Things to do in The Vanilla Coast
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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…
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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…
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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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Self catering
If you're stocking up for a camping trip, Maroantsetra is good for self-caterers. It has great bread, which is available at the market, along with a modest selection of fruits and vegetables.
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Rive Gauche
Rive Gauche, in a pretty spot near the harbour, is open in the early evening for ice creams and snacks.
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Les Grillades
Les Grillades is a place for a good meal. Located near Le Coco Beach restaurant.
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