The simplest international entry point for this guide is Nosy Be Fascene International Airport (NOS; FMNN). The airport airline directory and flight board identify domestic and international services, including Madagascar Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Austral, Airlink and Neos; EWA Air is also shown on the flight board. Routes, carrier names and frequencies change, so validate an actual flight on the intended date. Antananarivo Ivato (TNR) is a common domestic connection but not a substitute for confirming an onward NOS seat. An alternative is to travel overland to Ankify on the mainland and take a regulated passenger boat or speedboat to on Nosy Be. This adds mainland road and sea weather dependencies and can be slower and less predictable than flying. From the arrival point, prearrange road transport to Ambatoloaka, Madirokely or Bemoko; do not presume the dive center includes airport pickup. Separate outings from Nosy Be reach Tanikely or Sakatia; neither is an airport-to-hotel ferry service.

Airport serving Nosy Be with verified operator listings for Madagascar Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Austral, Airlink, Neos and some EWA Air flights. International frequencies may be seasonal. Airport source.

Use a prebooked vehicle or a licensed taxi for airport and longer island journeys. Short urban trips may also be arranged through locally available tuk-tuks or taxis, but agree on fare, pickup point and return transport first. Ambatoloaka-Madirokely is practical for an established dive-center beach embarkation; hotels elsewhere, including Bemoko, should check availability of pickup rather than assume it. For Tanikely, Sakatia and Komba excursions, confirm where the boat actually launches and when passengers must arrive. Never treat a dive site as a public ferry stop. US travel guidance notes poor roads, limited lighting, unreliable emergency response and a higher risk traveling at night. Prefer arranged return transport, especially after Mount Passot sunset visits.

As checked against October 2026 guidance, travelers should verify requirements for their own nationality, transit countries and passport. The UK government advises a passport with at least 6 months remaining after arrival and 2 blank pages; the US government lists 3 blank pages, so carrying at least 3 is prudent where feasible. Return/onward documentation may be requested. The government-branded eVisa service says evisamada.gov.mg is the official application domain, even though the published current service is at evisamada-mg.com and a dated local review reports that the .gov.mg domain redirects there. Its information page calls the tourist eVisa single-entry with a 60-day maximum, but the same page now lists a 61-90-day fee category. This is an unresolved duration inconsistency, not a confirmed entitlement to a longer stay. Confirm the available category and authorized dates with immigration before applying. Check the live government link directly and avoid intermediary sites. Important conflicting entry-fee guidance: the 2026 eVisa tariff table lists EUR 30 for 1-15 days and its homepage says prices are the same on arrival, whereas France Diplomatie (15 September 2026), UK advice, and Madagascar Airlines still describe a visa-free short-stay arrival with EUR 10 administrative fee. These are unresolved contradictory official claims, not two confirmed interchangeable options. Confirm eligibility and actual arrival price with Madagascar immigration or a consulate immediately before departure and budget for the higher published figure. Check UK guidance for medical entry requirements: yellow-fever proof is required after certain origin-country travel and additional screening can apply. Regulations and charges can change after this research date.

Ask for regulator fitting, cylinder size, nitrox analysis, tank valve type, weights, full-kit rental and marine-park charges before booking. Tropical Diving advertises tanks, DIN/INT connections and oxygen equipment; Scuba Nosy Be lists nitrox and instructor training. These claims are operator statements, not independently audited readiness. Local operators often work from beach boats rather than docks, so confirm gear handling and entry/exit access if mobility matters. Bring personally fitting essentials, prescription-mask solutions, any required specialty certification, maintenance spares and a computer. The park site currently bans sunscreen inside Tanikely, so sun-protective rash guards, hats and physical shade need planning. Water temperatures are operator-reported as relatively cooler in the dry season, around 26°C, and warmer around 28°C-29°C in the wet season; individual comfort and actual forecasts control wetsuit choice.

The Malagasy ariary is the local unit for marine-park entry, taxis, markets and small purchases. Dive centers may quote packages in euros. Regional tourism guidance recommends authorized banks or exchange counters rather than street exchanges; always clarify the billing currency, deposit and exchange method. Published park and visa tariffs are stated in their original currencies with no automatic conversion.

Banks and cash machines exist around Hell-Ville and tourist districts. A dated October 2026 local check reports ATMs at Hell-Ville, Ambatoloaka and Fascene, but availability, network compatibility and cash limits can vary. Carry a backup payment card and some small-denomination ariary, especially for boat tips and remote excursions.

Types C and E and nominal 230V/50Hz are identified by WorldStandards. Individual accommodation wiring and power stability vary. Bring a compatible adapter, a dual-voltage charger and a power bank; do not assume continuous power.

Communications

Malagasy mobile coverage is much more practical in populated Nosy Be areas than on remote open water. A local SIM/eSIM, hotel Wi-Fi and offline directions are useful; test coverage before leaving a beach or pier. Yas Madagascar, formerly Telma, advertises a passport-verified tourist eSIM sold at Nosy Be Mall, with 5 GB for 30 days at 60,000 Ar on the reviewed price page. Orange and Airtel also operate in Madagascar, but no marine-park signal guarantee is verified. International dialing code is +261. Agree on an operator contact and backup meeting point if mobile data fails.

Language

Malagasy and French are official languages according to Madagascar government legal information. Sakalava local customs and Malagasy expressions matter in Nosy Be and the neighboring islands. French is often useful with hotels, guides and dive shops; English and Italian may be available with some tourism operators, but should be requested rather than assumed. Ask about the language of your dive briefing and medical consent documents.

Insurance

Choose a policy with explicit recreational scuba or freediving limits, local hospitalization, search and rescue where available, medical evacuation/repatriation, and a way to pay upfront if needed. Examine exclusions for deeper or technical dives, whale-shark activities, marine transport and weather cancellation. UK guidance warns that serious cases may need evacuation abroad; DAN helps coordinate dive-medical emergencies but does not make a local chamber operational. Confirm the carrier, operator and insurer share an actionable emergency plan.

Packing list

Bring a passport with required validity and blank pages; visa documents and offline copies; certification, logs and dive insurance; well-fitted underwater mask; exposure layer; water bottle and cash in ariary. For park snorkeling, pack UPF swimwear, a hat and other non-cream sun protection because Tanikely publishes a sunscreen ban. For Lokobe add insect repellent, closed shoes, breathable long clothes and a lightweight rain layer. Mosquito bite prevention and clinician-advised malaria prophylaxis are more important than guessing health protection from island weather. Pack a suitable power adapter, charger and dry bag.

Nosy Be and Nearby Islands

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