Île aux Nattes, Tropical island south of Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Île aux Nattes is a small tropical island south of Île Sainte-Marie featuring white sand beaches and shallow coral reefs visible from the shore. The island covers less than 5 square kilometers and is dotted with fishing villages that sit mostly on the southern side.
The island was settled by maritime communities that established themselves along Madagascar's eastern coast centuries ago. Fishing has remained the foundation of life ever since that early settlement.
Fishing traditions shape daily life on the island, with residents working the waters as their families have for generations. You will see wooden pirogues dotted along the shoreline, handmade using methods passed down through families.
The island is reachable by pirogue in about 10 minutes from the southern tip of Île Sainte-Marie and is accessible year-round. Arranging boat transport with locals beforehand helps ensure smooth passage to the island.
The beaches here serve as important nesting grounds for several sea turtle species, making conservation efforts a priority on the island. This role in marine protection makes it a valuable site for understanding turtle breeding and survival in the Indian Ocean.
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