled night in the trades.

Day 4 — Russian Bay (Baie des Russes)

Reach west to this spacious, well‑protected anchorage on the mainland side. Expect flat water, great hiking ridgelines and superb sunsets. Holding is reliable in 6–10 m over sand; it’s a popular lay‑day stop to reset, swim and explore ashore.

Day 5 — Baramahamay River

Slide south into the mangrove river on a rising tide, timing the bar and turns for slack or flood. Anchor in 6–10 m over mud/sand and enjoy tranquil surroundings. Local pirogues often offer the mangroves’ famous crab—barter with small notes and a smile.

Day 6 — Nosy Sakatia

Sail back towards Nosy Be and settle in the lee of Sakatia. Swim with green turtles on the seagrass flats and, in settled weather, enjoy dinner ashore at a beach lodge. The east side offers calm moorings and sand patches; avoid coral clumps when setting.

Day 7 — Return to base

Take a short sail back to Crater Bay or Hell‑Ville for fuel top‑up and checkout. Allow time for formalities and an unhurried final lunch at anchor.

10‑day Radama Islands Explorer

A classic mini‑expedition that reaches the Radama chain for powder‑sand beaches, crystalline water and friendly villages. Expect a couple of longer legs, generous rewards in anchorages, and star‑filled nights untroubled by shore lights. Plan morning departures and arrive in good light for clear coral definition.

Day 1 — Nosy Be to Nosy Iranja

Enjoy a blue‑water feel in miniature as you leave Nosy Be’s lee. Anchor between the twin islands on the sandbar’s lee in settled conditions and walk the tidal causeway at low water. Iranja is exposed in strong trades—choose your window.

Day 2 — Nosy Kalakajoro

Make the Radamas proper. Anchor on the sand shelf with reef protection and spend the day snorkelling over vibrant bommies or beachcombing. Arrive with overhead sun to read the water by colour; holding is good in sand.

Day 3 — Nosy Valiha

A short leg to a postcard‑pretty cay with clear water over white sand. Check bommies by eye in the approach and set in 5–8 m. Afternoon sea breezes usually make for a lively, fun reach between the islets.

Day 4 — Nosy Berafia (Antanimora)

The largest of the group offers a friendly village for fruit, bread and fresh fish. Anchor in sand off the settlement with ample swinging room. A respectful stroll ashore often brings warm conversations and supplies.

Day 5 — Nosy Ovy

Walk ashore for views across the archipelago. In settled weather, anchor on the northern or eastern sides depending on swell wrap. Use snorkel reconnaissance to confirm sand patches before you commit.

Day 6 — Passage north to Russian Bay

A longer return leg with a fair trade‑wind reach. Depart early to arrive with good light for a relaxed re‑entry. Keep an eye on current set near headlands and give reefs a wide berth.

Day 7 — Baramahamay River

Reset in mangrove calm. Explore by dinghy and watch tidal streams, planning your exit with the tide. Birdlife is abundant at dusk; evenings are sheltered and quiet.

Day 8 — Lokobe Reserve (SE Nosy Be)

Anchor off the southeast bays of Nosy Be and arrange a guided visit into Lokobe’s lowland rainforest for lemur spotting. Expect glassy morning conditions and afternoon sea breezes; choose an anchorage with good SE protection.

Day 9 — Nosy Sakatia

Take a restorative swim and an easy hop to position yourself for a no‑rush final day. Top up water via base services if needed and enjoy turtle encounters over the seagrass.

Day 10 — Return to base

Fuel, formalities and farewells in Crater Bay or Hell‑Ville. Allow for queue time at the fuel dock and keep receipts from port offices.

5‑day Family Short‑Hop

Designed for young crews and first‑timers, this is a low‑stress introduction to Nosy Be with short passages, sandy anchorages and plenty of swim‑time. It keeps logistics simple while still delivering reefs, turtles and golden‑hour beaches.

Day 1 — Nosy Sakatia

Make an easy start with turtles on the seagrass and calm overnighting in Sakatia’s lee. Set the hook in sand and use a bridle or snubber for a quiet night.

Day 2 — Nosy Tanikely

Head for the marine reserve for crystal‑clear water and small‑island walks to the lighthouse. Arrive early to secure a mooring and maximise snorkelling time between slack tides.

