Its name means "Big Island," though it is often referred to as the Island of Perfume. Relatively quiet and tranquil, the island is the country's only true resort area. Nosy Be has attractive fine-sand beaches and good places for diving and snorkeling. Mount Passot (1,050 ft/90 m) provides a nice backdrop to the scene. The island is an excellent place to spend a week doing nothing except relaxing, meeting people and watching sunsets.
Other islands in the archipelago include
Nosy Komba (with a small lemur reserve),
Nosy Tanikely (good diving),
Nosy Iranja (seabirds and seclusion) and
Nosy Mitsio (also good for diving).
Nosy Be is 390 mi/630 km north of Antananarivo.