Sea kayaking at Sainte-Marie Island

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Sainte-Marie Island - Ambodifotatara - Nattes Island

  

  Welcome either at the airport or at Ambodifotatra, for those arriving by boat from the main island. From there, a ride in a "tuk-tuk" takes you to the beach on the south of Nosy Boraha (Malagasy), to reach Île aux Nattes, which will serve as the base for departure and initiation to sea kayaking. This rounded island, about 5 km by 3.5 km, is a true postcard of tropical Eden. Bordered by a fringe of white sand, lush to the extreme, devoid of electricity and motor vehicles, the place truly feels like an original paradise. A paradise that is, however, quite populated: alongside several villages, a few hotels occupy its coasts. After settling into the hotel-bungalows, it's time to discover your kayak and learn how to handle it in the wonderful lagoon dotted with coral formations. Type of accommodation: charming hotel in TPL and QAD rooms Boat crossing: 3h00 tuk-tuk: 0h30 sea kayak: 1h30

• day 2

  Île aux Nattes

  

  Two days to discover the lagoon and get familiar with sea kayaking. Progression with paddle and sail... Here, everything is calm, beauty, and delight. Snorkeling is a must during the kayak break. This activity is supervised by Luc BABIN, a French guide who speaks Malagasy, and his assistant Jolistin, who is currently the only local sea kayak expert in Mada. The fleet consists of 5 dismantlable double KLEPPER brand boats (THE reference), which allows navigation in a flotilla to ensure everyone's safety. Being able to swim is a mandatory condition and a swimming test will be organized on site. Each participant will be required to wear a high-performance safety vest. The morning is dedicated to sea kayaking, while the afternoon allows you to visit Île aux Nattes, meet its inhabitants, and get familiar with the Malagasy atmosphere. Type of accommodation: in rustic DBL and TWN bungalows with shared toilets and showers. sea kayaking: 4h30

• day 3

  Île aux Nattes - East Lagoon

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the kayak raid along the east coast of the island. The first stage brings us to the beautiful Boraha Village hotel, refined and very characteristic for its superb pier leading to a cocktail terrace on stilts. This day of sailing will be decisive for setting up our fleet of sailing kayaks in a comfortable pace. A snorkeling stop is planned at the best spot to dive into the tropical aquarium, before the picnic break. The lagoon becomes very wide on this part of the island, and we sail on a sea that is sometimes emerald green, sometimes turquoise blue, passing here and there fishermen in dugout canoes. Type of accommodation: charming hotel in TPL and QAD rooms Sea kayaking: 4h30

• day 4

  Lagoon to the north

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. This day of navigation allows us to reach the far north of the protected lagoon of Sainte-Marie Island by following the Ampanihy peninsula, after zigzagging between the stakes of the seaweed farms and passing fishermen in dugout canoes. We leave our kayaks at the exit of the lagoon, as the sea is no longer navigable afterwards. After entrusting our boats to good care, we finish the stage with a hike along the beach to reach the improbable hotel whose bungalows are set on the dune, facing the open sea. Here, you feel far, far, far away... Type of accommodation: charming hotel in DBL and TWN rooms Sea kayaking: 5h30 Hiking: 1h00

• day 5

  Excursion on the lagoon

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Then, we have to head south again and the morning begins with a walk on the beach to reach our boats. Then, we sail "against the wind," which requires us to perform sailing maneuvers in the lagoon to reach the tip of the Ampanihy peninsula. This allows us to enter the mangrove and navigate towards the pontoon hidden among the mangroves, which opens the way to a local inn where you will appreciate the rustic authenticity! This is a stage for meeting and sharing with the most isolated inhabitants of this part of the island. Type of accommodation: in rustic bungalows with outdoor toilets and showers. Sea kayaking: 4h30 Walking: 1h00

• day 6

  Ampanihy, mangrove and lagoon.

  

  Breakfast at the inn, taking the time to talk, exchange, and truly meet these endearing people. Here, you will stock up on wild honey, to the great benefit of your health, and the cook will win you over with her stuffed crab recipe. However, the place is rustic and the drinks are "not cold"... Then you have to leave to sail south and reach the beautiful Boraha Village hotel. We will take advantage of the late afternoon to visit the humpback whale study center, as Sainte-Marie is renowned for the observation, study, and protection of these great marine mammals. Type of accommodation: charming hotel in TPL and QAD rooms Sea kayaking: 4h30

• day 7

  Lagon Est, return to the south

  

  This last stage of navigation will take us to Ambodifotatra, the "capital" of the island. The hotel team carries the kayaks for us to reach a mangrove that crosses the island widthwise and allows us to reach the west coast through an aquatic labyrinth under the branches of the mangrove. The small town is still dominated by the old East India Company fort, which cannot be visited due to the presence of a military barracks. A tunnel used to connect the fort to Forbans Island, in the center of the bay. The Catholic church dates from 1837, the oldest in Madagascar. Visiting the pirate cemetery offers an opportunity to dive into Malagasy history. The kayak tour ends here and the afternoon allows for shopping with the artisans of the small town of Ambodifotatra. Type of accommodation: in DBL and TWN rooms Sea kayak: 2h30

• day 8

  Sainte Marie

  

  End of our services after your transfer to the port or airport, depending on the return transport you have chosen.