To reach Nosy Komba from Nosy Be, take a motorboat from Hell-Ville port or Ambatoloaka. The crossing takes 20–30 minutes and costs 30,000–50,000 Ariary (€6–10) per person on a shared boat. Most guesthouses, including Makis' Vallée, arrange private transfers for guests. There is no airport on Nosy Komba — the island is only accessible by boat.
Nosy Komba sits just 8 kilometres south of Nosy Be in Madagascar's Diana Region. Despite being one of the most beautiful islands in the Nosy Be archipelago, getting there can feel confusing if it's your first time. This guide covers every route, cost, and practical detail so you can plan your arrival with confidence.
Step 1: Fly to Nosy Be (Fascene Airport)
All journeys to Nosy Komba begin on Nosy Be. Fascene International Airport (airport code: NOS) is the gateway to the archipelago. Several airlines serve this route:
- Tsaradia (Air Madagascar domestic) operates daily flights from Antananarivo (TNR). Flight time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. One-way fares range from €90–180 depending on season and booking time.
- Ewa Air connects Nosy Be to Mayotte and Réunion with seasonal services.
- Occasional charter flights operate from Europe (mainly France and Italy) during peak season (July–October).
Book domestic flights as early as possible — Tsaradia routes sell out during high season, and prices increase dramatically within 2 weeks of departure.
When you land at Fascene, you'll find taxis and bajaj (tuk-tuks) outside the terminal. A taxi to Hell-Ville port takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around 30,000–40,000 Ariary (€6–8). Agree on the fare before getting in — meters are not used.
Step 2: Boat from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba
This is the main crossing. You have two options:
Shared motorboat (cheapest)
Shared boats depart from Hell-Ville port and occasionally from Ambatoloaka beach. They run throughout the day but don't follow a strict timetable — boats leave when they have enough passengers. Expect to wait 15–60 minutes.
Cost: 30,000–50,000 Ariary (€6–10) per person one way.
Duration: 20–30 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Where to find them: Walk to the port area in Hell-Ville and ask for boats going to Nosy Komba (Ampangorina). Local boatmen will approach you.
Private transfer (recommended)
Most guesthouses on Nosy Komba arrange private boat transfers for their guests. This is the easiest option — you're met at the airport or your hotel on Nosy Be and taken directly to the boat, then to Nosy Komba.
Cost: Typically €15–25 per boat each way (not per person), depending on the provider.
Duration: 20 minutes.
How to arrange: Contact your guesthouse before arrival. At Makis' Vallée, we arrange transfers from both Fascene Airport and any location on Nosy Be. Just message us on WhatsApp when you book.
Comparison: Shared boat vs private transfer
| Shared Motorboat | Private Transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30,000–50,000 Ar (€6–10) per person | €15–25 per boat |
| Duration | 20–30 min | 20 min |
| Wait time | 15–60 min | No waiting — scheduled |
| Comfort | Basic, shared with locals and cargo | Dedicated, direct |
| Luggage | Space can be limited | Full boat for your group |
| Best for | Solo backpackers, budget travellers | Couples, families, anyone with luggage |
Alternative Route: Boat from Ankify (Mainland)
If you're arriving overland from the north of Madagascar (Diego Suarez / Antsiranana, Ambanja, or Ankarana), you can skip Nosy Be entirely and take a boat from Ankify port directly to Nosy Komba.
The Ankify route:
Drive or taxi to Ankify port (approximately 30 minutes from Ambanja by taxi, 6–8 hours from Diego Suarez by road)
Boats to Nosy Komba depart regularly throughout the morning. Ask at the port for boats going to Ampangorina
Crossing time is approximately 30 minutes
Cost is similar to shared boats from Nosy Be: 30,000–50,000 Ariary per person
This route is popular with overland travellers who don't need to fly into Nosy Be. The road from Diego Suarez to Ambanja passes through stunning scenery including the Ankarana tsingy formations.
Arriving on Nosy Komba
All boats arrive at the beach in Ampangorina, the main village on Nosy Komba's western coast. There are no paved roads on the island and no motorised vehicles — Nosy Komba is entirely pedestrian.
From the beach, Makis' Vallée is a 3-minute walk uphill through the village. Our staff can meet you at the dock to help with luggage. The path is well-worn but steep in places — sturdy sandals or shoes are recommended over flip-flops.
What you'll notice immediately: the quiet. No engines, no traffic. Just birdsong, the sound of the ocean, and quite possibly a wild black lemur swinging through the trees overhead.
Important Tips for Getting to Nosy Komba
Bring cash. There are no ATMs on Nosy Komba. Withdraw Ariary on Nosy Be (BFV bank in Hell-Ville has reliable ATMs) or bring Euros to exchange. Most boat operators accept Ariary only.
Travel light. You'll carry your luggage from the boat to your accommodation on foot. Wheeled suitcases don't work well on sand and village paths — a backpack or soft duffel bag is ideal.
Arrange transfers in advance. Especially if arriving on an evening flight to Nosy Be. Boat crossings after dark are possible but less comfortable. Your guesthouse can arrange timed transfers.
Sea conditions. The crossing is calm most of the year. During cyclone season (January–March), seas can be rougher. Boats still operate but the ride may be bumpier. If you're prone to seasickness, the shorter Nosy Be route is easier than the Ankify crossing.
Visa on arrival. You'll purchase your Madagascar visa at your first point of entry (usually Antananarivo or Fascene Airport). A 30-day tourist visa costs approximately €35. No advance application is needed for most nationalities. See our Before Travel page for more entry tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat ride from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba?
The motorboat crossing from Nosy Be (Hell-Ville port) takes approximately 20 minutes. A traditional pirogue takes 30–40 minutes. From Ankify on the mainland, the crossing is approximately 30 minutes.
How much does a boat to Nosy Komba cost?
A shared motorboat costs 30,000–50,000 Ariary (€6–10) per person. A private transfer arranged through a guesthouse is typically €15–25 per boat each way.
Can I get to Nosy Komba from Ankify on the mainland?
Yes. Boats depart from Ankify port throughout the morning and take approximately 30 minutes. This is a good option if you're travelling overland from Diego Suarez or Ambanja.
Is there an airport on Nosy Komba?
No. Nosy Komba has no airport, no roads, and no motorised vehicles. The nearest airport is Fascene International Airport (NOS) on Nosy Be.
Can Makis' Vallée arrange my transfer?
Yes. We arrange private boat transfers from both Nosy Be and Ankify. Contact us on WhatsApp at +261 37 01 477 31 or email info@makisvallee.com when booking your stay.
What should I do with luggage when arriving?
Boats dock at the beach in Ampangorina village. Makis' Vallée is a 3-minute walk uphill. Our staff can meet you at the beach to help carry bags. Pack light — there are no paved roads on the island.
Need a transfer arranged?
We organise private boat transfers from Nosy Be and Ankify for all guests.
Contact us on WhatsApp →Explore Makis' Vallée
You Might Also Like
Coming soon
Best Things to Do on Nosy Komba
Coming soon
What to Pack for Nosy Komba (Packing List)