Info & advice

GPS coordinates

North latitude: 13°15'57.6″S
East longitude: 48°12'13.0″E

Transportation: Several international airlines offer flights to Nosy Be (as of 2016):

Air Austral: www.air-austral.com Direct flights from Roissy Charles de Gaulle to Nosy Be via Reunion Island
Air France: www.airfrance.fr Direct flights from Roissy Charles de Gaulle to Nosy Be via Reunion Island or Antananarivo
Air Tsaradia : https://tsaradia.com/ Direct flights from Roissy Charles de Gaulle to Nosy Be via Antananarivo
Ewa Air: www.ewa-air.com Direct flights from Mayotte to Nosy Be
Air Neos (from Italy): www.neosair.it Direct flights from Milan or Rome to Nosy Be
Air Meridiana (from Italy): www.meridiana.it/fr/ Direct flights from Milan or Rome to Nosy Be
Airlink (from South Africa): www.flyairlink.com Direct flights from Johannesburg to Nosy Be
Ethiopian Airlines: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/FR/EN/ Direct flights from Roissy Charles de Gaulle, Rome, Milan, London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Munich, Madrid, Brussels, Vienna, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, etc., to Nosy Be via Addis Ababa.

Shift schedule

  • +1 hour during the European summer (from April to the end of September).
  • +2 hours during the European winter (from October to the end of March).

Climate: Nosy Be has a tropical and humid climate. The dry season lasts from May to September, which corresponds to the austral winter. From June to August, temperatures are often at their lowest, reaching up to 28°C. During the rainy seasons, from October to April, temperatures can reach up to 35°C. The heaviest rainfall occurs from January 15 to February 28.

Entry formalities & Visa: Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date. Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Madagascar airport:

  • For stays of less than 30 days: entrance fee of 80,000 Ariary, about 25 euros per person.
  • For stays of 1 to 2 months: visa fee of 100,000 Ariary, about 30 euros per person.
  • For stays of more than 2 months and less than 3 months: visa fee of 140,000 Ariary, about 43 euros per person.

Health: No vaccinations are mandatory for Madagascar, but it is advisable to be up to date with vaccines against tetanus, polio, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B. Malaria prophylaxis: There is a risk of contracting malaria, so it is important to take preventive measures. Minimal antimalarial treatment is recommended (consult specialized agencies for appropriate treatment; regardless of the treatment chosen: Nivaquine, Savarine, Paludrine, Lariam, etc.). We recommend a mosquito repellent lotion: a natural polyflavored body lotion for adults or children, the most effective here, sold for 6.50 euros in Le Grand Bleu, probably better than laboratory products sold in pharmacies or commercial areas (like 5 out of 5). You can request this upon arrival.

Electricity and Water: Le Grand Bleu is connected to the electricity service of Madagascar. Be aware: this is not the case for some establishments, and unfortunately, their customers realize it too late! In addition, the hotel is connected to the Madagascar water service. We warn you against eating food washed with unsafe water in some places, as it leads to diseases, the leading cause of mortality. Be vigilant outside the Big Blue.

Postal and Telecommunication Services:The postal service works well in Nosy Be, expect mail delivery in 15 days to 3 weeks. Mobile phones work in big cities, especially in Nosy Be. Communications with France are generally good, but getting a line can often be difficult. Note: To call from France to Madagascar, dial 00 261 + the recipient's number.

Our Ethics: Le Grand Bleu is a family-run establishment aligned with its values. Sex tourism is a violation of human dignity, condemned by Malagasy and international law. The Big Blue does not tolerate it in any way. For the comfort and tranquility of all guests, a barrier and reception service is in place 24 hours a day. Reservations are required in advance.