Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHIVER ME TIMBERS
In the late 17th and 18th centuries Ile Sainte Marie was the headquarters of the
world's pirates, who enjoyed its proximity to maritime trade routes, its protected
harbour (a great place to hide), its abundant fruit, and its women. Legendary
brigands like William Kidd once brought their boats here for repairs, and set up
house on Ile aux Forbans, near Ambodifotatra. At one point the pirate popula-
tion topped 1000. Today the remains of several pirate ships still lie within a few
metres of the surface in the Baie des Forbans, including Kidd's
Adventure
, and
Captain Condent's famous
Fiery Dragon
, while the skull and crossbones can be
seen engraved at the nearby pirate cemetery.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Air
Air Madagascar
( 57 400 46) flies daily between Ile Sainte Marie and Antananarivo
(€184, one hour) and six times weekly to/from Tamatave (€150, 30 minutes). Flights to
Maroantsetra and destinations further north usually involve a stopover at Tamatave. Flights
up the northeast coast are often full; in the vanilla season (June to October) book as far in
advance as possible, and reconfirm all bookings.
Boat
For shuttles to/from Soanierana-Ivongo,
Click here
.
Boats leave Ambodifotatra as early as
daybreak. Cargo boats leave from a different port on Ilot Madame, the tiny island at the
entrance to Baie des Forbans, sailing to Mananara, Maroantsetra and Tamatave. There are
no set schedules; departures from Ile Sainte Marie are often in the evening or at night, de-
pending on the tides, and you will likely have to wait several days for something to turn up.
GETTING AROUND
There is a good paved road between Loukintsy and the airport, and between Ambodifotatra
and Ilampy. Work is proceeding on Ankirihiry to Ilampy, in order to complete a paved cir-
cuit of the central island. The remaining roads are dirt, rock, or sand.
To/From the Airport
The airport is located at the southern tip of the island, 13km south of Ambodifotatra. Hotel
transfer prices range from Ar2000 to Ar40,000 one way, depending on distance. If you can
find one, taxis-brousses usually charge Ar5000 between the airport and Ambodifotatra. A
private taxi costs Ar20,000.
