Yacht charter in Madagascar

When is the best time to charter a yacht in Madagascar?

High season for sailing off the coast of Madagascar tends to occur in the winter months, particularly January and February, although the temperature tends to hover around 30°C throughout the year. During the summer and early autumn, wind strengths can prove extreme and often average around 45 knots, which is why the cooler, more gentle winds in the winter can prove more suitable for chartering a yacht. Madagascar’s rain patterns tend to be irregular but expect less rainfall during the high season. Winds prevail from the east in the morning, before shifting to a westerly wind as the day progresses.

Must-See Attractions

1. Ile Sainte Marie

What natural wonders await you on your yacht charter holiday in Madagascar. This stunning panoramic view of the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches for which the island is renowned is home to several abandoned shipwrecks. Navigate through the serene waters and marvel at the extraordinary array of sea life that call Madagascar home. This location is ideal for snorkeling and swimming, and if you are lucky, you may even spot some humpback whales! The perfect sailing conditions makes this an idyllic location to visit.

2. Nosy Be

Look no further than this exquisite stretch of coastline for all your relaxation needs. When you think of Madagascar, the first image that springs to mind is the delightful blue sea complimented by memorable sandy beaches and distinctive swaying palm trees – that is what awaits you in Nosy Be. Head inland from your yacht to immerse yourself in the Madagascar party lifestyle and food scene, with the biggest beach parties taking place on Sunday evenings. If you want a lively, exciting, beautiful location, Nosy Be is the place to be.

3. Isalo National Park

This is the place that puts Madagascar on a pedestal. Once you have docked your yacht, head inland to uncover the raw natural landscape brimming with diverse and extraordinary wildlife. Traverse the range of walking trails and attempt to spot some of the lemurs which run the national park. Take a dip in the natural pools and be astonished by the unusual and distinctive array of flora which flourish here and create a warm, green environment. A truly breathtaking formation of rock, trees, and caverns, you could spend days wandering through this iconic attraction of Madagascar.

4. Avenue of the Baobabs

Majestic, colossal trees are the stars of the show in this distinctive natural phenomenon located just outside Morondava. The prolific Grandidier’s Baobabs are Madagascar’s crowning jewel when it comes to natural wonders, thanks to their impressive and intimidating size. Lining the street creating a guard-of-honour, the photo opportunities here are abundant. Chartering a yacht in Madagascar enables you to see these beauties up close and personal, a truly exclusive opportunity and one that will certainly stay with you forever.

A Culinary Wonder

Island lifestyle comes with island cuisine, and Madagascar sees some of the freshest and most flavoursome dishes in the Indian Ocean. Brimming with seafood, meat, vegetables, and signatory spice combinations, this is the place to be to sample some completely unique food not available anywhere else. Signature dishes include Romazava, an expertly prepared infusion of succulent meat and fresh tomato, ginger, garlic, and other greens, and Lasary which is a typical vegetarian meal prepared with pickled vegetables and rice. Expect most meals to be paired with rice, a particular favourite of Madagasar residents. The influence of French cooking is also palpable here, and many markets throughout the island prepare the most exquisite food. Why not sample some famous Madagascar chocolate on your yacht watching the sun set over paradise?

How to get to Madagascar

Sourcing a direct flight to your yacht charter destination in Madagascar is dependent on your country of origin. Certain European countries do offer direct flights to Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, which is the capital of the island. The UK does not offer direct flights to this airport, however there are connecting flights through Nairobi or Paris if you prefer. To reach Madagascar from the US or Canada requires a connecting flight through a European destination also. Transfer options from the airport include car rentals, airport-route shuttles, taxis, and buses. There are no rail alternatives in Madagascar.