Sainte-Marie: The Pirates' Island

Sainte-Marie Island, also known as Nosy Boraha, is a true gem located off the east coast of Madagascar. Elongated in shape (approximately 49 km long and 5 km wide), it captivates with its coral sand beaches, protected lagoons, and lush vegetation. Its fascinating history, marked by Portuguese discovery in 1503 and its renown as a pirate haven in the 17th and 18th centuries, adds to its authentic charm. Today, this island is especially prized for its whale watching activities, particularly humpback whale observation from June to September, as well as for its diving sites and small fishing villages where tradition lives on.