Madagascar Traditional Sailing Holiday

Traditional Sailing along Madagascar's West Coast ~ Unique Journeys of Exploration & Contrast !

'Nofy Be' the ' Big Dream

Traditional Sailing Aboard the ‘Nofy Be' the ‘Big Dream' a 58' Wooden‘Botry'
A gaff-rigged schooner

Sailing, snorkelling, whale watching, forest walks & diving. Whale Watching - July - October

Built in Belo sur Mer, on Madagascar's west coast the 58-foot wooden “botry”, “Big Dream”, is a traditional wooden ship which has been specially adapted to host up to 10 passengers. Starting in June 2009 the Nofy Be will begin offering journeys of exploration along the diverse 1,000 mile west coast of Madagascar.

Based in Morondava, the “Nofy Be” offers full board and accommodation sailing tours and charter options. A new and unique way to explore the ‘Vezo' coast with family and friends. Just right for incentives, team building, scientific research and film crews. You name it!

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670

Itinerary / Highlights

HIGHLIGHTS OF MADAGASCAR'S WEST COAST

• Island, reef, estuary, & mangrove exploration
• Trekking and Exploring vast baobab forests & coastal lakes
• Snorkelling & SCUBA Diving Option
• Andranomena Special Reserve
• Kirindy-Mitea National Park
• Explore the islands off Belo sur Mer
• Picturesque Beach & Island Camping
• Morondava & the Chez Maggie Hotel

~ PURE ADVENTURE ~

Visiting undiscovered and unexplored locations and islands, meeting local people, snorkeling and even whale watching from the end of July to October.

All inclusive packages will be available. Please contact us for details.

Highlights of Madagascar's Western (Vezo) Coast

Sailing, snorkeling & exploring Madagascar's Southwest coast
Island and reef exploration
Walking in vast baobab forests with a variety of lemurs & endemic birds
Excellent birding in the estuaries and mangroves
Whale Watching: July -October
Sleep aboard and picturesque island and beach camping
Protected areas on shore: Andranomena Special Reserve & Kirindy-Mitea National Park
Wonderful meals and of course fresh seafood

The words ‘remote' and ‘unexplored' are often used these days to describe certain parts of the world. In the case of the Mozambique Channel along the southwest coast of Madagascar they truly apply. From Anakao in the south to Morondava in the north this seldom visited region is truly a wonderland.

We find pristine waters for diving and snorkeling; vast beaches and mangroves; extremely remote villages; extensive baobab forests and a great variety of endemic flora and fauna & this is the Vezo Coast!

ISLANDS & PORTS OF CALL MAY INCLUDE:

Islands: Nosy Ve, Andraimitaroka, Mahelohalo, Andravova, Angorahoka., Andriangory and several smaller islands off the coastal village of Belo sur Mer (including Andriangory)

Towns & Villages: Anakao, Belo sur Mer, Toliara, Ifaty, Morombe, St Augustine's Bay, Ankidranoka, Ampislava, Belo Sur Mer and Morondava.

Belo sur Mer: The picturesque village is home the Vezo boat builders where the craftsmen construct traditional ‘boutry' the large masted cargo and passenger sailboats which ply the waters of the west coast. Here boats in all phases of completion are found under the coconut trees which dot the harbor.

Kirindy Mitea National Park: Forest Exploration: Trekking in the new and seldom visited national park where the western and southern ecosystems meet. An area of tropical dry forest and littoral spiny forest featuring most species of lemurs (including ringtails); 30 species of birds (many rare and endangered waterfowl) and three species of baobabs. This outstanding park encompases seven off shore islands, coastal mangroves, dunes, lakes and beaches.

Manay: Along with visits to the nearby lakes of exploring the lakes near Ambondro and Sireve (22 species of waterfowl & 3 locally endemic!) with their extensive mangroves and dunes of the area.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS IN MADAGASCAR: Mangoky, Manambolo & Tsiribihina Rivers. Rafting on the Great Red Island! Please see our website for details.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

“Nofy Be” ~ “Big Dream”

Traditional “borty” (a gaff schooner type traditional wooden boat)
Length: 58´
Width: 13´
Berths: 6
Kitchen Facilities
Simple toilet
Fitted with snorkeling & camping equipment
Safety & Communications: First aid supplies; Generator; fire extinguishers; life boat

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Scheduled Departures & Charters ~ April through January

Whale Watching ~ July - October

Costs vary according to routing; length of program; services; and number of travellers.

We are happy to offer fully inclusive packages. Please contact us for details and suggestions.

Domestic Air: Antananarivo / Morondava / Antananarivo approximately: $ 260.00 USD

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670