The Ince Spirit of Adventure Trip 2026 goes to Nosy Be, Madagascar

At Ince, we believe that the strongest relationships are built through shared experiences.

Each year, the Ince Spirit of Adventure brings together a small group of clients (winners of the annual draw at the Corporate Finance Bash) for a unique journey, celebrating the partnerships we’ve built and our shared spirit of curiosity, discovery and exploration.

This year, our adventure takes us to the remarkable island of Madagascar, where a thoughtfully curated itinerary will immerse our travellers in breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and unforgettable cultural experiences. Over the coming days, we’ll share moments from the journey, offering a glimpse into the experiences, conversations and connections that make the Ince Spirit of Adventure such a memorable tradition.

Join us each day as we share the highlights, stories and experiences from our Madagascan adventure

DAY ONE – 21 JULY 2026 – THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

The group had an early start today, but thankfully, they had refreshments on hand while they waited for their flight to Nosy Be. After landing in Madagascar, they then took a speedboat to the island of Nosy Kombo – a beautiful, volcanic island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, between mainland Ankify and the bigger island of Nosy Be.

After settling in for three days stay they enjoyed a welcome dinner with some special treats (aka “fines”), which gave them a chance to relax, get to know each other better and get ready for the two days of adventure that await them here in Nosy Be.

DAY TWO – 22 JULY 2026 – A DAY ON (AN IN!) THE WATER

Today was all about making the most of Madagascar’s incredible coastline.

We started the day kayaking around the island, taking in the beautiful scenery from the water. Along the way we were lucky enough to spot a few sea turtles, which was definitely one of the highlights of the morning.
From there, it was time to grab the snorkels. The water was crystal clear, and there were colourful fish everywhere you looked. It was one of those experiences where you don’t quite know where to look next because there’s so much happening beneath the surface.
After a relaxed lunch (and a chance to put our feet up for a while), we headed off on an afternoon hike. It was the perfect way to see another side of the island and take in some incredible views.

Of course, no day in Madagascar would be complete without sundowners. As the sun dipped below the horizon, everyone gathered to enjoy the view, swap stories from the day and reflect on another unforgettable adventure. A few “Spirit of Adventure fines” also found their way into the “kitty”, adding plenty of laughs and proving that what happens on the trip definitely doesn’t always stay on the trip!

We’re only just getting started, and if today is anything to go by, there are plenty more amazing experiences still to come.

DAY THREE – 23 JULY 2026 – TURTLES, A SANDBAR AND A SUNRISE DIVE

Today started a little earlier than usual, with some of the group heading out for an early morning scuba dive. The calm morning waters made for the perfect start to the day, with rays gliding past and plenty of colourful reef fish making an appearance beneath the surface.

From there, we made our way to the beautiful island of Iranja, famous for its stunning sandbar that stretches between two islands. It’s one of those places that looks almost too beautiful to be real. The highlights just kept coming.

We spent time swimming alongside sea turtles before enjoying a delicious local lunch right on the beach, taking in the incredible surroundings.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, we were treated to a truly special sight after lunch – watching baby turtles make their journey from the beach to the ocean.
It was one of those unforgettable moments that had everyone quietly taking it all in.

Back at the lodge, there was another reason to celebrate. After a few days of embracing the local seafood and what had become a fish-only diet, the group successfully negotiated a pizza night with the chef. Needless to say, there was plenty of excitement at the prospect of a slice or two!

With another day of incredible memories behind us (and pizza on the menu!), we settled in for the evening and reflected on another unforgettable day in Madagascar. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

DAY FOUR – 24 JULY 2026 – A NEW ISLAND, A NEW HOME AND A TASTE OF LOCAL LIFE

Today was moving day as we said goodbye to our first stop after three unforgettable nights and made our way to a beautiful villa on Nosy Komba.

Let’s just say the accommodation got a bit of an upgrade! Swapping beach huts for a villa was a welcome change, and to top it off, we even have our own private chef looking after us for the next two days. Safe to say, everyone settled in pretty quickly.

Today was fishing the local way – heading out on traditional boats for a hands-on afternoon on the water. After trying our luck with the fishing, things quickly turned competitive as the boats lined up for an impromptu race back. With no motors involved, it was all down to teamwork and paddling power – there was no shortage of determination to be the first across the finish line!

As the sun started to set, we gathered once again for sundowners overlooking the water. A few more Spirit of Adventure fines found their recipients, there were plenty of laughs, and the stories from the day’s adventures were already getting better with every retelling.

