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Adam Baldridge, William Kidd, Thomas Tew, Henry Every and La Buse all used the island, a base on the sea route to the Indies.
Old graves looking out over the bay, linked to the age of pirates and passing sailors. Best visited with a local guide.
In 1750, Queen Bety ceded the island to France. The Reine Betty museum tells this story and that of the island.
Madagascar's first Catholic church, built in 1857 on the shore of Ambodifotatra bay.
From June or July to September, humpback whales come to mate and give birth in the channel; their arrival sets the rhythm of island life.
Malagasy association that protects humpback whales, oversees whale-watching tourism with partner hotels and hosts eco-volunteers; it is linked to the Whale Festival.
Official websitecetamada.org→Fishing villages with houses on stilts line the coast. Respect residents' daily life and ask before taking photos.
Island cooking is based on fish, seafood and coconut, served with rice, the staple of the Malagasy diet.
A common speciality on Sainte-Marie menus, made with locally caught fish. Rhum arrangé (infused rum) often rounds off the meal.