Plan a CruiseHell Ville Cruise Port Guide
Upon arrival in Nosy Be, often referred to as the "Perfumed Isle" due to the therapeutic scents of vanilla, ylang-ylang, saffron, and cinnamon, your ship will anchor or moor, and you will be tendered ashore to Hell Ville Cruise Port. This port is located approximately 3km from the main city area of Hell Ville. Nosy Be is the largest island off Madagascar, renowned for its long beaches, lush green forests, and bright blue volcanic crater lakes. It's an ideal destination to encounter mystical lemurs, which are indigenous to Madagascar. The town of Hell Ville derives its name from an early French Governor, Admiral de Hell. Be aware that the beautiful palm-ringed sand beaches may not be as attractive during low tide.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender pier at Hell Ville Cruise Port is about 3km from the city center. Shuttles are generally provided by the cruise line to bridge this distance. Taxis are usually available at the pier if you wish to venture further afield independently. It is crucial to check the condition of the taxi vehicle and negotiate the price with the driver before beginning your journey, as English-speaking drivers are scarce. Boats are also available for hire at the port, particularly for excursions to nearby islands.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, you have several options for exploring Nosy Be and its surroundings:
- Lokobe Nature Reserve: Discover lush green forests featuring giant trees like Canarium madagascariense and Potameia crassifolia, which can reach heights of up to 40 meters. This reserve is home to various species, including indigenous lemurs.
- Nosy Komba (Lemur Island): Take a boat trip to this island, which impresses with a huge crater cone about 5km in diameter. The boat journey typically costs around $15.00 per person. Nosy Komba is famous for its lemurs, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing.
- Nosy Mangabe: This island boasts 520 hectares of rainforest. With a bit of luck during a hike, you might spot the world's smallest chameleon, which is roughly thumb-sized.
- Local Beaches: Enjoy the palm-ringed sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Remember that the beaches are less appealing during low tide.
It is advisable to compare the prices and offerings of independent tours with those provided by your cruise line.
Dining & Shopping
In Hell Ville, you'll find small shops in the town center and vendors directly at the pier. Popular souvenirs and local products include embroidered tablecloths, blouses, shirts, children's wear, local perfumes, spices, wood carvings, and woven straw items. While the local currency is the Malagasy Ariary, most shops will accept U.S. dollars.
Currency and Language
The official currency of Madagascar is the Ariary (MGA). Historically, it was linked to the Malagasy franc. Currently, one Ariary is worth approximately half a U.S. cent. While most shops accept U.S. dollars, it's always good to have some local currency for smaller purchases.
The primary language spoken across the island is Malagasy, an Austronesian language with many dialects, the official one being Merina. French is the second official language and is used in government and business, though most locals have limited proficiency. English became an official language in 2007, but very few people speak it. Locals appreciate any attempt by foreigners to speak Malagasy. Many cafes in Hell Ville offer free WiFi access.