Price and Practical Information
Departure: 8:00 AM from your hotel in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Transfer: Road trip to Ramena then boat boarding
Crossing to the Emerald Sea: Approx. 40 minutes
Return to Ramena: Around 2:00 PM
Rest of the day: Departure by 4×4 for the Three Bays tour
Total duration: Full day
Return: Around 5:30 PM
Lunch is included or organized on the islet (grilled fish, coconut rice, fruits subject to availability). The excursion includes private transport, the boat, site access fees, and the accompaniment of a local guide or crew.
Highlights
The morning at the Emerald Sea allows for enjoying a calm, shallow lagoon ideal for swimming or snorkeling. Participants can observe tropical fish, accessible corals, and relax on sandbanks.
After returning to Ramena, the 4×4 route begins with the Bay of Dunes (Baie des Dunes), a large open beach offering an unobstructed view of the ocean. The itinerary continues to the Bay of Pigeons (Baie des Pigeons), more sheltered and known for its turquoise color. The visit continues to Sakalava Bay, a renowned spot for kitesurfing and translucent waters.
The end of the excursion includes the ascent to Cap Miné, a strategic point offering a panoramic view of the bay entrance. The lighthouse helps understand the historical importance of the site for navigation.
Why Choose This Excursion
This outing combines two complementary experiences: an immersion in the Emerald Sea, a must-see site to discover the northern lagoon, and a land exploration of iconic beaches accessible only by 4×4. The excursion is ideal for maximizing discovery in a single day, without an intensive pace, while enjoying varied landscapes: lagoon, beaches, dunes, and panoramic viewpoints. It suits travelers wishing for a full, structured day rich in natural discoveries.
Rates per person
1 traveler: €310
2 travelers: €180
3 travelers: €160
4 travelers: €140
5 travelers: €125
6 travelers: €110
For other options, please contact us.
Emerald Sea
The Emerald Sea is one of Antsiranana’s most iconic natural wonders. Located at the entrance to the great Diego Suarez Bay, this turquoise lagoon is protected by a natural coral reef, giving it exceptionally calm, translucent water with a unique emerald green color. The excursion starts early in the morning with a departure to Ramena beach where you board a traditional boat or speedboat heading to the lagoon. The crossing takes about 40 minutes and offers a superb view of the Sugar Loaf (Pain de Sucre), volcanic cliffs, and uninhabited islets dotting the landscape.
Once there, you discover a paradise setting: the water is shallow, the sand is fine and white, and the wild islets invite exploration. The day is spent swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and light walking around the islets. The seabed harbors tropical fish, living corals, and sometimes rays, visible even in shallow water. Lunch, usually consisting of grilled fish, coconut rice, and tropical fruit, is prepared on-site by the local team in a friendly atmosphere.
The Three Bays
The Three Bays — Dune Bay, Pigeon Bay, and Sakalava Bay — constitute one of the most beautiful coastal circuits in northern Madagascar. This day trip allows for discovering a succession of immense, wild, and often nearly deserted beaches, each offering a different landscape and its own character. The outing begins in Diego Suarez with a 4×4 trip towards Dune Bay. Upon arrival, the view is impressive: a long beach bordered by golden dunes, deep blue ocean, and a totally preserved environment.
The second stage is Pigeon Bay, a calm site highly appreciated for swimming. The water there is particularly clear and protected, making it easy to observe tropical fish near the beach. It is also an ideal place for walking on the sand, taking photos, or simply resting in a peaceful natural setting.
The last bay, Sakalava, is world-famous for kitesurfing thanks to its consistent winds and large expanse of shallow water. Even for those who do not practice, the bay offers a magnificent setting: white sand, turquoise water, islets, and seagrass beds visible at low tide. Lunch is usually taken in a small local restaurant or as a picnic, depending on the day’s organization.
