Combination trip Madagascar – Diving on Nosy Be & roundtrip through western Madagascar
Nosy Be is a fantastic diving destination with colorful reefs and lots of macro life. Discover the underwater world and then tour Madagascar in the Kirindy Reserve and the famous Avenue of the Baobabs.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Macro diving in Nosy Be & tour of Madagascar: Kirindy Reserve & Avenue of the Baobabs
Diving in Madagascar is a special experience that is still relatively undiscovered. The reefs around Nosy Be are colorful, healthy and full of life. Underwater you will find numerous macro species such as nudibranchs, seahorses, shrimps and small crabs. Larger life also shows itself: turtles, manta rays and eagle rays regularly pass by here. On the surface, you can spot dolphins and, in the right season, even whale sharks and humpback whales.
After a week of diving, you will fly to mainland Madagascar to explore the western region – an area known for its dry forests, baobabs and unusual animals. The journey takes you along dusty roads, through small villages and varied landscapes full of savannahs and characteristic baobab trees. Along the way you will see how daily life takes place off the beaten track, with markets, rice fields and traditional villages.
One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to the Kirindy Reserve, a unique dry forest inhabited by lemurs, reptiles and the rare fosa, Madagascar’s largest predator. You will also visit the Avenue of the Baobabs – an iconic avenue of giant baobab trees bathed in a warm orange light at sunset.
During the tour, you will stay in small-scale lodges at a comfortable distance from the sights. The program combines nature and adventure with plenty of moments of rest, so you can experience the charm of Western Madagascar at your leisure.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Nosy Be and western Madagascar
For the best weather and optimal sea conditions, it is best to travel between mid-March and December. During this period, the calm and diving is ideal, with visibility of at least 20 meters. Between mid-November and March, the rainy season makes the western area of Madagascar inaccessible.
- Whale shark season is in October and November
- Humpback whale season is in August and September
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Nosy Be
The water temperature is almost always pleasant in Nosy Be. You can dive in a 3mm wetsuit, or even opt for a shorty. If you make several dives a day, you might consider a 5mm between July and October. The water temperature is just a bit lower during this period.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 - 3 | Trip to Madagascar
Today begins the journey to Madagascar! The flight goes to Antananarivo, the capital city. Expect to spend about 12 to 14 hours on the road, arriving the next day. Because of this, it is often most comfortable to stay another night in Antananarivo and not fly on to Nosy Be until the next day. You will then stay for 1 night in a hotel near the airport.
On Day 3, you fly on to Nosy Be, a short 1.5-hour flight. You often arrive at the end of the morning, and the transfer is already waiting for you to take you to Vanila Hotel & Spa. Located on the west side of the island, the hotel overlooks the smaller island of Nosy Sakatia. You will stay right on the beach and in the middle of tropical park.
The rest of the day you can relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 4 to 8 | Diving with Double Deep Diving
For the next 5 days you will dive with the experienced instructors of Double Deep Diving. A typical diving day looks like this:
There will be 2 d ives each morning, including a surface interval of about an hour. You leave around 08:00, so you will normally be back around lunchtime. On board you follow the Malagasy philosophy “mora mora”: you take it easy and can take all the time you need before and after the dive, so you can dive relaxed these days. During the surface intervals you can enjoy water, local fruits and snacks. There is also a canopy on the boat so there is plenty of shade.
A world of life awaits underwater: colorful coral reefs, swarms of tropical fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish and anthias, and maybe a turtle or reef shark. With a little luck, you’ll also encounter unusual species such as lionfish, nudibranchs and other small, hidden sea dwellers that bring the reefs to life. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover Nosy Be’s underwater world up close, while being guided by instructors who know the best dive sites.
Also ideal: the instructors at Double Deep are used to diving with photographers, and will adjust the dive accordingly if you wish. In addition, they are also incredibly good at spotting macro. So an ideal match for anyone who would like to see more macro life.
Day 9 | Last day on Nosy Be
Today is the last day on Nosy Be, during which you will not do any diving. There is plenty to do and explore this day.
Our tip for this day is to visit Nosy Iranja, an island about 50 kilometers from Nosy Be. For a good visit to the island you will need a whole day, so you can also experience the spectacle of the rising tide that floods the 2-km-long sandy path between the two islands (Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – big and small).
Nosy Iranja is a unique place on earth, with typical shades of blue and green that contrast beautifully with the white sand. The crystal clear waters make it possible to see sea turtles swimming upon arrival. The lush vegetation and the fishing village contribute to a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. For lovers of the sea and nature, this excursion is an absolute must!
Day 10 | Return to the heart of Madagascar
Today you will depart from tropical Nosy Be to Madagascar’s main island. Your flight to the capital takes about 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will be ready to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is all yours: you can explore the capital Antananarivo, a bustling city full of narrow streets, colorful markets and historic buildings. Or you can choose to recover quietly from your trip and enjoy the atmosphere at the hotel.
