Beaches of the Southwest of Madagascar: Untouched Paradise Along the Coral Reef

1. Itampolo: Remote Beauty Worth the Journey

Itampolo is one of the most isolated but enchanting beaches in Madagascar. Getting here requires commitment—a 5-hour drive from Anakao or 8 hours from Lavanono—but the reward is a long, pristine coastline untouched by mass tourism.

• Salapaly Bay is the standout: powdery white sand, coconut palms, and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see.

• From June to mid-September, you might spot humpback whales offshore.

• Wander through the local market, meet friendly villagers, and enjoy fresh lobster prepared right on the beach.

Where to stay: Accommodations are basic and rustic—ideal for adventurous travelers who love raw, natural settings.

2. Ambola: A Beach and a Park in One Stop

About 2 hours north of Itampolo, Ambola is a great stop, especially for those visiting the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, known for its flamingos and salt lake.

• The beach here boasts fine white sand and clear, calm waters.

• You can walk directly to the coral reef, which lies close to the shore.

• Snorkeling is accessible and rewarding thanks to the vibrant reef ecosystem.

Where to stay: Ambola has one solid hotel—comfortable and welcoming, perfect for relaxing for a night or two.

3. Anakao: A Classic Beach Destination

Just an hour by boat from Toliara, Anakao is the easiest-to-reach beach in the southwest and a favorite among travelers looking for a full beach holiday.

• Long stretches of soft white sand

• A wide selection of hotels and guesthouses for all budgets

• Great for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving

Things to do in Anakao:

• Day trip to Nosy Ve, a sacred island with bird colonies and spiritual history

• Explore the tiny, picture-perfect Nosy Satrana

• Rent a quad and visit nearby Vezo fishing villages

• Try local seafood straight from the ocean

4. Salary: A Lagoon Like No Other

North of Toliara, and past the more well-known (but crowded) beaches of Ifaty and Mangily, lies the hidden gem of Salary. Accessible by 4×4 in about 4 hours via sandy tracks, Salary rewards the effort with jaw-dropping natural beauty.

• The beach here is part of a perfectly shaped lagoon, like a massive infinity pool of turquoise and blue.

• Great for photography, kayaking, and relaxing

• At low tide, swimming can be tricky due to exposed reef

Where to stay:

• One very rustic eco-lodge for nature lovers

• One upmarket beach hotel offering more comfort and luxury

5. Ambatomilo: Possibly the Best Beach in Madagascar

About an hour north of Salary, Ambatomilo is often considered the most beautiful beach in Madagascar. Despite its beauty, it remains largely undiscovered—even in August, the beach feels empty.

• A vast beach stretching for kilometers

• Crystal-clear waters and perfect swimming conditions

• Authentic, slow-paced village life

Where to stay:

• A charming bungalow hotel on the best part of the beach, run by a warm Italian host

• A boutique eco-resort with designer bungalows, perfect for couples

• A “glamping” option with luxury tents, although it may feel overpriced compared to the alternatives

This is the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and live on beach time.

6. Andavadoaka: Diving Paradise

Finally, after about 4 hours from Ambatomilo (or 7 hours total from Toliara), you reach Andavadoaka, another jewel along the southwestern coast.

• World-class scuba diving with one of the healthiest reef systems in Madagascar

• Excellent for snorkeling, marine life spotting, and even paddleboarding

• Rich Vezo fishing culture, visible in daily village life

Where to stay:

• Several hotels and ecolodges to suit different price ranges

• Remote, peaceful, and perfect for divers and ocean lovers

When to Visit the Beaches of Southwest Madagascar

The dry season from April to November is the best time to enjoy the beaches of southwest Madagascar:

• May to October offers cooler temperatures and excellent conditions for swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

• June to September is the whale-watching season—a magical bonus to your beach experience.

Avoid traveling during the wet season (December to March), as roads can become impassable, and some remote areas are cut off entirely.

Final Thoughts: Where to Go Depends on What You Seek

Each beach along Madagascar’s southwest coast has its own character:

• Itampolo – Remote escape for the true adventurer

• Ambola – Calm beach near a unique national park

• Anakao – The all-rounder with easy access and lots to do

• Salary – Unreal lagoon views, harder to swim but worth it

• Ambatomilo – Untouched beauty, best overall beach experience

• Andavadoaka – A diver’s paradise with authentic village charm

Whether you’re looking to unwind, dive, explore, or disappear for a while, the beaches of the southwest will surpass your expectations. They’re raw, real, and untouched by mass tourism—offering the kind of beach adventure that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s world.

Looking to plan your trip to Madagascar? Get in contact for updated conditions, transport options, and hotel availability—especially in the more remote areas.