Activities in Eastern Madagascar
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Whale Watching
Every year between July and September, Baie d'Antongil, just south of Maroantsetra, is the site of the migration of hundreds of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). The whales make their way from the Antarctic northward to the warmer waters around Baie d'Antongil, where they spend the winter months breeding and birthing before the long journey back to Antarctica. En route the whales swim past Fort Dauphin and Île Sainte Marie, where they are often sighted offshore.
Humpbacks can measure up to 15m in length and weigh as much as 35,000kg. Despite their size, they are exceptionally agile, and capable of acrobatic moves such as breaching (launching themselves completel…
reviewed
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Maroa Tours
Rakoto, an English-speaking Angap guide and 'fixer', does excursions by pirogue to villages upriver from Maroantsetra (for groups of two or more), along with visits to Nosy Mangabe and the Masoala Peninsula. The tours include visits to a vanilla and cinnamon farm and village weaving workshops. The best time to see vanilla is between October and June. Rakoto can also organised guided treks to Mananara.
The vanilla plant was introduced to Madagascar from Mexico by French plantation owners, who named it vanille (lavanila in Malagasy), from the Spanish vainilla or 'little pod'. It is a type of climbing orchid, Vanila planifolia, which attaches itself to trees. The vanilla see…
reviewed
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A
MS Mauritius Trochetia
The luxury cruise liner MS Mauritius Trochetia leaves Toamasina for Réunion and Mauritius approximately every two weeks. One-way fares to Réunion start at around €180 for a 2nd-class cabin (based on two people sharing), and €230 to Mauritius. More expensive deluxe cabins are also available. For tickets, go to Tropical Service, near the Hotel Joffre.
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Kayak Masoala
Kayak Masoala has set up several kayaking camp sites on the peninsula and run trips there from Maroantsetra. Sea kayaking is an excellent way to explore the shores around Maroantsetra and the Masoala Peninsula, and there are numerous excellent routes. Inquire at Le Coco Beach for information.
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Quad, Motor or Mountain Biking
A great way to get out and explore the area around Maroantsetra is by mountain bike. If that sounds too energetic, rent a quad or motorcycle, both of which are just about the only motor vehicles that can make it far along the very rough RN2. All bikes can be hired in town.
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Cap Sainte Marie
If you're heading to Île Sainte Marie, the boat company Cap Sainte Marie has an office in Toamasina (sharing the same office as the boat company La Compagnie du Canal) and runs daily bus transfers to meet their shuttle at Soanierana-Ivongo (€60 return).
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Chez Nathan Fitness Club
Although the Sharon Hôtel has its own fitness centre and luxury beauty salon; if you want a cheaper gym or cardio workout, try Chez Nathan Fitness Club, opposite the Génération Hôtel.
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La Compagnie du Canal
Sharing the same office as the boat company Cap Sainte Marie, La Compagnie du Canal has daily services to Manambato €50 via Ankanin'ny Nofy €35, on the Canal des Pangalanes.
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E
Softline
This company offers trips on the Canal des Pangalanes for around MGA60,000 per person per day; also offers bike and scooter hire.
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Calypso Tours
A budget tour company offering day trips on the Canal des Pangalanes for around MGA60,000 per person.
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La Comète
Speedboat transfers for six to 10 people to hotels on the Canal des Pangalanes.
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Discovery Tours
Tours on the Canal des Pangalanes for around MGA60,000 per person per day.
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Tropical Service
Top-end local tours, cruises, car hire, transfers and travel services.
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