🇲🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Madagascar

Indian Ocean

sea

Mozambique Channel

sea

Western Indian Ocean

province

Southeast Madagascar

ecoregion

Western and Northern Madagascar

ecoregion

007 Sakatia

007 Sakatia is a dive site characterized by a large plateau abundant in coral formations. It is suitable for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced divers. The site offers opportunities to drift while observing the diverse marine life, including occasional schools of fusiliers that may accompany divers. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it easily accessible.

-13.3167, 48.1433

Abyss

Abyss is a dive site that descends to a depth of 25 meters, with a notable drop of over 3 meters leading to Abyss Alyosha. The best diving conditions occur during ebb tide. At around 20 meters, divers can observe a variety of marine life, including shoals of fusiliers, garden eels, and cowtail stingrays. This site is accessible from the shore.

-13.3961, 47.8981

Atnam

At Atnam, divers can explore a stunning underwater landscape, although fish sightings are limited. This site is recognized for its visual appeal rather than its marine life. Occasionally, divers may encounter species such as leopard sharks, giant humpback parrotfish, manta rays, whale sharks, and leopard eagle rays. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience its unique features.

-13.4943, 47.8567

Banc 06

Banc 06 is a dive site accessible from the shore, located approximately 5 kilometers behind Nosy Sakatia. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Visibility is generally good, with a high likelihood of encountering various fish species, although there are instances when fish presence may be unexpectedly low. Marine life observed at this site includes stonefish, crocodile fish, leaffish, antennae, stingrays, scorpion fish, and white tip reef sharks.

-13.3445, 48.0178

Banc des Fusiliers

Banc des Fusiliers is situated behind Nosy Sakatia, approximately 10 kilometers away. The dive site features depths ranging from 14 to 19 meters, making it suitable for a second dive. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of marine life, including bigeyes, groupers, snappers, barracudas, and fusiliers. The site is also noted for its macro opportunities, providing a chance to observe smaller marine species.

-13.3245, 48.0365

Banc des gorgones

Banc des Gorgones is situated near Ambatoloaka and is recognized as one of the initial dive sites where a significant number of gorgonian corals were identified close to the shoreline. Divers can observe various marine life, including gorgonians, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, seahorses, lobsters, and turtles among other species.

-13.4225, 48.2201

Banc des Licornes

Banc des Licornes features plateaus ranging from 13 to 19 meters in depth, showcasing a well-preserved coral reef with a diverse array of marine life. The site is known for its abundance of larger fish species, including notable sightings of eagle rays and manta rays. Smaller species such as stonefish, leaf scorpion fish, rhinopias, and stingrays can also be observed among the vibrant coral formations. The reef appears to be in excellent condition with no visible damage, making it a prime location for underwater exploration.

-13.3043, 48.0848

Banc des Pirogues

Banc des Pirogues is a dive site located within a bay, typically accessible during the months of June, July, and August due to improved visibility. The dive site features a depth range of 14 to 20 meters, showcasing a diverse array of coral and a variety of marine life. Notable species include nudibranchs, crocodile fish, stonefish, scorpion fish, leaf scorpion fish, cowtail stingrays, and honeycomb stingrays. Outside of the peak months, visibility tends to be poor, making diving less favorable at other times of the year.

-13.2951, 48.1636

Banc Louis

Banc Louis is a notable dive site located at coordinates -13.313100, 48.139900, accessible via shore entry. This underwater plateau is approximately 15 minutes by boat from Sakatia Island and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site boasts a rich biodiversity, featuring healthy coral formations. Marine life commonly observed includes triggerfish, groupers, snappers, fusiliers, moray eels, and small reef sharks.

-13.3131, 48.1399

Banco Rosario

Banco Rosario is located on a rocky rise near the entrance to the Nosy Be plateau in the Mozambique Channel. This site is known for its rich marine life, including gorgonians and the possibility of encountering whale sharks. The dive site was first explored by an Italian named Rosario, and it has historical significance as the Cousteau crew once moored their boat nearby. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.

-13.4491, 47.9746

Boboss Epave

Boboss Epave features a trawler wreck that has been repurposed into a shrimp boat, providing an interesting dive experience. The site also includes a reef characterized by two large formations resembling potatoes, which are abundant in macro life. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species such as white tip sharks, frogfish, stonefish, crocodilefish, leaf scorpion fish, and barracuda. The site is accessible from the shore.

-13.1943, 48.0606

Boboss lalina

Boboss lalina is a dive site situated behind Nosy Sakatia, approximately 12 kilometers from the main area. The dive depth ranges from 14 to 25 meters, making it suitable for various skill levels. The site is best explored during a rising tide. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of macro species, including crocodile fish, scorpion fish, leaf scorpion fish, antennae, stone fish, and nudibranchs.

