One hour by boat southwest of Nosy Be, at low tide Nosy Iranja is a single island but splits into two as rising waters cover the connecting white sandbank.
Islands of Nosy Be
The northern and larger island is Iranja Komba, with a small fishing village where abandoned dhows are washed up on the sand and modest bamboo huts are tucked under badamier trees. The southern island, known often as Nosy Iranja Kely, has one small hotel. Both islands have gently shelving powderwhite beaches.
Hawksbill turtles
The islands are an important breeding site for hawksbill turtles and scientists are currently working on a turtle monitoring project. Guests can learn about their work and, with luck, watch turtles hatching at night.