Guided tours Nosy Be

Everyone has heard of Nazaire, the most famous boatman of Nosy Be installed on the beach of Ambatoloaka from where his sea excursions leave! Now at the head of a dozen boats, he manages several teams that take vacationers to discover one or two islets of the archipelago. The outing combines the pleasures of sailing with those of snorkeling, visiting a village, a reserve or a lighthouse, a moment of idleness on a beach with lunch. Nazaire is a trustworthy Malagasy who is the pride of the village.

Founded by the Missionary Fathers in 1889, SPPM (Société des Produits à Parfum de Madagascar), the island's (and the world's) leading distillery and the world's largest producer of ylang-ylang essential oil, processes several tons of flowers a day. It is produced by steam distillation for cosmetics and perfumes, but also for a lesser-quality oil, called cananga oil, extracted from the tail of the distillate. Around 100 kg of flowers are needed to produce 2.5 kg of essential oil. The best ylang-ylang oil comes from flowers picked early in the morning in the early days of summer. The olfactory power of ylang-ylang oil is its claim to fame, and is the source of the world's best-selling perfume - Chanel's famous N°5. Ylang-ylang's therapeutic virtues are also of interest, helping to slow the heart rate and combat tachycardia and hypertension. Like rose, jasmine and sandalwood essential oils, ylang-ylang is also said to have anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and sedative properties. On site, in the distillery, you can watch the essences being extracted and buy small bottles of ylang-ylang as well as various souvenirs, a pure pleasure for the senses and a scent you'll associate with this trip for a long time to come. Preferably on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings, when the workers are harvesting and distilling.

A specialist of chameleon and reptiles, but also of fauna and flora in general, it can organize expeditions in the Ankarana, the Amber Mountain and other natural sites in the region. Very competent, friendly, he will take care of you, explain the reasons why, and you find animals there or others see nothing.

Nestor is THE guide to discover Nosy Komba. A native of the island, he has been a certified guide since 2007. Nestor knows the trails of Nosy Komba and the whole area inside out. As the grandson of an herbalist, he knows all about plants. There are several possible tours: a 2-hour walk in the heights of Nosy Komba, a 4 or 5-hour crossing of the island... He'll guide you, for example, to the island's great baobab tree (8.24 m in circumference) or to the "3 brothers" island. You can also have lunch at his place, where you'll taste home cooking. Recommended!