-13.3175, 48.1065

Enzo

Enzo is a dive site situated approximately 10 minutes from the city center, featuring a minimum depth of 18 meters. This location is particularly appealing to divers interested in macro photography due to its diverse marine life. The site is characterized by vibrant soft corals, predominantly in bright pink hues, creating an attractive underwater landscape. Enzo is known for its population of seahorses and various shellfish. Divers should be prepared for potential currents, which can enhance the diving experience but may require caution.

-13.3219, 48.1484

Epave Zaida / Zaida Wreck

The Zaida Wreck is a deteriorated cargo barge located at a depth of 28 meters (91 feet). It is inhabited by various marine life, including sponges, nudibranchs, and lionfish. The site is accessible by boat.

-13.4479, 48.2269

Grand Banc Extérieur

Grand Banc Extérieur is located near Shark Point and features a drop-off that ranges from 20 meters to 40 meters in depth. This site is accessible from the shore and is best explored during rising tides. It is situated approximately 50 minutes from the nearest center, covering a distance of 21 kilometers. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including hammerhead sharks, which are most commonly observed from December to February, as well as grey and white tip sharks, tazar, tuna, and schools of fusiliers and barracuda.

-13.3610, 47.9105

le dôme

Le Dôme is a dive site situated approximately 45 meters from the center, characterized by a prominent dome structure. The dive begins at a depth of 23 meters and continues to around 25 meters, requiring divers to navigate through deeper waters throughout the dive. One side of the dome is adorned with impressive gorgonian formations, while the opposite side is teeming with various fish species. Common marine life includes white tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, and large schools of surgeonfish, snapper, barracuda, and fusiliers.

-13.3920, 48.0343

Les Arches de Sakatia

Les Arches de Sakatia features a rock formation situated at a depth of 23-24 meters, with the summit reaching 19-20 meters. This site includes three small arches, with an additional smaller arch located 30 meters further along. Divers can explore a plateau at a depth of 15 meters. Marine life commonly observed here includes larger species such as white tip sharks and manta rays, as well as smaller creatures like antennae, leaf scorpion fish, stone fish, scorpion fish, crocodile fish, and ghostpipefish.

-13.1860, 48.0699

Little Shark

Little Shark is a drop-off dive site located approximately 30 minutes by boat from the Lodge. The site is known for its frequent sightings of various shark species, including blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, grey sharks, and leopard sharks. Divers can expect to encounter these pelagic species in the surrounding waters. The entry to the site is from the shore.

-13.2597, 47.9733

Madrépore Manta Point

Madrépore Manta Point is situated approximately 13 kilometers from shore, requiring a 40-minute boat ride for access. The dive site features a depth of 21 meters in the deeper section, while the shallower area reaches 15 meters, with a field of garden eels separating the two. The dive is best conducted during an ebb tide. The reef is characterized by healthy coral formations. Marine life commonly observed includes stingrays, crocodile fish, antennae, leaf scorpion fish, stone fish, scorpion fish, and lion fish.

-13.4151, 48.0336

Mahavelona

Mahavelona is situated approximately 15 minutes by boat from Sakatia Lodge. This dive site features both a wreck and a reef, making it suitable for advanced and expert divers. The area is known for variable currents and changing visibility, which divers should anticipate. The richness of the reef enhances the diving experience, providing opportunities to explore diverse marine life and the wreck structure itself.

-13.3189, 48.1402

Mahavelona Plateau

Mahavelona Plateau is situated approximately 20 minutes by boat from the lodge. This dive site is characterized by its easy navigation and notable visibility, making it suitable for divers looking for a straightforward experience. The plateau features a rich coral ecosystem and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including schools of fish, mantis shrimps, and stingrays. Divers can enjoy dive durations of at least 50 minutes, with the potential for encountering various underwater species throughout the dive.

-13.2737, 48.0735

Miora

Miora is a large coral plateau located at coordinates -13.313600, 48.138900, accessible via shore entry. The site is suitable for divers of all experience levels, although it is known for having currents and variable visibility. Marine life commonly observed here includes titan triggerfish, mantis shrimp, and stingrays, among others.

-13.3136, 48.1389

Mireille

Mireille is a dive site located at coordinates -13.316800, 48.158500, accessible via shore entry. This site is notable for its unique marine life, including seahorses and nudibranchs, making it an interesting spot for macro photography. Divers should be accompanied by a guide due to the site's specific orientation requirements. The dive site offers opportunities to explore the intricate details of its underwater ecosystem.

