Madagascar is one of the stretches of south-shore coastline our captains use when a group says the thing we hear most: "somewhere the tour boats don't go." Jungle down to the water, rocky points, a narrow strip of sand, and on a normal day, nobody else at anchor.
Why It Is on Our List and Not on the Brochures
The big catamarans and shared tours run a fixed loop of the south shore because that is what a fixed schedule requires. A private boat does not have that constraint. Madagascar is one of several spots along this coastline that our captains use precisely because the schedule boats never stop there — the water is just as good and the deck of your boat is not shared with strangers.
What the Stop Is Like
Anchor off the shore, swim, snorkel around the rocks, eat whatever you brought under the shade canopy, and get back in the water. That is the whole program, and that is the appeal. There are no services, no vendors and no palapas. On a calm day it is one of the more peaceful anchors within an easy run of Marina Nuevo Vallarta.
Ask Your Captain First
Being honest about this one: how good Madagascar is depends heavily on the day. Swell direction and wind matter more here than at the better-protected coves. Mention it when you book and your captain will tell you on the morning whether it is running calm — and if it is not, they will put you somewhere better, like Paradón or El Caballo.
How to Build the Day
Most groups treat Madagascar as the swim-and-relax half of a mixed day: fish or cruise on the run down from the marina, anchor here for a couple of hours, then head home along the coast — or continue on to Las Ánimas if the group wants a meal ashore before the run back. In whale season the ride down and back is prime whale-watching water.
Which Boat
All three run this stretch. Guanatuna is the everyday choice — full shade, open bow, up to 15 guests. Steel n Time for a bigger group or anyone who wants A/C and a salon. Peaceful Easy Feeling for a fast, small-group day.