Day 3 — Nosy Komba

Enjoy village crafts, lemurs and calm bays in settled trades. The northern coves offer good sand patches; rig a stern light if you plan to linger into dusk.

Day 4 — Andilana Bay (NW Nosy Be)

Anchor in a sandy‑bottomed bay beneath a classic sunset beach. Best in fair weather with minimal swell; the bay is open to westerlies so keep an eye on the forecast.

Day 5 — Return to base

Take a short sail back, refuel and hand back with time to spare. A final swim off the boat makes a fitting farewell.

When to go

Seasons at a glance

The dry, trade‑wind season runs from May to November and brings predominantly south‑easterly winds, low rainfall, lower humidity and excellent visibility. Sea breezes build in the afternoon, while mornings are calmer—ideal for reef‑eye navigation. This is the prime cruising window and the main charter season. The wet (north‑west monsoon) season spans December to March, with hot, humid conditions, regular showers and thunderstorms. Winds are lighter and more variable, tending north‑westerly. Cyclone risk is higher from January to March; many operators reduce or suspend activity, though Nosy Be sits north of the worst tracks and often escapes direct hits. April and late November are shoulder months with lighter, variable winds: quieter waters, relaxed passages and great diving.

Temperature, water and visibility

Expect air temperatures of roughly 26–32 °C in the dry season and 28–34 °C in the wet. Sea temperatures hover between 26–29 °C all year. Visibility is often 15–30 m around outer reefs and marine reserves, reducing near river mouths after heavy rain. Light and tide matter for snorkelling clarity—time your swims around slack water for the clearest scenes.

Practical timing tips

• Plan longer open‑water legs, such as to and from the Radama Islands, for mornings when winds are lighter and seas flatter.
• During January–March, avoid tight schedules and leave weather margin for squalls and rain‑reduced visibility.

As a rule of thumb, make miles early, explore and swim through the midday lull, then enjoy a short, spirited afternoon hop if desired.

Wind and weather

The wind pattern you’ll actually use

From about May the SE trades (the Varatraza) establish and strengthen through June–September. Most days bring 12–20 knots, peaking 20–25 knots in the afternoons before easing overnight. The island chain keeps seas modest between hops. In contrast, December–March sees the NW monsoon: lighter, more variable winds with squalls and convection‑driven gusts near storms. Calm mornings are common, with sea breezes filling later.

Local effects to factor into your plan

A diurnal thermal component overlays the trades, making mornings best for reef transits and eyeball pilotage, with afternoons favouring short, lively reaches. Channels between Nosy Be, Komba and Sakatia can funnel and accelerate the breeze by several knots—reef early and sail the lulls, not the gusts.

Sea state, tides and currents

Expect moderate chop in open fetch on the Mozambique Channel, but generally modest seas inside the Nosy Be archipelago. The Radamas are more open; allow for wrap‑around swell on exposed anchorages. Tidal range is typically 2–3.5 m, with stronger streams on springs in passes and river mouths such as the Baramahamay. Time bar and reef entries for mid‑to‑high water, ideally with the sun overhead for best coral definition. Currents of 0.5–2 knots are standard in channels, with more near headlands and passes, so plan conservative arrival times.

Rain, thunderstorms and cyclones

Convection is common in the wet season, building through the afternoon; secure early and allow for gust fronts and reduced visibility. Cyclones are primarily a January–March concern. While Nosy Be is less frequently impacted than Madagascar’s east coast, maintain cyclone‑season awareness, monitor regional forecasts, and have a bolt‑hole plan.

Getting there

Arriving by air

Nosy Be Fascene (NOS) is the regional gateway with seasonal international routes (commonly via Addis Ababa or Johannesburg) and frequent domestic connections from Antananarivo (TNR) on local carriers. Charter bases arrange transfers to marina or beach‑landing points around Hell‑Ville and Crater Bay; the road journey typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and pickup location.

Arriving by yacht

Approaches via the Mozambique Channel are straightforward in settled trades. Make landfall in daylight to read reefs visually. Hell‑Ville (Andoany) is the primary port of entry for formalities. South‑to‑north passages from Mozambique or South Africa are best timed for May–October in the SE trades; avoid the January–March cyclone window.

