Meals

Accommodation with breakfast at hotels/lodges

Transport

Transfers in private A/C vehicle.

Accommodation

3 or 4 stars well selected hotels or forest lodges

Flights

Economy class airfare of Antananarivo/ Sainte Marie/ Antananarivo

Guide

English speaking driver-guide for 1 to 5 pax. A private guide throughout the trip for 6 pax

Others

Pick-up and drop-off service at airport. Entrance fees in all parks and reserves mentioned. Whale watching safari in Sainte Marie (July to September). Tourist taxes at all hotels and in the park.

Not included:

Others

International flight into and out of Madagascar. Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary. Personal expenses (travel insurance, laundry, drinks, etc.). Tip to the driver-guide. Madagascar Visa Fee.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Antananarivo! Airport Pick Up
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Antananarivo! Airport Pick Up

Upon your arrival at the Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, aka Tana, our English-speaking driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

★ Attention:

Due to the lack of local flights, the departures for this route are only available on Mondays and Fridays. If your desired travel date falls outside these days, don’t worry! We can work with you to create a customized itinerary that fits your arrival timeframe.

► Best Time to Visit:

If you’re specifically here for whale watching extravaganza, July to September is the prime season, when you can witness hundreds of majestic humpback whales gracing the coast of Madagascar during their migration. If whale-watching is not a necessity for you, any time during the dry season (winter) from April to October is great for a broader wildlife experience.
Day 2 Fly From Antananarivo To Sainte Marie
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fly From Antananarivo To Sainte Marie

After breakfast, our driver-guide will whisk you away to the airport for a smooth 1-hour flight to Sainte Marie. This paradise island, nestled off Madagascar’s east coast, awaits your arrival. Another driver will ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel for check-in, so you can start relaxing right away.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Sainte Marie: Whale Watching Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sainte Marie: Whale Watching Tour

At your hotel lobby, our driver guide will escort you to the harbor. Hop on the whale watching boat with experienced crew and fellow whale enthusiasts. The boats are typically equipped with comfortable seating areas, restrooms, and a shaded upper deck for viewing.

★ Encounter Humpback Whales in Their Natural Habitat

Set sail into the calm waters of the Sainte Marie Channel, a breeding ground for humpback whales. This area is considered one of the best places in the world for whale watching due to its protected waters. Keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures as they breach, spyhop, and glide alongside the boat. After a thrilling morning, the boat will return to the harbor. Our driver-guide will then accompany you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Free Time In Sainte Marie Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Free Time In Sainte Marie Island

Just hike around Sainte Marie to relax both mind and body. There are several scenic hiking trails on the island, offering breathtaking views, including the trail to the Pointe à Lonjo with lush rainforest and the pristine islet Ile aux Nattes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Fly From Sainte Marie To Antananarivo, Transfer To Andasibe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fly From Sainte Marie To Antananarivo, Transfer To Andasibe

Our driver will ensure a timely transfer to the airport for your flight. Once you touch down in Antananarivo, another driver will be waiting to escort you through the 4-hour drive to Andasibe. Upon arrival, check into a nature-embraced lodge for rest.

► Insider Tips:

Madagascar’s infrastructure is still developing, so some road trips involve unpaved sections. To ensure your comfort and navigate these sections smoothly, we’ve prepared high-clearance, off-road vehicles. Expect some bumpy stretches, especially on dirt roads that can become muddy during rain.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Andasibe: Visit Maromizaha Forest To Spot Lemurs And Support Gerp
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Andasibe: Visit Maromizaha Forest To Spot Lemurs And Support Gerp

Today, you’ll spend a whole day on exploring the Maromizaha Forest. Start with a guided walk to look for different species of lemurs like the Indri Indri, Diademed Sifakas, common brown lemurs, and the black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Also spot a variety of birds, orchids, and other endemic plants, some of which hold medicinal value for local communities.

★ Unique Opportunity: Support Lemur Conservation with GERP

In the afternoon, let’s visit the GERP Association (Study and Research Group on Primates of Madagascar) and learn about their vital work in protecting the ecosystem of Andasibe. We’ll visit their headquarters and a village where their projects directly benefit the community. Witness firsthand their dedication to protecting endangered lemurs. During your visit, Agate Travel will be proud to make a donation to GERP on your behalf to support their projects.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Andasibe: Analamazaotra National Park, Back To Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Andasibe: Analamazaotra National Park, Back To Antananarivo

In the morning, our driver guide will take you to the Analamazaotra National Park for a stroll. Here, lemurs including the ones you’ve seen yesterday still can be found - seize the last chance to say hello to them! Except for these, bamboo lemurs also live here. Later, we will start our 4-hour road trip back to Antananarivo.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Royal Hill Of Ambohimanga, Departure From Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Royal Hill Of Ambohimanga, Departure From Antananarivo

Today marks the end of your Madagascar whale watching tour. Let’s visit the sacred King’s Palace on Royal Hill of Ambohimanga in the morning. Once home to the great king of Andrianampoinimerina (1787-1810) who endeavored to bring the then divided island into one, Ambohimanga is now a UNESCO-honored site offering insight to local history and culture. Then our driver will take you to Ivato Airport of Antananarivo, coordinating with your flight schedule for a stress-free departure. Wish you a pleasant journey home!

Meals: Breakfast

* Note: If the above itinerary doesn’t meet your requirements, don’t forget that we are a customized tour provider. Don’t hesitate to tell us your preferences, interests and budget, and we’ll tailor an itinerary to meet all your needs. Let’s turn your wanderlust into reality!

8 days tour

Customized Madagascar Family Trip For Whale Watching, Daily

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Customized Madagascar Family Trip For Whale Watching, Daily

Welcome To Antananarivo! Airport Pick Up

Fly From Antananarivo To Sainte Marie

Sainte Marie: Whale Watching Tour

Free Time In Sainte Marie Island

Fly From Sainte Marie To Antananarivo, Transfer To Andasibe

Andasibe: Visit Maromizaha Forest To Spot Lemurs And Support Gerp

Andasibe: Analamazaotra National Park, Back To Antananarivo

Royal Hill Of Ambohimanga, Departure From Antananarivo

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