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Day 11 | Journey through Madagascar's plains
After breakfast, depart for western Madagascar, your final destination being Miandrivazo. This town lies on the Tsiribihina River and is the starting point for river expeditions by pirogue or motorboat. It is a quiet town with a warm climate and relaxed atmosphere.
The drive from Antananarivo to Miandrivazo takes an average of 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The distance is about 400 kilometers. The route is scenic, with villages, rice fields and hilly countryside along the way. During this trip you will really notice how big Madagascar is. The distances are sometimes immense and nature can also be rugged.
After this ride, you can check into the hotel and enjoy the view and greenery. You have a spectacular sunset here that you can watch from the balcony.
Day 12 | On the way to the coast: Morondava
After breakfast you will depart Miandrivazo for another day of travel towards the west coast of Madagascar. The route takes you from the interior to the charming coastal town of Morondava. Along the way, the landscape changes constantly: vast plains give way to a countryside full of baobabs and small villages where daily life quietly chugs along. You will stop along the way for lunch and to take pictures of the impressive nature. As you get closer to Morondava, more and more majestic baobab trees appear – a foretaste of the famous Allée des Baobabs, not far from town.
You will be on the road for about 7 hours. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the tranquility of the coastal town. The sea here is calm and pleasant, so there is also time for a swim.
Day 13 | Hike through Kirindy's wilderness
In the morning you will depart for a short drive of about 40 km to the Kirindy Reserve, northeast of Morondava. This private reserve is one of Madagascar’s most unusual and endangered natural areas. The dry deciduous forest that remains covers only 3% of what was once there. The area is characterized by impressive baobabs. These huge, iconic trees can live for hundreds of years and store water in their thick trunks, allowing them to survive the dry season. They give the forest a unique, almost surreal look.
Upon arrival, you will explore the Kirindy Reserve. With a little luck you will see lemurs such as the Verreaux’s sifaka and the red-fronted brown lemur. After the visit, enjoy lunch in the countryside and drive to a new hotel.
Before you dine, take an evening walk to spot the famous fosa. Have you never heard of the fosa? That’s not surprising, because this unique predator is found only in Madagascar. It looks like a cross between a cat and a dog, but belongs to a family of its own. Fossas are fast, agile and excellent climbers, allowing them to hunt in trees as well as on the ground. They are the largest predators on the island and primarily hunt lemurs, birds and small mammals. Fossas are solitary and nocturnal, which is why you should look for them during an evening walk. You have the greatest chance of encountering these animals then.
Day 14 | The famous Avenue of the Baobabs
Today you will start the day quietly and at your own pace at the hotel. You can relax on the terrace, in the pool, enjoy the view of the forest and surrounding nature or take a short walk in the area to spot birds and other animals. It is a perfect way to wake up quietly and take in the atmosphere of the reserve.
After lunch you will depart again for Morondava, but first you will take a special walk at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. This impressive avenue of ancient baobabs offers a unique photo opportunity, especially during sunset, when the trees outline their long silhouettes against the colorful sky. It is a magical moment that perfectly showcases the beauty of western Madagascar.
After this special moment, you will return to the hotel in Morondava, where you have already spent a night.
Day 15 | Discovering Antananarivo
Today you will return to Antananarivo, or Tana, as the locals call it. To make the trip faster and more comfortable, you’ll fly on a domestic flight of about 1.5 hours. And since you won’t fly back until the next day, you’ll have time to explore the city today.
For example, you can visit the handicraft market La Digue, where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs. There are also other opportunities to explore Antananarivo: the King’s Palace (Rova) with stunning views of the city, a walk around the Analakely market for a truly local experience, or a short drive to the sacred hill Ambohimanga, UNESCO World Heritage Site and important to Madagascan history. For a quiet moment, you can head to Lac Anosy, or those who love nature can visit Lemur Park to see different species of lemurs up close. Finally, you can enjoy a Madagascan meal in a local restaurant or a cup of coffee in one of the cozy cafes.
Prefer to stay at the hotel? There’s a pool, spa, gym and great restaurant. So you can also choose optimal exercise or relaxation.
Day 16 | Return home
Your diving trip on Nosy Be and tour of Madagascar is already over. You are probably enchanted by the beautiful island, the impressive nature and the special animals you have seen along the way.
Today, depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. Depending on your departure time, you may arrive home as early as Day 15, or you may not set foot on home soil again until Day 16.
Madagascar is a huge island with different regions and numerous national parks, totaling more than 20 protected natural areas. Do you have other wishes or would you also like to discover other parts of the country, for example focusing on lemurs and wildlife? Then be sure to check out this roundtrip through eastern and central Madagascar, or simply let us know your wishes. We will gladly put together a customized trip for you, so you can discover the best of Madagascar.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from nature in Nosy Be & Madagascar?
