Things To Do
in Behisatse
Behisatse is a pristine coastal village on Madagascar's southern coast where turquoise waters meet rugged limestone cliffs. The town thrives on a small-scale fishing economy, lively markets, and a welcoming blend of Malagasy hospitality and oceanic charm. Lush mangroves, rice paddies, and nearby nature trails frame daily life with a slow, magnetic rhythm.
Visitors are drawn by unspoiled beaches, local seafood, and opportunities to glimpse coastal wildlife away from the mass tourism of larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Behisatse airstrip under a canopy of baobabs. A local guide greets you with a fragrant jasmine lei and explains the day’s plan. You sip freshly pressed coconut water as you take in views of the turquoise lagoon.
Check into your seaside eco-lodge built from local materials. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village market, sampling tropical fruits and handmade crafts. Visit the community center to learn about traditional weaving techniques.
Gather on the beach for a welcome dinner featuring grilled lobster and zebu skewers. Local musicians perform a heartfelt Malagasy folk concert under the stars. Drift off to sleep to the gentle rhythm of ocean waves.
Set out at dawn aboard a traditional pirogue, skimming glassy waters toward hidden coves. Seabirds wheel overhead and dolphins play in your wake. The rising sun turns the bay into a palette of gold and blue.
Anchor near a deserted sandbar and enjoy a picnic of spiced crab cakes and papaya salad. Wade into shallow lagoons to observe starfish and juvenile rays. Your guide shares tales of ancient Malagasy seafarers.
Return to Behisatse as the orange sun sinks beyond the horizon. Relish a beachfront barbecue with fresh catch and grilled plantains. Cap the night with storytelling around a driftwood bonfire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 💧Water bottle (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🧭Local souvenir | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unspoiled beaches and clear waters
- Warm, welcoming local culture
- Affordably priced food and lodging
- Accessible nature and coastal trails
- Limited infrastructure in remote areas
- Seasonal weather can affect travel plans
- Medical facilities are basic outside major towns
- Public transport options can be slow
- "Salama" - Hello
- "Manahoana" - Good morning / Hello
- "Misaotra" - Thank you
- "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me
- "Veloma" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Behisatse
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft pink light, fishing boats, and market vendors create a vibrant early-morning scene along the quay.
White limestone cliffs framing the coastline offer dramatic silhouettes during golden hour.
A raised path through mangroves hosts colorful birds and reflective water channels perfect for intimate, low-angle shots.
Wooden pirogues and handcrafted rigging provide texture and cultural context for wide-angle compositions.
Terraced fields reflecting sunset colors create tranquil landscape imagery just outside town.
Food in Behisatse
Behisatse Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Beef stew with leafy greens and tomatoes, served with white rice and a light broth. Commonly found at market stalls and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered in coconut milk with a hint of garlic and lime; pairs well with rice or cassava.
Crushed cassava leaves cooked with pork and garlic, offering a rich, greens-forward flavor common in rural Madagascar.
A traditional sweet made from ground rice, peanuts, banana, and sugar, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market by the harbor with stalls selling grilled sardines, fried plantains, fresh fruit, and coconut water. Great place to observe daily life and sample quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and say 'Salama' or 'Manahoana' to show respect; light handshakes or bows are common.
Dress modestly, especially in rural communities; shoulder and knee coverage is appreciated in villages and religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially children; avoid intrusive shots of private homes without consent.
If invited to a home, bringing a small token like fruit or snacks is polite.
Safety
Tipping in Behisatse
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Consider 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; small tips for guides, porters, and boat crew per day.
Cash in Malagasy Ariary is the most widely accepted method, especially in markets and rural areas. Some hotels and larger restaurants may accept credit/debit cards or mobile money (Mvola). Carry small denomination notes for easy transactions; be prepared for limited ATM access in remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and occasional tropical storms. Sea conditions can be rough; boat trips may be delayed or rerouted.
Dry season with sunny days and cooler evenings; ideal for hiking, photography, and outdoor markets.
Milder days with refreshing sea breezes; great visibility for snorkeling and coastal exploration, though mornings can be chilly.
Transition period with rising humidity and sporadic showers; wildlife activity increases and landscapes turn lush.
Behisatse at Night
Hiking in Behisatse
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate coastal hike along limestone formations with ocean panoramas and opportunities to spot seabirds.
Flat, shaded boardwalk through mangroves; ideal for birding and learning about wetland ecosystems.
Steeper ascent to a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the coastline and distant villages; best with a guide.
Airports
How to reach Behisatse by plane.
Regional airport serving the Atsimo-Andohatapenoberina area with domestic flights; services include connections to Antananarivo and other coastal towns.
Main international gateway to Madagascar in Antananarivo; from here you can connect to domestic flights to the southwest coast including Behisatse via Tsaradia or other carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Malagasy residents with fishing and farming livelihoods; strong sense of community and tradition.
Craftspeople and market sellers who produce weaving, woodwork, and small maritime crafts.
A mix of domestic travelers and international visitors seeking authentic coastal scenery and cultural experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport among locals, with informal matches on weekends and in village grounds.
A traditional and social activity, both for sustenance and recreation, especially near the harbor and mangrove shores.
Occasional local competitions using traditional boats along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Behisatse.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can rely on rice, beans, lentils, tubers, and vegetable curries. When ordering, ask for
vegetables cooked with minimal oil and no fish stock; many dishes can be adapted to be meat-free with freshwater greens and coconut milk.