Madagascar · Beach & Island

3-Day Belo sur Mer Excursion with Andravona Snorkelling

3 Days Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the vibrant fishing village of Belo sur Mer
02 Witness traditional boat-making by skilled fishermen
03 Snorkel in the pristine waters around Andravona Island
04 Savour a traditional picnic lunch on Andravona Island
05 Visit the Antsira salt fields of Belo sur Mer
06 Take in a breathtaking sunset at Baobab Alley

This 3-day tour immerses travellers in the authentic Vezo fishing village of Belo sur Mer on Madagascar's southwest coast, combining traditional boat-building, marine adventures, and natural wonders. Expect pristine beaches, snorkelling, and cultural visits, with stays at a beachfront hotel. Travel typically starts from Morondava by 4x4 or fast boat.

Take a boat to Andravona Island, a 30-minute ride away, for snorkelling amid colourful reefs, with the chance to spot whale sharks and other marine life in crystal-clear waters.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Morondava, Kirindy Mitea National Park, Nosy Be, Belo sur Mer

Languages English, French, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Morondava to Belo sur Mer and Andravona Island Escape

Morning departure from Morondava.

Day 1: Arrival and Village Exploration

Arrive in Belo sur Mer and wander the sandy streets to watch fishermen craft traditional dhows and schooners along palm-fringed beaches. Visit the expansive Antsira salt field, where families harvest and pyramid salt under the sun before loading it onto carts. Overnight at Hotel Entre Mer or Ecolodge du Menabe, enjoying a fresh seafood dinner.

Day 2: Island Snorkelling Adventure

Take a boat to Andravona Island, a 30-minute ride away, for snorkelling amid colourful reefs, with the chance to spot whale sharks and other marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a picnic on the beach with grilled local fish, then explore nearby Nosy Be or relax in natural pools. Return for sunset views over the lagoon from your bungalow.

Day 3: Nature and Return to Morondava

Hike or take a boat to the dunes of Kirindy Mitea National Park for panoramic views of baobab forests, mangroves, lemurs, and flying foxes. Spot pink flamingos and reptiles before cruising back to Morondava.

Overnight at Trecicogne Hotel, Morondava.

Where this trip takes you

Belo sur Mer fishing village, Andravona Island reefs, Antsira salt field

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation and breakfast for 3 nights
Private motorboat transport
Private vehicle
Park entry fee
Picnic lunch
Snorkelling gear
Guide

What's Not Included

Lunch
Dinner
Souvenirs
Tips
Flight

What to bring

Sun cream
Swimsuit
Mosquito cream
If you have your own mask and fins for snorkelling, bring them

Know before you go

Belo sur Mer is located 70 km south of Morondava on the Mozambique Channel. From Morondava, it takes about two hours by boat, and by 4x4 it takes 3 hours to reach this Vezo village. The village, with its small houses and huts, lies on the edge of a small lagoon with a beautiful beach. Nice coral-fringed offshore islands provide excellent snorkelling and diving.

Belo sur Mer is the regional ship-building centre. The ships are built using the same designs as centuries ago. The construction is done by hand and takes about four to six years to complete. The beach is amazing, and the sea is clean and quiet. Three islands have become national parks, including Andravona Island, which is a 1-hour cruise from Belo and a nice place to swim, snorkel, and see marine life.

In 1861, King Radama II of Madagascar appealed to Napoleon III to send marine carpenters to teach the Malagasy population boat-manufacturing techniques. Joachim and his three sons were chosen to accomplish this mission, and they settled in Belo sur Mer. As a result, the history of Belo sur Mer began. Belo sur Mer is a village belonging to the Vezo community.

Logistics