Connectivity and money

Local SIMs from Telma or Orange are inexpensive and reliable around Nosy Be, with coverage thinning as you push south into the Radamas. The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is a cash‑centric currency; ATMs are available in Hell‑Ville, while villages deal almost exclusively in cash. Carry small denominations for produce, fuel runs and park fees.

Chartering

Charter scene in brief

Nosy Be is Madagascar’s charter nucleus, with fleets dominated by 36–52 ft cruising catamarans available as bareboat or with skipper/crew. Bases cluster around Crater Bay and Hell‑Ville, providing moorings, handovers, fuel logistics and shore support. One‑way charters to or from the Radama Islands are uncommon; most routes loop within comfortable day hops.

What it’s like on the water

Expect hands‑on, independent cruising: free anchoring in sand, very few fixed moorings outside marine reserves, and no conventional marinas. Day distances are short in the Nosy Be group (5–20 NM) and moderate for the Radamas (35–60 NM legs). It suits crews who enjoy practical seamanship—piloting by eye, setting a hook properly and reading the breeze.

Qualifications and skipper requirements

• Bareboat: Operators typically accept an ICC or RYA Day Skipper Practical (or higher) plus evidence of recent tidal/coastal experience. A concise sailing CV and VHF/Short Range Certificate are commonly requested.
• Skippered/crewed: No formal certification required for guests; you remain responsible for immigration and personal documentation.

If your logbook is light on recent miles, consider hiring a local skipper for the first day to sharpen local techniques and confidence.

Handovers, equipment and support

Expect well‑specified safety gear, paper and electronic charts, and a pilot pack with waypoints and park rules. Bases can arrange fishing permits, dive rendezvous and guided excursions to reserves. Technical assistance is concentrated around Nosy Be; once south in the Radamas, sail self‑sufficient with spares and a clear maintenance plan.

Indicative costs and extras

Rates vary by season, with peak pricing June–October. Budget for fuel (main engine and dinghy), park and marine reserve fees (e.g., Nosy Tanikely), optional crew (skipper/chef), transfers and incidentals such as ice, laundry and guided tours. Tips for local services are appreciated—carry small notes.

Licences and formalities

Immigration and visas

Most visitors obtain an e‑visa in advance or a visa on arrival for short stays. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond entry and carry proof of onward travel. Keep photocopies or scans of crew passports readily accessible on board.

Customs and port clearances (private yachts)

Hell‑Ville (Andoany) is the standard clearance port in the region. On first arrival and final departure, report to the Port Captain, Customs and Immigration. A local cruising authorisation and lighthouse/port fees may be levied—retain all receipts. If you plan to visit marine reserves, carry park tickets on board for inspection.

Bareboat paperwork

Charter companies handle vessel documentation and local cruising permits. Skippers should bring original qualifications (ICC/RYA), a VHF certificate and a concise sailing CV. Some bases accept experience in lieu of formal tickets at their discretion.

Parks and protected areas

Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve and Lokobe Reserve require entry fees and, in some cases, guided access ashore. Pay at designated offices or ranger boats and keep wristbands or receipts handy if issued. Anchoring on coral or damaging bommies is prohibited—use moorings where provided.

Radio, safety and local rules

VHF Ch 16 is monitored in Nosy Be waters; bases will brief working channels. Night entries to new anchorages are strongly discouraged due to coral heads and limited navaids. Respect village landing areas, reduce wake near pirogues, and avoid anchoring on coral or sensitive seagrass meadows.

Anchorages and marinas

What to expect

This is an anchoring destination. There are no conventional marinas; instead you will use well‑protected bays and sandy shelves behind reefs. Hell‑Ville port and Crater Bay provide moorings, shore services and yacht support and serve as practical bases for handovers and resupply.

Key anchorages (north to south)

Hell‑Ville (Andoany) and Port Area

• Role: Clearance, fuel, water by jerry can, markets and repair contacts.
• Notes: Busy commercial traffic; most yachts anchor or moor nearby (e.g., Crater Bay) and visit by dinghy or taxi.

Think of Hell‑Ville as your logistics hub rather than an overnighting spot. Plan runs early to avoid heat and queues, and secure your dinghy at busy docks.

