Information
Landmark: East Coast BeachesCity: Tamatave
Country: Madagascar
Continent: Africa
East Coast Beaches, Tamatave, Madagascar, Africa
Overview
Madagascar’s east coast boasts dazzling beaches, where soft white sand meets turquoise waves, and quiet coves shelter an incredible variety of wildlife.These beaches draw fewer visitors than the ones on the west coast, offering a quiet escape where you can hear waves rustle against the roots of the coastal rainforest.Let’s start with some of the east coast’s most loved and talked-about beaches-places where the sand feels like warm sugar under your feet: 1.Maha Sona Beach sits near Toamasina (Tamatave) on Madagascar’s eastern coast, a quiet stretch of sand where the only sound might be waves brushing the shore-perfect for anyone craving peace.Lush palms and bright hibiscus ring the beach, creating a perfect spot to unwind.You can swim in the warm shallows, stroll along the sand, or spread a blanket for a picnic.The area offers easy access to mangroves and coastal forests, where you can wander shaded trails and spot bright kingfishers.About 40 kilometers north of Toamasina lies Foulpointe Beach, a quiet stretch of sand with shallow waters and coral reefs just offshore-perfect for swimming or snorkeling.Mangrove swamps edge the beach, giving it a hushed, unhurried feel rare on the east coast.It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving into the clear blue water.You can paddle a kayak or hop on a boat for a trip that follows the curve of the coastline, where salt spray catches the light.Just a short walk away, Fort Manda adds a dash of history along with sweeping views of the coastline, and its shallow waters are perfect for kids to splash in safely.Off Madagascar’s northeastern coast near Toamasina, Nosy Boraha-also called Île Sainte-Marie-shines with powdery white sand, glass-clear shallows, and serene lagoons.Coral reefs ring the island, their bright fish and swaying sea fans making it a dream for snorkeling and diving.Beyond the water’s edge, Nosy Boraha draws crowds for whale watching between July and September, when the giants pass by.On Nosy Boraha, visitors wander through shaded forest reserves, step quietly among old stone ruins, and savor just-caught seafood by the shore; many of its eco-friendly lodges run sustainably, creating a relaxed, low-impact escape, while the northern tip’s Anjanojano Beach offers secluded sands and untouched beauty.Tall palm trees line the edge of the beach, their fronds swaying in the breeze, creating a perfect spot to unwind.You can snorkel in the clear water, swim, or stroll along the warm sand.It’s a wonderful spot to watch colorful fish dart through the shallows and soak in the gentle hush of the waves, and Vangaindrano Beach-tucked away in southern Atsimo-Atsinanana near the town-offers that same rare, unspoiled quiet.Thick tropical plants and coastal forests wrap around the beach, giving it a tucked-away feel.You can swim in the clear water or wander through the lush greenery.If you’re chasing peace and quiet far from the busy shore, the beach delivers-soft waves and empty sand for miles.Just north of Toamasina near Mahambo, you can take a boat to Ilot Mita, a tiny, uninhabited island that feels like your own private escape.The area’s famous for its pristine beaches, where soft white sand meets clear, gentle waves.You can swim, snorkel among bright fish, or take a kayak out over the calm water.The island makes an ideal spot for picnics or stretching out on the sand, a quiet hideaway surrounded by nature.About 60 kilometers north of Toamasina lies Mahambo Beach, where a sweep of golden sand meets the edge of lush rainforest, drawing both locals and travelers.The beach blends easy access with stunning scenery, where you can swim in cool, clear water, ride the waves, or just enjoy the sand.Mahambo is famous for its great fishing and fresh, flavorful seafood, while Manambato Beach, tucked near Toamasina at the southern tip of the Pangalane Canal, offers calm waters and plenty of space for swimming or paddling in the quiet.A stretch of forest and wetlands wraps around the beach, creating a rich mix of sights and sounds.You can swim in the clear water, lounge on the warm sand, or wander off to explore the nearby Pangalane Canal.Many visitors take boat rides along the canal to spot herons skimming the water and glimpse the region’s rich ecosystems.On the island’s northern coast, Andilana Beach stretches in a wide, bright curve, earning its place as one of Nosy Boraha’s best-known shores.Famous for its long ribbon of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, it’s the kind of spot where you can stretch out under the sun or dive straight into adventure-snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, even hopping on a boat for a day trip.It’s the perfect place to stretch out in the sun and soak up the coastline’s sweeping views, where waves flash silver in the light.Lake Alotiana, just outside Foulpointe and close to the Pangalane Canal, isn’t a traditional beach, but its still water and lush green banks make it a peaceful spot to linger.Tropical greenery wraps around the lake, where you can paddle a kayak through calm water, drift in a small boat, or watch herons glide low over the surface.You’ll find easy access to nearby coastal beaches and thriving wildlife habitats here, from mangrove-fringed shores to tidal pools alive with crabs.In fact, Madagascar’s east coast boasts some of the island’s most stunning and varied beaches, often blissfully quiet compared to the busier stretches out west.Whether you’re after quiet coves, the flash of a heron’s wings, or the rush of a jet ski, these beaches have something for everyone.From the storied shores of Nosy Boraha to the quiet, hidden stretches of sand at Mahambo and Foulpointe, the east coast offers a rare chance to soak in Madagascar’s wild beauty and unwind with a gentle, eco-friendly escape.
