Beach accommodation
Accommodation Options in Nosy Iranja
Do you dream of sleeping in this corner of paradise with only the murmur of the waves and the breath of the wind on the palm trees for company? We’re going to give you the different options for sleeping on the island, from the adventurous bivouac through the organised bivouac to the more comfortable lodge hotel.
Nosy Iranja attracts travellers in search of authenticity, but its geographical isolation means that its infrastructure is limited. Each accommodation has distinct features suited to different traveller profiles.
Where to sleep?
With fewer than 40 beds, the choice of accommodation is fairly limited. However, the authentic character of the island has been preserved.
A single hotel complex offers bungalows on the beach, combining comfort with perfect integration into the landscape.
For travellers in search of a ‘robinsonnade’, there are a number of small vegetation-filled bungalows located away from the village. They offer a unique experience of organised bivouac. These simple but charming accommodations allow you to wake up on a beautiful beach, with your feet in the water. This choice suits travellers prepared to forego modernism for a rich human experience, but may disappoint those seeking a certain level of convenience.
Accommodation comparison
Here is a complete overview of the different accommodation options:
| Type of accommodation | Average price/night | Comfort | Experience |
| Organised bivouac | 75€ with meal | Good | Authentic |
| Hotel-Lodge | +100€ excluding meals | Good | Authentic |
| Self-catering bivouac | 0€ (+permit authorisation) | Basic | Adventure |
| Homestay | to be negotiated on site | Basic | Authentic |
Organised bivouac
The tour organiser you have chosen will take care of everything. So you can mix a bit of adventure with a bit of comfort, such as being able to take a real shower.
Description:
- Accommodation in small plant-fibre bungalows on the beach
- Meals included
- Showers and toilets are outside
Where the camp is set up: the small tent-like bungalows are lined up facing the ocean.
Precaution:
- There is light in the small bungalows but bring a torch anyway.
Benefit:
- Cultural immersion.
Hotel-Lodge
Only one hotel offers bungalows directly on the beach, built with local materials to minimise environmental impact. They are equipped with en-suite bathrooms. The restaurant overlooks the sandbank.
Self-contained bivouacs
Self-catering bivouacs are the most adventurous and economical option, but they are not for everyone and require a great deal of preparation. First of all, when you arrive on the island, you’ll need to go to the local authority to obtain permission.
Here’s the essential equipment for a successful bivouac experience:
- Waterproof and UV-resistant tent
- A supply of drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Kitchen equipment and utensils
- Sunlamp or headlamp
- First-aid kit
Where to set up camp: Make sure you are at a safe distance from the sea. The villagers will show you the best sites and also those that are off-limits.
Safety and precautions:
- Check the weather forecast
- Notify the island chief of your presence
- Find out about the tides
- Don’t build fires
The off-site option: Nosy Be as a base
The disadvantage lies in the loss of the immersive experience: travelling by motorboat (from 1h30 to 2h depending on the distances to be covered and the sea conditions) limits the time on site to the times when the island is busiest during the day.
Advice
- Whatever your choice of accommodation, plan to spend at least two nights on the island. A single day is not enough to fully appreciate the magic of Nosy Iranja.
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the high season. Don’t let paradise slip through your fingers for lack of planning!
Whether you choose a bivouac for its authenticity or a hotel for its comfort, Nosy Iranja promises an unforgettable experience. The key to a successful stay lies in preparation and respect for this unique place.
Where the day ends in beauty
Top activities
- Walk on the sandbank
- Swimming in the crystal-clear waters
- Walk to the lighthouse
- Shopping
- Snorkelling around the coral reefs
- Turtle watching (depending on the season)
- Scuba diving
FAQ
Examples of mistakes that can spoil your trip to the island
- Walking barefoot everywhere : sea urchins hidden in the rocks, but especially oysters can turn your day into an ordeal.
- Taking shellfish: this is forbidden.
What types of turtle can be seen in Nosy Iranja?
Can you scuba dive at Nosy Iranja?
There are many dive sites on Nosy Iranja, the majority of dives taking place on the drop off. At present, in 2025, there is no diving centre on the island, but Nosy Be diving centres and diving cruise organisers offer to take you there.
