The island of Sainte-Marie to the east of Madagascar, near the sea lanes through which passed the ships returning from India with holds overflowing with riches, has bays and coves that are protected from storms.
Sainte-Marie is fabulously rich in fruits and fresh water, and became a popular base for pirates during the course of the seventeenth to the eighteenth century. Many of them settled down and started families here. Many vestiges of this history remain in the island, particularly in the Baie des Forbans where a few meters down, dozens of authentic pirate ships still lie.
The island of Sainte-Marie is a true tropical paradise--still unspoiled by mass tourism. An authentic island, with deserted beaches or occupied by small fishing villages with their traditional and ancient way of life, the small number of vehicles reinforce this place's "timelessness" at the "end of the world". A multitude of trails and paths cross the island. Their size (60 km long and 5 km maximum width) makes it possible to slowly visit the island on foot or by bicycle.
However, the incredible discoveries do not stop there! Sites and areas of interest abound: The Ile aux Nattes, the pirates' cemetery, Ampanihy Forest, the Ile aux Forbans, the annual migration of humpback whales and traditional celebrations...
There is also the possibility for those who love the sea bed to enjoy excellent diving near the reefs.
