Top Diving Destinations in Madagascar
1. Nosy Be and the Surrounding Archipelago
Nosy Be, Madagascar’s premier island destination, is a diver’s dream. The surrounding islands—Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja, and Nosy Mitsio—offer world-class diving with a wide variety of marine life.
- Nosy Tanikely is a protected marine reserve and one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in the country. Expect to see colorful coral gardens, sea turtles, clownfish, reef sharks, moray eels, and schools of snappers.
- Nosy Sakatia is ideal for macro photographers with its wealth of nudibranchs, leaf fish, and ghost pipefish.
- The Mitsio Archipelago, particularly the Four Brothers (Les Quatre Frères), offers more adventurous dives with vertical drop-offs, pelagic species like barracudas and tuna, and impressive underwater rock formations.
Nosy Be is also famous for whale watching and whale shark encounters between September and December. It’s one of the rare places in the world where you can dive or snorkel alongside these gentle giants.
2. Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha)
Located on Madagascar’s east coast, Île Sainte-Marie is known not only for its colonial history but also for its underwater wonders. The island has several dive shops and offers wreck dives, coral reefs, and seasonal humpback whale sightings (July to September).
One of the highlights is the “Pirate Cemetery” wreck site, where you can explore a sunken 17th-century ship rumored to have belonged to real pirates. Other dive sites feature dramatic drop-offs and coral canyons filled with surgeonfish, angelfish, and even reef sharks.
Sainte-Marie is also a great place for beginner divers, with shallow, calm lagoons perfect for training and discovery dives.
3. Ifaty and the Great Barrier Reef of Madagascar
Located on the southwest coast near Tulear, Ifaty is home to Madagascar’s largest barrier reef—over 200 km long—making it one of the most impressive and least explored coral reefs in the world.
Diving here offers encounters with giant groupers, turtles, rays, and even humphead wrasse. The coral structures are vibrant and healthy, and visibility is often excellent. This area is still relatively untouched by tourism, offering a more exclusive, off-the-beaten-path diving experience.
4. Anakao and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
South of Ifaty lies Anakao, another gem on the southwest coast. Its underwater environment includes coral reefs, caves, and sandy seabeds rich with marine life. Anakao is also the gateway to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, which boasts both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
Diving here offers a mix of wall dives, drift dives, and even night dives where nocturnal marine creatures come to life.
5. Baie de Saint-Augustin
Located at the mouth of the Onilahy River near Tulear, the Bay of Saint-Augustin offers exceptional diving with abundant fish life and colorful coral gardens. The bay’s calm waters make it ideal for beginners, and its proximity to fishing villages offers a glimpse into local Vezo culture.
Best Time for Diving in Madagascar
Diving is possible year-round in Madagascar, but the best time is during the dry season from April to December. The months of October to December are ideal for whale shark encounters in Nosy Be, while July to September are perfect for humpback whale sightings around Sainte-Marie.
Conservation and Sustainable Diving
Madagascar’s marine environments are fragile and deserve protection. Several local initiatives and marine reserves are working to protect coral reefs and endangered species. As a diver, practicing eco-friendly diving—avoiding contact with coral, using reef-safe sunscreen, and supporting sustainable dive operators—helps ensure that these underwater treasures remain intact for generations to come.
Dive Into Madagascar’s Hidden Depths
Whether you’re an experienced diver seeking untouched coral reefs or a beginner looking to explore warm, inviting waters, diving in Madagascar offers an unforgettable adventure. With its unique marine biodiversity, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and tranquil island charm, Madagascar promises a diving experience unlike any other in the Indian Ocean.
The best PADI centers in Madagascar
Madagascar’s underwater world is as captivating as its terrestrial landscapes, offering divers a chance to explore pristine coral reefs, encounter unique marine species, and experience diverse underwater terrains. To fully immerse yourself in these aquatic adventures, connecting with local PADI-certified dive centers ensures both safety and enriching experiences. Here are some notable PADI dive centers across Madagascar:
1. Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) – Nosy Komba
Overview: Situated on Nosy Komba, near Nosy Be, MRCI integrates marine conservation with diving. They offer PADI courses from Open Water to Divemaster, emphasizing performance-based learning.
Activities: PADI scuba diving courses, snorkeling, conservation projects.
Facilities: Waterfront location, on-site accommodation.
2. Our Ocean Diving – Nosy Be
Overview: Located on Ambarihonko beach in northwest Nosy Be, this dive center offers a serene environment surrounded by mangroves. They provide personalized diving experiences, guided by experienced professionals.
Activities: PADI scuba diving courses, snorkeling, conservation efforts.
Facilities: Accessible trips and activities, adaptive equipment, staff trained in adaptive support.
3. Mangily Scuba – Ifaty-Mangily
Overview: Established in 2012, Mangily Scuba is a PADI Dive Resort located in the heart of Ifaty-Mangily village. They offer a range of activities, including diving courses and whale watching.
Activities: PADI scuba diving courses, snorkeling, discover scuba diving, surfing, whale watching, mangrove excursions.
4. ATIMOO Plongée Madagascar – Ifaty
Overview: With over two decades of experience, ATIMOO offers comprehensive PADI courses from Open Water Diver to professional levels. They also organize diving trips to explore the southwest coast’s marine life.
Activities: PADI scuba diving courses, night dives, dive trips, whale watching.
5. Adventure Blue Vision – Nosy Be
Overview: Based in Andilana, Adventure Blue Vision provides PADI courses and diving experiences in Nosy Be’s rich marine environments.
Activities: PADI scuba diving courses, snorkeling, dive trips.
Connecting with these PADI-certified dive centers ensures that your diving adventures in Madagascar are both safe and memorable. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, Madagascar’s underwater realms offer unparalleled experiences waiting to be explored.