-13.3168, 48.1585

Mitsio Wreck

The Mitsio Wreck is the remains of a trawler that was converted into a shrimp boat, which sank in 2004. The wreck is located at a depth ranging from 27 to 28 meters, with the upper section situated between 20 and 22 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life around the wreck, including stonefish, scorpionfish, crocodilefish, snapper, flying scorpionfish, schools of lutjan, jacks, tazar, and barracuda. Access to the site is via boat.

-13.2592, 48.1263

Olaf Sakatia

Olaf Sakatia is a dive site located just 5 minutes from the center by boat, making it easily accessible for divers. This site serves as a training location to assess diver skills before proceeding to other dive sites. It is characterized by its straightforward navigation and a variety of underwater fauna, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Additionally, Olaf Sakatia is an appropriate choice for night dives, offering unique visibility and marine life encounters after dark.

-13.3168, 48.1630

Rolland

Rolland is characterized by a significant drop-off leading to a deep plateau, with the most notable features found at a depth of 35 meters. The plateau extends between 30 and 45 meters and is adorned with large gorgonian sea fans, providing an interesting landscape for experienced divers. While the site is more renowned for its scenery, divers may encounter various marine life including jackfish, wahoo, barracuda, white tip sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, mobulas, and giant humpback parrotfish.

-13.4912, 47.8482

Rosa 22

Rosa 22 is located approximately 12 kilometers from the nearest dive center. This dive site features a depth range between 17 and 23 meters, with the reef rising to 16 meters towards the end of the dive, allowing for extended dive times. The area is adorned with various gorgonian fans, both large and small. Divers may encounter a variety of marine life, including octopus, schools of alicorn fish, rhinopias, leaf scorpion fish, and stingrays.

-13.4082, 48.0530

Sakatia

Sakatia is a dive site located approximately 12 km from the dive center, accessible from the shore. This site is known for its macro life, particularly nudibranchs. The coral formations are in good condition, although the visibility can sometimes be poor. Large fish are not commonly observed here.

-13.3182, 48.1550

Sakatia reef

Sakatia Reef is accessible via shore entry and features dive depths reaching at least 15 meters. The site is known for its rich underwater ecosystem, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Macro enthusiasts can expect to see a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs and crabs, among other species. The diverse seabed provides opportunities for exploration and observation.

-13.3227, 48.1496

Sea Fan’s Drop

Sea Fan’s Drop is located approximately 30 minutes by boat from the Lodge. This dive site features a significant drop-off that descends to depths of 25 meters or more, where garden eels can be observed on the seafloor. Positioned between the deep sea and the edge of the plateau, divers may encounter a variety of pelagic fish, as well as schools of mobula or manta rays in the area.

-13.3613, 48.0275

Shark Point Madagascar

Shark Point Madagascar is situated 21 kilometers from Nosy Be, accessible by boat. The site features a notable drop-off that provides excellent opportunities for observing various shark species, including white tip reef sharks, grey sharks, leopard sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Additionally, divers may encounter tuna, kingfish, parrotfish, and turtles in the area. Visibility is generally good, enhancing the experience of observing these predators in their natural habitat.

-13.3607, 47.9042

South Canyon Madagascar

South Canyon Madagascar is located near the Mozambique Channel and features a reef formation resembling a hand. Divers can expect strong currents at this site, with a maximum depth reaching 26 meters. The sandy bottom is often home to leopard sharks and coral sharks. Additionally, divers may encounter garden eels, big-eyed trevally, and schools of snapper among other marine life.

-13.6300, 47.7276

Tagada

Tagada is a vertical drop-off that features gorgonian corals, with depths ranging from 18 meters to between 40 and 60 meters. Divers begin their descent in a half-cylinder formation and then proceed along the drop-off, keeping the wall to their left and open blue water to their right. Located approximately 20 kilometers offshore, this site does not have specific resident species, but it is frequented by pelagic fish and predators, providing opportunities to encounter larger fish.

-13.2360, 48.0001

TIM’S REEF

Tim's Reef is located just a short distance from the lodge and features a unique composition of galaxea and halomitra corals. The site supports a diverse range of marine life, including turtles and nudibranchs, making it an interesting spot for divers. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing easy access for divers looking to explore its underwater ecosystem.

-13.3173, 48.1581

Zaida Wreck

The Zaida Wreck is a dhow that sank in 2004 while carrying a cargo of sand. Six months after the sinking, it was observed that the wreck had already attracted a variety of marine life. To enhance the dive experience, two additional wrecks were intentionally sunk nearby. Divers can expect to see a diverse array of fish species, including scorpion fish, moray eels, crocodile fish, stone fish, schools of snapper, barracuda, tazard, and jackfish. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater environment.

-13.4322, 48.1932