Ylang-ylang, whale sharks and island beaches
Nosy Be lies off Madagascar's north-west coast, a volcanic island scented by ylang-ylang plantations and fringed with beaches such as Andilana. Boat trips run to Nosy Komba, where black lemurs come close, and to the marine park at Nosy Tanikely for snorkelling among turtles and reef fish. Whale sharks visit the surrounding waters in season, and humpback whales pass later in the year. Mont Passot, the island's highest point, overlooks crater lakes and is a classic sunset spot.