Things To Do
in Ramena
Ramena is a small beach village on the northern coast of Madagascar, a short drive from the regional city of Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez). It is known for its long white sand beach, clear turquoise water, and as a gateway to nearby island archipelagos like Nosy Hara. The village atmosphere is relaxed with simple beachside eateries, guesthouses and a strong fishing culture.
Ramena is also a base for diving, kitesurfing and excursions into nearby national parks such as Montagne d'Ambre and Ankarana.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
After arriving in Ramena, take some time to settle into your accommodation and soak in the coastal views. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while listening to the waves crashing along the beach. The fresh sea breeze will invigorate you as you prepare for the day's adventures.
Explore the vibrant local market where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce. Interact with the friendly vendors and sample some local delicacies. As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow, take a leisurely stroll along the beach to admire the stunning scenery.
Dine at a seaside restaurant, savoring traditional Malagasy dishes while watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. The sound of the ocean waves will create a soothing backdrop as the day winds down. Consider joining a local music performance to immerse yourself in the cultural rhythm of Ramena.
Start your day with a guided snorkeling trip to the nearby coral reefs, where you can marvel at the colorful marine life. The clear waters provide an excellent opportunity to spot tropical fish and maybe even some sea turtles. Enjoy a light breakfast on the boat while savoring the incredible views of the surrounding coastline.
After snorkeling, relax on one of the pristine beaches or take a swim in the inviting waters. You could also rent a kayak and paddle along the shore, exploring hidden coves and observing the diverse wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of palm trees, listening to the gentle sounds of nature around you.
As evening approaches, return to your hotel and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose from a variety of beachside restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes made from the day's catch. End your night with a beach bonfire, sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| 🛌Budget guesthouse per night | $10-30 |
| ⛽Short taxi or tuk-tuk ride | $1-5 |
| 🛥️Half-day boat trip | $20-50 |
| 🎟️Park or reserve entrance fee (approx.) | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, uncrowded white-sand beach with clear water and strong photo opportunities.
- Good base for kitesurfing, snorkeling, diving and access to nearby natural parks.
- Laid-back village atmosphere with friendly local culture and simple beachside hospitality.
- Limited infrastructure — few ATMs, ATMs can be unreliable, and card acceptance is sparse.
- Basic healthcare and services in the village; for serious needs you’ll need to travel to Antsiranana.
- Weather can be unpredictable in the rainy season and cyclones may disrupt travel.
- "Manao ahoana" - Hello / How are you
- "Misaotra" - Thank you
- "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me / Sorry
- "Firy ny vidiny?" - How much does it cost?
- "Aiza ny...?" - Where is...?
Places to Visit in Ramena
Visit one of these nice places.
Long white sand beach with turquoise water, perfect for sunrise and sunset silhouettes of fishermen and traditional pirogues.
Rocky islets and clear water — great for underwater and aerial-style compositions, reef life and dramatic island silhouettes.
Lush forest, waterfalls, crater lakes and endemic wildlife provide cool, green contrasts to coastal shots; misty mornings are especially atmospheric.
Coastal viewpoints with rugged rock formations, baobabs and panoramic views over Antsiranana Bay; good for wide landscape frames.
High vantage points overlooking the wide bay and city — best at golden hour for light and sweeping seascapes.
Food in Ramena
Ramena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught reef fish, simply grilled with lime and garlic — available at beachside shacks and restaurants throughout Ramena.
Must-Try!
Crushed cassava leaves often cooked with pork or served in simpler vegetable forms; more commonly found in Antsiranana markets and city restaurants than on small beach menus.
Plain rice (vary) served with a laoka — accompanying sauce or side such as beans, vegetables, meat or seafood; the local staple meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small stalls and grills by the sand selling brochettes (meat skewers), grilled seafood, samosas and fresh fruit — perfect for casual bites and sunset snacks.
In nearby Diego-Suarez the central market offers a wider selection of seafood, produce, spices and street foods — ideal for sampling local flavors and buying ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet people when entering shops or villages — a simple Malagasy greeting or a polite French hello goes a long way. Polite greetings are important socially.
Local taboos (fady) vary by community — ask guides or hosts about specific local restrictions (places, foods or behaviours to avoid).
Ask permission before photographing people, homes or sacred sites. Many villagers appreciate being asked and may request a small fee for posed photos.
Dress modestly when visiting villages and religious sites; beachwear is fine on the sand but cover up when walking through communities.
Safety
Tipping in Ramena
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; small tips (a few thousand ariary or rounding up) for guides, drivers and restaurant staff are customary in tourist contexts. For small local eateries and market sellers, tipping is not expected but a small gesture is welcomed.
Madagascar’s currency is the ariary (MGA). Cash is king in Ramena — bring sufficient local currency. Credit card acceptance is limited; ATMs are in Antsiranana but may be unreliable. Exchange currency in larger towns or upon arrival.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with a rainy season and possible cyclones (peak risk Dec–March). Expect afternoon downpours, lush vegetation and occasional travel disruptions; some boat trips may be canceled in bad weather.
Drier, cooler and generally the best time to visit — calm seas, clearer skies and pleasant conditions for hiking, diving and kitesurfing; higher tourist numbers July–August.
Transitional months can offer a good balance of fewer crowds and acceptable weather, though rain or choppy seas are possible.
Ramena at Night
Hiking in Ramena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested massif with well-marked trails, waterfalls, crater lakes and endemic wildlife; trails range from easy walks to longer guided hikes.
Dramatic limestone tsingy formations, canyons and caves north-west of Antsiranana — strenuous hikes and technical sections may require a guide.
Coastal hills with short hikes, baobab groves, historic sites and panoramic viewpoints over Antsiranana Bay; suitable for half-day walks.
Short coastal trails and headland paths around Ramena for beachcombing, tide-pool exploration and casual photography.
Airports
How to reach Ramena by plane.
The closest airport to Ramena serving Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez) — about 30–45 minutes by road. Domestic flights connect from Antananarivo and some regional hubs; use ground transport or arrange pickup to reach Ramena.
Regional airport on Nosy Be island with frequent domestic and some international flights; reach Ramena by a longer overland route and possibly boat transfers — useful if combining trips to the Nosy Be islands.
Madagascar’s main international gateway; most international visitors will transfer here and then take a domestic flight to Antsiranana before continuing to Ramena by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the primary local ethnic groups in the Diego-Suarez region; they have distinct cultural traditions and ties to the land.
Ramena and nearby Antsiranana feature mixes of Malagasy ethnicities plus historical French, Indian and Arab influences reflected in trade and culture.
Local economy centered on fishing, small hospitality businesses and guiding; many residents participate in informal tourism services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Madagascar; informal games are common in villages and towns.
Ramena’s winds make it a local hub for kitesurfing and other wind-driven watersports, especially during the dry season.
Both subsistence and sport fishing are culturally and economically important in the coastal communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ramena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; rice with vegetable laoka, salads, bean dishes and fried plantain are common. Communicate clearly (in French or a few Malagasy phrases) and expect simple preparations.
Vegan meals can be improvised (rice, beans, vegetables) but ask cooks about fish-based broths and use caution with sauces; bring snacks if you need reliable vegan choices.
Seafood is a primary protein in coastal menus — inform cooks and avoid cross-contamination at small grills; in many places there is limited alternative protein except chicken or pork.