**[Green Heart R] Tamatave – Sainte Marie Island, Transportation Guide**
1️⃣
To reach Tamatave from the bustling capital of Antananarivo, hop on a vibrant minibus for an adventure-filled journey. Marked on Google Maps as P1, these minibuses depart promptly at 8 AM and 8 PM. We opted for the morning departure at 8 AM, arriving in Tamatave exactly 12 hours later at 8 PM.
Around 11 AM, the ride pauses at a charming local restaurant (P5) for a hearty meal to refuel. Afterward, all bathroom breaks are al fresco—a true taste of the countryside! The road twists and turns with more potholes than you might expect, but that’s part of the charm. Tickets cost 50,000 Ariary, roughly equivalent to RMB 78.
2️⃣
For those eager to explore the enchanting Sainte Marie Island, a combination of bus and boat is your best bet. Boats set sail at 4 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday (Google Maps location P6; note: closed on Sundays). You’ll arrive at the island by around 3 PM, ready to soak in its serene beauty. Tickets for this unforgettable journey cost 172,000 Ariary, or approximately RMB 269.
We initially purchased tickets but ended up refunding them (with a small handling fee) due to an unexpected typhoon. Safety first—sometimes nature has other plans!
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**Budget-friendly and Hassle-free Guide to Sainte Marie Island**
[Green Heart R] Accommodation Recommendations
📍 **SPLENDIDE HOTEL TOAMASINA (P10)**
When we arrived on a busy Saturday evening, this hotel was fully booked. However, its overall ambiance looked inviting and well-maintained. A cozy restaurant on the ground floor serves meals until about 9:30 PM. Single rooms here go for 70,000 Ariary, or roughly RMB 110.
📍 **STEPHEN HOTEL (P11)**
Discovered through a quick Google search, Stephen Hotel stood out for its warm hospitality. Their family room features one large bed and one smaller bed, perfect for traveling groups, priced at 125,000 Ariary (about RMB 198). The owners were incredibly kind and even offered us contacts for transportation and boat services—true locals helping fellow travelers!
📍 **Golden Ocean Hotel (P12)**
The next day, we checked into this delightful Chinese-owned hotel, which quickly became our go-to information hub. The owner went above and beyond, assisting with inquiries to the boat company and facilitating currency exchanges. Double rooms here also come in at 70,000 Ariary (around RMB 110).
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**[Green Heart R] Dining**
Once settled at Golden Ocean, the downstairs Chinese restaurant naturally became our favorite haunt. Run by a friendly Fujian native, it offers a tantalizing array of dishes—from fresh seafood and sizzling stir-fries to spicy Hunan and Sichuan specialties, plus comforting dumplings, wontons, and noodles. Prices are reasonable, quality consistent, and a full meal averages around 30 RMB per person.
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**[Green Heart R] City Transportation**
Tamatave is compact, making it easy to navigate on foot if you enjoy walking. For those who prefer wheels, rickshaws charge just 1,000 Ariary (about RMB 1.6) per person, while tuk-tuks bump it up slightly to 1,500 Ariary (approximately RMB 2.4). Whether strolling or riding, exploring this charming city is pure delight.
