When is the best time to visit the Indian Ocean Islands?

June to October offers dry, clear days and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. September to December is whale shark season in parts of Madagascar. December to March is warm with calm seas, ideal for beach time.

Zanzibar for Stone Town’s UNESCO heritage, Mnemba’s reefs and sunset dhow sailing; Madagascar for Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, reef-to-forest days and private island seclusion on nearby islets.

What wildlife and marine life can I expect?

Sea turtles and colourful reef fish year round, whale sharks in season in Madagascar, dolphins, and on select islets near Madagascar, lemurs in coastal forests.

What experiences can you arrange?

Snorkeling and diving directly from the beach, dhow cruises to sandbanks, private island picnics, spa days, guided culture walks in Stone Town and relaxed barefoot beach dinners. Every journey is tailor made.

Is this suitable for families, couples or solo travelers?

Yes. We match villas or suites to your group, coordinate private boats and guides, and balance active water days with relaxed beach time for families, couples and solo travelers.

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS

Pristine white-sand beach and turquoise bay near Nosy Iranja, Madagascar

From Zanzibar’s coral atolls to Madagascar’s emerald archipelagos, these islands mix barefoot luxury with rich culture and rare wildlife. Snorkel clear reefs, watch turtles hatch, spot lemurs in rainforests, and sail by dhow at sunset. Indian Ocean days pair effortlessly with East Africa adventures.

Explore Experience Inspiration

Aerial of sandbar and islets in clear waters off Nosy Komba, Madagascar

QUICK FACTS
Turtle nesting
Whale sharks Nov-Dec
Corol reef snokelling
Stone Town UNESCO
Nosy Komba lemurs

Aerial view of green sea turtles and snorkeller over clear reef water near Nosy Be, Madagascar

Intro scuba lesson in a beachfront pool on Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Reefs, Dhows & Wild Isles

Begin on Zanzibar’s Mnemba for barefoot luxury and snorkelling off the beach; then to Madagascar, forest-to-reef days at Tsara Komba and heli-adventures from Miavana, with whale sharks (Sep–Dec, Madagascar). Between dhows, lemurs and blue lagoons, island time slows and every horizon glows.

Experiences & Highlights

Choose Coral Reefs, Relaxation & Wellness and Romantic Escapes on powder beaches; add Heli Tours, whale shark encounters (Sep–Dec, Madagascar), Fishing Safaris and golden-hour photography. Explore Cultural Experiences in Stone Town and Malagasy villages, alfresco beach dining and stargazing, seamlessly paired with Luxury Honeymoons and Family stays across NOMARA partner islands.