Hell-Ville (Nossi-Be) - Docking
Anchoring is the only option. In spite of any plans, no marina has been built here. Crater Bay and Hell-Ville are the two possible anchorages, Hell-Ville being closer to amenities.
Dinghies can be left at the public jetty in the care of a boat boy.
Crater Bay:
There are many yachts here, mostly local. Ashore there is a small yacht club with a landing stage for dinghies. There is a small bar/restaurant built on an old cane railway locomotive. It is a 20-minute walk to the local town where there is a good small supermarket. Some chandlery is available. Only cash can be used and there is nowhere to change money except possibly at a nearby resort. Potable water is available.
It might be advisable to bring outboards on board at night.
Hell-Ville:
Entry to the bay at waypoint: 13° 24.823’ S 48° 17.049 E
There are many scattered moorings as you get into the bay so it’s not recommended to enter at night. Moorings are privately owned and should not be used without permission. The holding is mud so give the anchor a bit of time to set. Keep a safe distance from other boats given the shifting tides. Do not anchor near the pier given ferry / small commercial ship traffic.
Local boat boys again can provide a watchful eye on your dinghy and boat and many other services. Do not leave dinghies at town pier unattended.
This anchorage is close to stores and restaurants. It is a town anchorage.
Sakatia Island (near Hell-Ville):
13 deg 18.06S and 048 deg 10.63E, has a good holding in 4-6m in the sand.
Last updated: April 2019
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Related to following destinations: Madagascar, Nossi-Be (Hell-Ville)
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Apr 18, 2019 03:02 PM
We cruised the Nosy Be Area for 3+ months in 2018 calling in many times at Nosy Tanihely, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Komba, Nosy Mamoko, Russian Bay, Nosy Iranja, Nosy Antsoha, Tsara Bajina and Nosy Mitsio, We preferred the Hell-Ville (Andoany) Town Anchorage as our ‘home base’ rather than the Crater Bay anchorage given the watchful eye / good services provided by the ‘boat-boys’ Jimmy and Kool and close proximity to stores and restaurants.
Posted on behalf of Stephen Poulson of SV Emerald Sea:
Spending time in Nosy Be and need an excellent tour guide to show you the highlights of Nosy Be? Thomas works at LemurLand, a small zoo, in Hellville, and provides tour guide services there in addition to island tour services (his time and that of a 3rd party vehicle).
He has studied botany at college, fluent in English, French and Italian and has been recommended by a number of cruisers presently here including ourselves. He can be contacted at 0328824608.
Posted on behalf of Brian Simm
After all the horrors of the pilot books re bribery, demands etc. our arrival was easy and pleasant.
Anchoring by moonlight in Crater bay was easy. This is now the preferred local anchorage with over 50 local and visiting boats, and an active small yacht club.
Next morning anchored off Hellville with the dinghy welcomed on the dock by Jimmy the current local fix it. Care of dinghy sublet immediately and we were guided on the rounds. Police(immigration), port, customs 1 and customs 2. Fees were posted on the walls and fully receipted.
Fees totalled about 200000 Ariary for a 17m boat and 2 crew while very good lunch in the 2 1/2 hour office break brought the full total to 270000 local or $90.00.