Belo-sur-Mer, a pleasant village of Vezo fishermen some 80 km south of Morondava (110 km by road), boasts a long beach bordered by crystal-clear waters, a veritable tropical aquarium. Beware, however, that as everywhere in the Mozambique Channel, the tide is high and bathing here is tricky, and the sea retreats to reveal an expanse of mud. The bay is nonetheless beautiful, with magnificent sunsets and an infinitely tranquil atmosphere as nomadic fishermen settle on the beach. The offshore islets - Nosy Andravoho, Nosy Tania and, further out, Nosy Andriangary and Nosy Angorahoka - are reminiscent of paradise on earth. Here, you can bivouac among the birds. With no hard roads, all sand and a particularly calm atmosphere, the village of 4,000 inhabitants has kept its soul and the characteristic frankness of the Vezo people. Belo has a small market and a few stores. The sea is always close by, and you really feel at home here. Along the lagoon, nomadic Vezo fishermen live in paillotes from April to the end of November. Belo is best known for its schooner-rigged dhows. At the beginning of the 19th century, King Ramdama II, to counter the Arabs who monopolized trade with their dhows (characterized by one mast and no deck), called on the French to send him shipwrights. The first carpentry workshop was set up by the Joaquim family of Bretons living on Reunion Island. Settled in Morondave, the Bretons moved to Tuléar after the assassination of Radam II in 1863, in search of a place to build a shipyard. As Tuléar was not sheltered enough, they moved up to Belo, as the lagoon provided an ideal location. The father and two sons are now buried in Belo, while their knowledge and templates have been preserved. This tradition continues to this day.

What to visit Belo-Sur-Mer?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Belo-Sur-Mer
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Belo-Sur-Mer travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Belo-Sur-Mer

Pirogue à balancier sur fond de marée basse, Belo sur mer Arnaud BONNEFOY
Send a reply