What to do in Nosy Boraha

Tales of swashbuckling pirates come alive in this rather fascinating corner of the Indian Ocean, where weathered headstones in a historic cemetery tell stories of legendary buccaneers from the 17th and 18th centuries. Nature puts on quite the show here, too - particularly from mid-June to September, when humpback whales breach spectacularly in the channel waters. A quick hop by canoe leads to pristine beaches and coral reefs practically teeming with marine life, while the northern natural pools offer a splendid spot for a refreshing dip. History buffs should pop into Madagascar's oldest Catholic church, an architectural gem from 1857, before paddling through the tranquil mangrove forests. The local cuisine deserves proper attention - think freshly caught seafood with coconut-rich sauces that would make any chef rather jealous. Active types can try their hand at kitesurfing or kayaking, though there's no shame in simply lounging on the beach. For a proper peek into the area's colorful past, the museum at Ilot Madame houses an impressive collection of pirate artifacts - complete with bits and bobs from actual shipwrecks.