Top Ivato Cruises: Sail Away with the Best Tours

Thinking about seeing Ivato from a completely new point of view? Like your maybe daydreaming of sparkling blue waters, gentle breezes, and unbelievably fantastic views? Well, that actually sounds like an Ivato cruise might be just what you are needing! Actually, there are many different ways to soak up the awesome coastline, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. Actually, this review is going to present the top five Ivato cruises and sailing tours, hopefully to give you the info that you need to make the best choice for your next adventure. Very possibly your trip will turn into some cherished memories!

1. Sunset Dhow Cruise: A Romantic Evening Sail

Do you want to do something extra memorable? Like picture this: you happen to be on a traditionally built dhow, basically a sailboat, lazily gliding along the Indian Ocean while the sun paints the sky in seriously unbelievable colors. Really, that is what the Sunset Dhow Cruise promises and typically delivers! So, too it’s almost perfect for couples looking for a wonderfully intimate experience or any traveler really wanting to end their day with something uniquely awesome. The gentle sway of the boat, just a little music, and, arguably, some tasty refreshments really adds up to something wonderful.

In fact, this cruise tends to last about three hours, which gives you tons of time to really kick back, relax, and marvel at that view. The dhow usually follows the coastline, getting close to picturesque coves and maybe a few cool rock formations. The crew knows all the great photo spots, so actually don’t be shy about asking for some picture-perfect moments. And don’t worry, basically they are pretty awesome about safety too. First off there will be life jackets, and some pretty thorough safety briefings before you even leave the dock, to boot. So too it’s almost peace of mind while you are busy soaking up the magical vibes.

What are people saying? Really, lots of folks are raving about the unbelievably tranquil environment and really friendly staff. It really seems that folks just cannot get enough of watching that big ball of fire dip below the horizon, with a glass of something delicious in their hands. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sunset Dhow Cruise)

Read our full review: Sunset Dhow Cruise Full Review and Details

2. Nosy Iranja Day Trip: Turquoise Dreams

Okay, how about a full day getaway to the breathtaking islands of Nosy Iranja? Nosy Iranja are sometimes called the “Turtle Islands,” actually for good reason! So really, this trip usually delivers a mix of relaxation, exploration, and that little hint of wonder. Apparently, it is about two islands connected by a stretch of dazzling white sandbar that really emerges during low tide. Really amazing, just pretty amazing.

Most tour companies, though, kick off pretty early, very usually between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, just to make sure you actually get the most out of the day. So too it’s almost the boat ride that can take a few hours, but don’t worry about that. First off, that scenery that is zooming past really distracts you. And, apparently, getting there is part of the excitement, too. When you reach Nosy Iranja, basically you’ll just be greeted by crystal-clear waters, those powdery beaches, and all that lush vegetation. The itinerary tends to vary depending on who you actually book with, but many will very often include time for just a little swimming, some snorkeling, and a picnic lunch on that beach.

Here is a fun fact: this island paradise has just a charming village, where people live in some pretty traditional ways. A few reviewers have stated that the experience can be improved if expectations of that ‘beach paradise’ were toned down a tiny little bit, in particular, related to the availability of modern conveniences on the remote islands. Despite that, nearly everyone totally raves about the unspoiled beauty and that once-in-a-lifetime feeling of basically just strolling along that sandbar connecting the two islands. So too it’s almost great for a day of escape and, frankly, relaxation. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Nosy Iranja Day Trip)

Read our full review: Nosy Iranja Day Trip Full Review and Details

3. Lokobe Nature Reserve by Boat: A Wildlife Adventure

Seeking something pretty special for nature buffs and adventure seekers? Anyway, a boat tour of the Lokobe Nature Reserve will probably just float your boat. Instead of trekking through the forest, you could reach the reserve by a motorized pirogue. Pirogues is just another name for those traditional dugout canoes, and it is very often a bit of a special adventure all by itself!

So really, most tours basically start from a small village not too far from Ivato, like your maybe Ambanoro. Usually you can just board the pirogue and head along that coast to Lokobe. Often guides just paddle along those calm waters, sometimes pointing out some interesting landmarks and actually giving you all those little details about the area. Lokobe is typically accessible only by boat, adding just a touch of a bit of exclusivity to your visit. Typically Lokobe is home to a bunch of lemurs, chameleons, snakes, plus some birds and other unusual critters. Guides know where just to find those well-camouflaged critters, so they can improve your experience greatly. So, apparently, pack your camera – you really would be so bummed to miss getting a good shot!

Word to the wise: Wear comfortable walking shoes, just a little sunscreen, and a hat. Also just be prepared for some humidity, especially when you happen to go into that rainforest. So too it’s almost nice to stay hydrated by drinking water often. Past travelers, typically, just gush about getting that chance to see those lemurs up close and how pretty cool it really is learning about local plant life from some expert guides. Anyway, all around, this just tends to be a winner for folks needing that dash of wilderness. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lokobe Nature Reserve Tour)

Read our full review: Lokobe Nature Reserve Tour Full Review and Details

4. Sakatia Island Snorkeling Tour: An Underwater Paradise

Are you a snorkeling fanatic and someone needing to get a little wet? This little jewel is near Nosy Be and also close to Ivato. So too it’s almost about getting submerged in all those gorgeous coral reefs and meeting the area’s famously friendly sea turtles.

Trips, virtually, usually start by hopping onto a speedboat, and getting the fresh air to kick it for about 20 to 30 minutes to that shore of Sakatia. Many tours make it convenient by supplying the gear you’re wanting: the masks, some snorkels, some fins, everything. And just so you happen to be new to this stuff, don’t worry, actually those guides can give you a quick rundown of everything and maybe point you in a good direction, to boot. So, very, the seas all around Sakatia is bursting with a bunch of different colored fish, all different coral formations, and usually some chill sea turtles gracefully swimming. Really awesome.

Pro tip? Sunblock matters a lot, folks, but very probably stay away from anything bad for that reef. Basically, they’ve put those regulations into place so folks could still enjoy it now and so some people get to enjoy it later, too. Basically, those visitor reviews of the island almost universally rave about just how wonderfully vibrant that water life can be. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sakatia Island Snorkeling)

Read our full review: Sakatia Island Snorkeling Tour Full Review and Details

5. Private Catamaran Charter: Luxury on the Open Sea

Basically looking to treat yourself like your vacation really needed something super exclusive? Actually, a private catamaran charter allows for totally discovering the islands and beaches near Ivato on what seems like a very extravagant platform. Anyway, this means a boat that you would not need to share with others!

Those advantages really come up right away. What that typically entails is getting a boat of pretty decent size reserved, usually, so it fits some sizable numbers of guests. Catamarans really make this feel really comfortable, steady, and fit for those bigger ocean excursions. With one of the charters, basically you tend to be able to make an itinerary yourself. In some respects, you will set those stops on those isolated islands, basically find some secluded bays, or some stretches just for swimming away from crowds. So too it’s almost a vacation, right? Private charters very often supply things like snorkeling tools, things for fishing, or sometimes maybe some paddleboards, stuff, very likely for entertaining everyone, both onboard and while stopped.

Actually, people are mostly pretty excited about getting those opportunities to actually just tailor their maritime experiences completely. Seriously nice. You’re sure to have a very fantastic sailing story here that you’re able to retell! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Catamaran Charter)

Read our full review: Catamaran Charter Full Review and Details