Four days in, the adventure just keeps getting better, and Nosy Komba is already proving to be another unforgettable stop on the journey.

DAY FIVE – 25 JULY 2026 – LEMURS, A BEACH FEAST AND A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Today started a little slower, and nobody was complaining. We woke up at the villa to an incredible breakfast before easing into the day and getting ready for one of the highlights of the trip – a hike through the famous lemur forest.

The walk didn’t disappoint. Along the way we spotted several different species of lemurs, along with chameleons, snakes and tortoises. It felt like every turn revealed something new, making it a dream for anyone who loves wildlife. A well-earned beer at the top gave everyone the chance to take in the views before making the trek back down.

Back at the villa, the team took over the kitchen and put together lunch. The rest of the afternoon was wonderfully relaxed, with plenty of swimming, a few cold beers and time to chat about everything we’d experienced over the past few days.

As evening arrived, it was time to get dressed up for one of the special evenings of the trip. The setting couldn’t have been better – a beautifully laid table on the beach, great food and even better company as everyone enjoyed a memorable dinner under the Madagascan sky.

Of course, no Spirit of Adventure trip would be complete without the official fines ceremony. There were plenty of laughs as the week’s memorable moments were relived, a few well-deserved fines were handed out, and the evening carried on with good music, plenty of dancing and everyone making the most of another fantastic night together.

With three more days still to come, the adventure is far from over – and if the first five days are anything to go by, there’s still plenty more to look forward to.

DAY SIX – A CHANGE OF SCENERY AND A FEW SPECIAL MOMENTS

Today we packed up and said goodbye to the villa, making our way to our final accommodation stop on Nosy Be. After settling in, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch before breaking out the cards for a few friendly games. It’s been great having a mix of adventure and downtime, and today offered a bit of both.

The afternoon was spent back in the water with another snorkelling session, followed by a trip to the highest viewpoint on Nosy Be. With panoramic views stretching across the island and out over the ocean, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink and take in just how beautiful this part of Madagascar really is.
On the way back, we stopped at the island’s sacred tree. Dressed in traditional clothing, we took part in the local custom of paying our respects – an experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for the island’s culture and traditions.
We wrapped up the day with a trip into town for dinner at a local pizzeria – with a good bottle of wine, plenty of laughs and another beautiful Madagascan evening, it was the perfect way to end another memorable day.

With just two days left, we’re making the most of every moment and looking forward to seeing what the final chapter of the Spirit of Adventure 2026 has in store.

DAY SEVEN – ONE LAST ADVENTURE ON THE WATER

Our final full day in Madagascar was spent exactly where we’ve come to love being – out on the water.

We climbed aboard a catamaran for a day of sailing, snorkelling and simply soaking up everything this incredible island has to offer. There was plenty of excitement as a few hopeful anglers tried their luck at catching a game fish, although the fish had other ideas!

For everyone else, the day was about relaxing. There was time to top up the tan, enjoy a refreshing gin (or two), and make the most of the uninterrupted time together. Between the laughter, the stories and the conversations, it was the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything we’d experienced over the past week.

As the sun began to set on our final full day, we returned to the villa for one last dinner together. It was a chance to look back on an unforgettable adventure, share our favourite moments, thank everyone who helped make the trip so special, and celebrate the friendships and memories that will stay with us long after we’ve left Madagascar.

Tomorrow it’s time to head home, but the Spirit of Adventure 2026 has once again lived up to its name –filled with adventure, laughter, new experiences and great company from beginning to end.

DAY EIGHT – UNTIL NEXT TIME, MADAGASCAR

Every great adventure has to come to an end, and today it was time to say goodbye to Madagascar.

We started the morning with one last breakfast together before packing up and heading off for our final stop – a visit to another beautiful lemur forest. It was the perfect way to round off a week filled with incredible wildlife encounters, and a fitting farewell to this remarkable island.

Before making our way to the airport, we squeezed in one last visit to the local market. Wandering through the bustling stalls was an experience in itself, with plenty of bargaining, laughter and a few last-minute souvenirs finding their way into our bags. Of course, we also managed to find one final spot to enjoy a cold beer together.

At the airport, there was just enough time for one last round before boarding our flights home. It gave everyone a chance to reflect on an unforgettable eight days of adventure, from kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling to hiking, sailing, beach dinners, fishing, wildlife encounters and countless laughs along the way.

As we headed home, there was a real sense of gratitude – for the experiences, the friendships and the memories made. Another Ince Spirit of Adventure has come to an end, but the stories will no doubt be told for years to come.

Until next year’s adventure… 🍻🌍