Activities & Excursions
The island itself is the activity — but if you want more, there is plenty waiting just offshore and beyond.
Island Walks
Nosy Sakatia is one of the few places in Madagascar where ylang-ylang trees grow wild along the coastal paths. The island walk, roughly 90 minutes at a comfortable pace, takes you through forest, past the local village and along the shore.
Ask the team for the walking route map when you arrive. The walk can be done independently or with a local guide who can explain what you're seeing along the way.
The reefs around Nosy Sakatia are home to breeding and feeding populations of both green and hawksbill sea turtles. Snorkellers encounter them regularly on the house reef. Nesting occurs seasonally on quieter parts of the island.
Brown lemurs and Sanford's lemurs have been introduced to Nosy Sakatia as part of a conservation effort and are now a resident population. They're most active in the morning and late afternoon. Guests regularly spot them in the tree canopy near the lodge.
Whale sharks pass through the waters around Nosy Sakatia seasonally, typically between October and November. Local fishermen often alert the lodge when individuals are spotted. When conditions allow, the dive centre will arrange snorkel excursions to swim alongside them.
Madagascar is the home of nearly half the world's chameleon species. The mangrove forests and garden areas around the lodge are good places to spot them. Birdlife is also rich, keep an eye out for Madagascar kingfisher, paradise flycatcher and multiple sunbird species.
Snorkelling
You don't need a boat to find good snorkelling at Sakatia Lodge. The house reef begins within easy swimming distance of the shore and is home to turtles, lion fish, parrot fish, octopus and a dense variety of hard and soft coral.
Snorkelling gear is available to borrow at the lodge. The team will show you the best entry point for the conditions on the day.
For more adventurous snorkellers, guided boat trips access the outer reefs and turtle aggregation sites that are harder to reach from shore.
Two small islands connected by a white sand sandbar at low tide, one of Madagascar's most photographed scenes. Boat transfer from Nosy Sakatia, snorkelling en route, lunch on the island.
Ask about this trip →The lemur island. Walk through the village, hand-feed the free-ranging black lemurs that come to the path, browse the local artisan market and snorkel on the coral gardens on the return leg.
Ask about this trip →The nearest large island. Visit the Ylang-ylang distillery, the local market, Vanilla factory and waterfall near Ambatozavavy. A good complement to a slower island stay.
Ask about this trip →An evening boat trip around the western coast of Nosy Sakatia and towards the open water as the sun sets. Sundowners on board, good birdwatching and flying foxes returning to roost.
Ask about this trip →Note: Day trips are arranged through the lodge. Prices vary by group size and season. Ask the team on arrival or mention an interest when you enquire.
Water Sports & Beach Activities
The lagoon around Nosy Sakatia is calm and clear, perfect for swimming and sailing in the bay.
Water sports are available on request. Ask the team on arrival about conditions and availability.
Wildlife note
Green sea turtles nest on the beaches around the island and are regularly spotted when snorkelling from shore. Chameleons, geckos and tropical birds are found throughout the island. Lemurs can be visited on day trips to neighbouring islands.
