Jump on a lakana for a visit to nearby  Saint Marie  where you can see historical sites such as the pirate cemetery, more beautiful beaches, the famous grottos and a local market, among many other things.

 

Allow us to treat you to some of the best seafood cuisine imaginable. Tear away at fresh lobster (in season), calamari, and various species of fish or even imported beef while you enjoy the idyllic ambience of our restaurant on the beach.

 

Enjoy a sundowner while you watch paradise go to sleep from out on the deck at La Petite Traversee.

Go scuba-diving and explore the incredible marine life at leisure (ask our staff at La Petite Traversee for information on this).

 

Go fly-fishing in the canal or on the reefs or go fishing from a traditional lakana (tree-trunk canoe) with a local fisherman. If you're serious about fishing or always dreamt of hooking that big one, do it properly and join Mad X-Perience for an adventurous  deep sea fishing safari.

The only way to reach the island is by lakana (traditional wooden canoes also known as a pirogue) from Sainte Marie. A number of lakanas are always on standby on the beach just south-west of the airport runway and the trip across only takes about four minutes. During low tide a reasonable good swimmer can swim across the narrow channel (about 300 meters) separating the two islands.
 

Although very small - it can be explored on foot in less than 3 hours - Ile Aux Nattes has everything travel brochures are made of. Unspoiled tropical beaches with fine white sand, coconut and other palm trees scattered along the shore, and a turquoise lagoon protected by coral reefs inhabited by a variety of exotic marine life. A well-known landmark is the Fanilo Blevec lighthouse (pictured at bottom of page), which, although not in use anymore, is closed to the public.

The island has a fascinating biodiversity which includes trees such as breadfruit, the hard-wooded Nanto (for which the island is named, according to one legend), rare orchids and spice such as vanilla, cinnamon, clove and lemon. A small community of ruffed lemurs (Sifaka) had recently been re-introduced to the island and seems to be thriving.

 

One of the great things about Ile Aux Nattes is that there are absolutely no motor cars or any other forms of modern transport to invade your sense of tranquility and peace. There are only about 1 500 people who live on the island, most of which are fishermen. In spite of their small population, they take pride in the fact that they have a democratically elected president.

However, the VERY best thing about Ile Aux Nattes, is the fact that La Petite Traversee is situated on its northern tip. This proud establishment offers you the best in luxury island accommodation, excellent food, great service and the best value for money

 Go snorkeling in the lagoon or among the coral reefs (equipment available from La Petite Traversee).

 

Chill out on the beach (La Petite Traversee has one of the most beautiful beaches imaginable literally on our doorstep).

 

Try to spot some of the famous Humpback-whales which come to breed in the area during July to September (pictured below-right).

Explore the island by foot and discover its rich biodiversity. Make sure to visit the lighthouse and the local cemetery.

 

Just take it easy and enjoy the peace and tranquility under the palm trees in front of your chalet at La Petite Traversee.