Nosy Be is one of the most special dive destinations in the Indian Ocean. The island offers a combination of warm water, colorful reefs, huge marine diversity, rare encounters with giants and dozens of dive sites for every level of experience.
Unlike crowded destinations, here you will find calm and space – and unforgettable encounters with whale sharks, mantas, turtles and a rich macro world.
Why Nosy Be?
Some of the richest biodiversity in the Indian Ocean
The waters around Nosy Be and Nosy Komba are considered among the richest areas for tropical fish, corals, turtles and a huge variety of marine life, with thousands of colorful fish, healthy reefs and an impressive range of corals.
Perfect diving conditions
- Water temperature all year: 26–30°C
- Visibility: up to 30 meters on calm days
- Relatively calm sea in most seasons
Giant encounters – mantas, whale sharks, humpback whales
The island is one of the few places in the world where you can dive a colorful reef in the morning and meet a whale shark at noon.
When to go diving in Nosy Be
- Whale shark season: September–December, with a clear peak between October and November, when the water is full of plankton that draws these gentle giants close to the coast.
- Humpback whale season: July–November. Nosy Be and the surrounding islands are a migration corridor where whales are seen often, especially from August to October.
- Perfect visibility and calm sea: April–June. An especially calm period after the rains, with ideal conditions for underwater photography.
Recommended dive sites in Nosy Be
- Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve: a protected, colorful and healthy reef, perfect for shallow dives and for advanced divers alike. Depth 5–20 meters; turtles, morays, sea stars and colorful fish schools; excellent visibility.
- Nosy Sakatia – the kingdom of turtles: rich reefs, huge schools, sometimes reef sharks, and close encounters with sea turtles.
- Mitsio Archipelago – Madagascar’s drama: a remote and powerful area with vertical walls, volcanic geology and sites such as the Basaltic Organs.
- Grand Banc / Shark Point: one of the best-known sites for deep dives and encounters with grey reef and whitetip sharks, and sometimes hammerheads.
- Mitsio Wreck: a sunken ship that has become a lively reef, with hundreds of fish, lobsters, morays, batfish and corals – a must.
Giant encounters – why Nosy Be is a diver’s dream
- Whale sharks arrive every year because of the high concentration of plankton, and the schools of tuna and bonito keep them around.
- Mantas and rays: mantas and hundreds of rays are seen around Tanikely and Sakatia, including eagle rays and, in the right conditions, oceanic mantas.
- Sea turtles: Nosy Sakatia and Tanikely are home base for hawksbill and green turtles.
- Dolphins: frequent encounters while sailing between the islands.
Who is a Nosy Be dive trip for?
- Beginner divers: the Nosy Tanikely reserve is perfect for courses and easy dives.
- Advanced divers: Mitsio, Shark Point and Grand Banc offer drifts, depth and exciting blue-water sites.
- Underwater photographers: healthy reefs and high visibility make for perfect photography.
Beyond diving
- Nature walks: visit the volcanic Mont Passot and watch the sunset from the top.
- Culture: visits to local villages and markets, and a glimpse into the daily life of the Sakalava people.
- Day trips: Nosy Iranja, a dream island with white beaches where the tides create a magical sandbar.
Suggested 7-day dive plan in Nosy Be
- Days 1–2: introductory dives at Tanikely
- Day 3: Nosy Sakatia – sea turtles and rich reefs
- Days 4–5: Mitsio Archipelago – deep walls and macro sites
- Day 6: Shark Point / Grand Banc – pelagic diving
- Day 7: whale-watching safari (in season)
Nosy Be: everything in one place for divers
Spectacular reefs, a huge variety of marine life and rare giant encounters, all in a calm, uncommercial atmosphere. Nosy Be is one of the most exciting dive destinations in the world, and without a doubt Madagascar’s jewel.
Contact us for dates and prices.