Crater Bay (Ambatoloaka)

• Role: Yacht hub with moorings, secure dinghy dock, eateries and technicians.
• Holding/Depths: Sand/mud, 5–12 m. Good all‑round protection from the SE trades; some swell in strong westerlies.

Moorings and yacht services make this a comfortable base. It’s also a sociable anchorage with easy shore access for final checks and first‑night settling.

Nosy Tanikely

• Role: Day stop in the marine reserve.
• Notes: Use designated moorings if available; otherwise anchor on sand clear of coral. Fees payable; superb snorkelling.

Arrive with good light, keep engines ready while inspecting moorings, and avoid leaving vessels unattended for long periods in case conditions change.

Nosy Komba (Ampangorina and northern bays)

• Role: Sheltered anchorages with village access and lemur encounters.
• Holding/Depths: Sand patches between coral; arrive with overhead sun for eyeball pilotage.

The northern coves balance charm and shelter. Reduce speed near pirogues, and set shorelines only where necessary to avoid coral damage.

Russian Bay (Baie des Russes)

• Role: Spacious all‑weather anchorage on the mainland side.
• Holding/Depths: Good sand in 6–10 m; very settled in the trades. Popular lay‑day stop.

Explore ashore on ridge trails and enjoy flat‑water swims. It’s a reliable haven when the trades pipe up.

Baramahamay River

• Role: Mangrove‑lined river for tranquil lay‑ups and wildlife.
• Notes: Enter/exit on a rising tide; mud/sand holding in 6–10 m. Watch for current on springs.

The river’s calm belies strong spring streams. Plot your turns carefully, keep a look‑out for fishing gear, and enjoy dinghy exploration at slack water.

Nosy Sakatia (east side)

• Role: Calm moorings/anchoring, turtle grounds and relaxed shoreside dining.
• Holding/Depths: Sand seagrass flats, 5–10 m; avoid coral clumps. Well protected from SE.

Sakatia is a crowd‑pleaser for first and last nights. Use a bridle to keep the boat lying quietly and snorkel the seagrass at slack for the best turtle encounters.

Nosy Iranja

• Role: Iconic twin‑islet stopover en route to the Radamas.
• Notes: Exposed in strong trades and swell; choose fair‑weather windows and anchor with care off the sandbar’s lee.

Iranja rewards with postcard scenery but demands prudent weather watching. Keep scope generous and monitor for swell wrap.

Radama Islands (Kalakajoro, Valiha, Berafia, Ovy)

• Role: Remote, beautiful anchorages with excellent sand shelves.
• Notes: Limited supplies; bring depth‑sounder discipline and good light. Expect minimal services beyond friendly villages selling produce and fish.

These islands are the payoff for measured seamanship: broad sand shelves, clear water and simple pleasures ashore. Carry spares and manage water and waste thoughtfully.

Services and repairs

• Fuel: Available at Hell‑Ville, often by jerry‑can service. Some beach deliveries can be arranged via bases.
• Water: Typically via jerry cans at base; treat or filter before use.
• Provisions: Best selection in Hell‑Ville (markets, small supermarkets). In the islands, buy fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood from local pirogues.
• Waste: Limited disposal outside Nosy Be—pack out where possible.

Plan your big shop and fuel/water runs around handover days. Once you leave Nosy Be proper, think self‑reliance and low‑impact cruising.

Anchoring best practice

• Favour clean sand in 5–10 m; avoid coral and marked seagrass meadows.
• Use a primary anchor sized for trade‑wind gusts, lay adequate scope and add a snubber or bridle.
• Target midday arrivals with the sun high to read bommies by eye.

Good anchor etiquette protects reefs and ensures quiet nights. If in doubt, relocate rather than risk coral or an unsettled set.

FAQs

References

• https://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Madagascar
• https://www.noonsite.com/place/madagascar/
• https://evisamada.gov.mg/en/
• https://www.windguru.cz/ (regional climatology and forecasting)
• https://www.navionics.com/ (cartography overview and planning charts)
• Rod Heikell & Lucinda Heikell. Indian Ocean Cruising Guide (latest edition).
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g479206-d1753716-Reviews-Nosy_Tanikely-Nosy_Be_Antsiranana_Province.html