Travel Guide Ambatoloaka Bay

Ambatoloaka Bay is Nosy Be's most important tourist attraction. This superb bay is divided between two villages: Madirokely, further west, and Ambatoloaka proper. The two sites are not really separated, but the boundary is at the level of the large town of Dar-es-Salaam, where the track deviates most from the sea (this has been privatized, so you have to reach Madirokely from the main road). Ambatoloaka is the place on Nosy Be where you'll find the highest concentration of hotels to suit all prices and tastes, with lively bars (not really family-friendly), restaurants and a nice stretch of beach. However, don't expect a highly developed seaside resort. Contrary to popular belief, and unless you're really stubborn, the atmosphere is pleasant and rather baba-cool, if you ignore the young women who constantly come to "fish for vazaha" in the evenings. Is having a drink in a festive atmosphere so objectionable? The truths of the night are not necessarily the truths of the day, as long as everyone takes responsibility in the midst of misery that is unfortunately very real (even on this bewitching island)... An important clarification: many establishments on Nosy Be only accept Visa cards.The Madirokely area is quiet: no bars or restaurants (except at Auntie Chris's on Sunday afternoons and evenings - non-stop music and big parties) and a generally more family-friendly atmosphere.