Macro-magic of Nosy Be
Nosy Be is a true paradise for lovers of macro and small marine life. The colorful coral reefs are teeming with fascinating species: brightly colored nudibranchs such as the Spanish dancer, tiny nocturnal nudibranchs, and of course the elegant pipefish, which often hide among soft corals and sea grass. There are also countless crustaceans, crabs, shrimp and mini-fishes, which can only be found with a keen eye and patient observation.
Underwater giants of Nosy Be
Besides the fantastic macro world, Nosy Be also offers plenty of opportunities to spot large marine life – in the right season, of course. Humpback whales migrate along the coast from July to October, while whale sharks can often be seen between October and April. During dives and boat trips, you can admire these impressive giants, along with dolphins and other pelagic species. It is an unforgettable experience that will make your diving adventure on Nosy Be even more spectacular.
The iconic baobabs of Morondava
One of Madagascar’s most iconic highlights is undoubtedly the Avenue of the Baobabs at Morondava. These majestic, ancient trees tower high above the landscape, creating a surreal backdrop that draws photographers and travelers from around the world. Especially during sunset, their silhouettes stand out beautifully, making it a magical moment to experience the unique beauty of western Madagascar. A place full of natural beauty and tranquility.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
Vanila Hotel & Spa
Vanila Hotel & Spa is located on the west coast of Nosy Be, directly on Ambaro beach overlooking Nosy Sakatia. The atmospheric hotel combines tropical charm with modern comforts. There are 56 rooms ranging from garden view to suites with jacuzzi and sea view. Guests can relax by one of four pools – including two infinity pools – or unwind in the extensive spa with hammam, Jacuzzis and massages. The hotel has two restaurants, a beach bar and several terraces overlooking the sea. Further facilities include Wi-Fi, a children’s pool, playground and meeting room. Its location makes it an ideal base for diving, snorkeling and trips to the surrounding islands.
The dive center
The diving school and facilities
Double Deep Diving
Double Deep Diving is a small-scale diving school on Nosy Be, idyllically located on the beach and surrounded by lush greenery. The diving school is run by Daniela and Alberto, an enthusiastic duo who get to know each diver personally. Thanks to their years of experience and knowledge of the area, they know exactly where to find the most beautiful dive sites.
Diving is conducted from a comfortable 7.5-meter boat, which allows you to easily reach the various dive sites around Nosy Be. You can take PADI and SSI courses, guided by experienced instructors who put safety and fun first.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Madagascar is available from US$ 3.981 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Nosy Be and western Madagascar? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 3.981 p.p.
- Nosy Be:
- 7 nights at Vanila Hotel in Garden Room
- Stay on soft all-inclusive basis
- Dive package with 10 dives
- Round trip:
- 6 nights in 4-star hotels
- Half board accommodation
- Access to the national parks mentioned
- Car with driver
- English-speaking guide
- Bottle of water per person per day
- General:
- Taxes
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- International return flight from US$ 1.365 p.p.
- Flight from Nosy Be to Antananarivo starting at US$ 683 per person
- Flight from Morondava to Antananarivo starting at US$ 683 per person
- Visa
- Lunch and drinks during round trip
- Dive & Travel Insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox (€10 per tank)
- Diving equipment (€40 per day)
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Frequently asked questions about Nosy Be, Madagascar
Diving general
You make exclusively boat dives here.
The dive sites are close: about a 20-minute boat ride away.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive. At least once a week – and upon request – the diving school organizes a night dive. The meeting is around 5:30 p.m. so you can enjoy the sunset first. As soon as the moon rises, dive into shallow waters near shore. You can discover species that are hard to see during the day: crustaceans, mollusks, turtles, sleeping fish, the Spanish dancer and the most beautiful nocturnal nudibranchs. When the group turns off all the lights, you can admire the bioluminescence: the plankton magically lights up, creating a starry sky around you.
No, there is no house reef. All dives are made by boat.
Yes, PADI & SSI courses are offered.
Yes, the diving school is only a 10-minute drive from the hotel. You will be picked up every morning and taken to the diving school.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
No, there are no 15L tanks available.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment it’s no problem at all.
Yes, you can dive here with nitrox. The additional cost is €10 per tank.
Yes, renting a full set costs €40 per day. In addition, you can also rent a computer and torch. Both cost an additional €10 per day.
You can leave your diving equipment at the diving school. Everything can also be rinsed there after dives.
Accommodations
On Nosy Be, you stay on a soft all-inclusive basis. The following is included:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet style in the main restaurant, including drinks by the glass
- Lunch at the beach restaurant
- Dinner with set menu at the beach restaurant (reservations required at reception)
- Drinks by the glass from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.: soft drinks, fruit juices, water, Americano coffee, tea, white and red wine, beer, white rum, local amber rum and rum liqueur
- Snacks and pizza from 11:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00 at the Beach bar
- Afternoon tea from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Beach bar
Yes, you can also stay on a bed & breakfast basis. However, there is no restaurant near Vanila, so you will probably eat at the hotel then as well. Feel free to ask us about the possibilities!
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