Île Sainte-Marie, Tropical island in eastern Madagascar.
Île Sainte-Marie is an island off the eastern coast of Madagascar, stretching roughly 49 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. Lagoons and coral reefs surround the shores, creating shallow waters in shades of green and blue.
The island served as a major pirate base in the 1600s and 1700s because of its location near shipping routes. This period left deep marks on the settlement patterns and built environment that remain visible today.
The Betsimisaraka community shapes island life through ceremonies and customs that blend local traditions with maritime heritage. You can see this blend reflected in the houses, stories, and rituals people still practice today.
The island has a tropical climate with steady warmth year-round, though rainfall is heavy during certain seasons. Plan your visit during the drier months to make exploring easier and more comfortable.
From June to September, humpback whales arrive in the surrounding waters in large numbers to breed and birth their calves. This seasonal gathering makes the island a place where you can watch these marine mammals from close range.
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