Group trip – Diving in exotic Nosy Be, Madagascar (SOLD OUT)

Nosy-Be, Madagascar: Dive with whale sharks, spot humpback whales and discover many more unusual animals above and below the water in this paradise.

Travel period

November

Features

Boatdiving

Starting from

13 days from CHF 2.841 p.p.

Group trip: diving in the most beautiful places around Nosy Be

Travel dates: November 14 to 26, 2026
Tour guide: Nanneke Boers
Tour guide languages: Dutch, English, German, Spanish
Stay: 10 nights based on bed and breakfast
Number of dives: approx. 14
Dive level: from Open Water

Nanneke takes you to our favorite place in Madagascar: Nosy Be! This archipelago is a paradise with white beaches, clear blue sea, fragrant ylang-ylang plantations, small villages and a relaxed island atmosphere. It is an ideal place to enjoy both underwater and tropical land life.

Underwater, Nosy Be is breathtaking. The coral reefs are colorful and healthy, full of life from small to large. During the dives you can discover wrecks, caves and an abundance of macro life, and sometimes you will encounter playful dolphins. This time of year is whale watching season, so during our group trip there is a great chance to spot these impressive animals on a special whale watching excursion.

We combine diving with unforgettable land excursions. For example, we take a day trip to Nosy Komba, with a trek across the island, a visit to Maki Park and the local village. We also spend an afternoon in Lokobe National Park, a protected rainforest where black lemurs, chameleons and tropical birds live among ancient trees and mangroves.

So you’ll experience the best of Nosy Be: tropical islands, stunning dive sites, unique animals and the real culture of Madagascar, all in one unforgettable trip.

The best travel time for a diving trip to Nosy Be

For the best weather and optimal sea conditions, a visit between mid March and December are recommended. In August and September, humpback whales migrate past Nosy Be. Then, in October and November, whale sharks migrate past the islands. Between January and mid-March is the rainy season and it is not recommended to go here.

Tour guide: Nanneke Boers

Meet Nanneke Boers (51), an experienced PADI dive instructor with a passion for diving. After 15 successful years with her own diving school in the Canary Islands, she is now back in Holland and working with EWDR to guide these great group tours. With her vast experience and language skills, she is ready to take divers from all over the world on an unforgettable diving vacation.

Overview participants

Maximum spots: 12
Available spots: this trip is full

Joining us on this trip are:

Woman: 50, 63, 56, 39, 41
Male: 60, 42, 60, 67, 64, 60

Average temperatures

Wetsuit advice for Nosy Be

The water averages 27-28 degrees during the group trip. So you can dive here just fine with a 3mm.

What will you experience on this trip?

View itinerary here

Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Nosy Be

November 14 & 15, 2026 | Trip to Nosy Be

Today the adventure to Madagascar begins. We depart from Brussels, from where we have the best connection to Nosy Be. Via a short transfer, we fly to this tropical archipelago in about 15 hours. On day 2, we land around 3 p.m. at the airport of Nosy Be.

Upon arrival, our transfer is already waiting to take us to Maison Ylang. The drive of about 22 kilometers immediately takes you past the daily life of the island, a fine first introduction to Madagascar. The lodge is located on the quiet southwest coast, right on the beach and in the middle of a tropical garden. Upon arrival, there will be time to relax, unpack your diving gear and enjoy our first dinner on Nosy Be.

Day 3 | Diving at Nosy Tanikely

November 16

The next few days are entirely devoted to diving in one of the most diverse areas of the Indian Ocean. Nosy Be and the surrounding islands are known for their warm waters, excellent visibility and a huge variety of underwater life. You will dive here on colorful coral reefs, along lava beds and over sand flats full of small life.

For macro lovers, Nosy Be is a dream: dozens of species of nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, seahorses and other critters hide among the reef. At the same time, there is plenty of big life. Sea turtles, reef sharks, large schools of fish, manta rays and even whale sharks are regularly seen here. It is this combination of small and large that makes diving around Nosy Be so special.

The program includes 2 boat dives per day as standard. Additional dives, such as an afternoon or night dive, are possible in consultation with the diving school, depending on weather and conditions.

The first day of diving we will spend a full day at Nosy Tanikely, a protected Marine Park and one of the most beautiful diving areas in the region. We will make two dives here and have lunch on site. The reefs here are exceptionally healthy, with plenty of fish, sea turtles and regularly sharks, manta rays and large schools of fish.

Day 4 | Diving and afternoon trip to northern Nosy Be & Mont Passot

November 17 | 2 dives and an afternoon trip to northern Nosy Be & Mont Passot

The day begins with two dives around Nosy Be. Which dive sites we will do today depends on the weather and what we need as a group. After diving, we take a trip to the north of Nosy Be, in part to see Mont Passot. At 329 meters, Mont Passot is the second highest volcanic hill on the island. It is known as the ultimate location for panoramic views and sunsets. The mountain offers 360-degree views of the coastline, surrounding islands of Nosy Komba and Sakatia and the volcanic crater lakes, which are considered sacred.

Day 5 | Diving & whale watching

November 18 | 1 dive and whale watching
This day starts with a dive, which we will make again in the surroundings of Nosy Be. Then we will go back out on the water to look for whale sharks! With any luck, we can also snorkel and swim with them, an experience you won’t soon forget.

Day 6 | Diving at Nosy Sakatia

November 19 | 2 dives at Nosy Sakatia

Today we will go to Nosy Sakatia, an islet on the west coast of Nosy Be. This island is known for its large numbers of sea turtles. We will make 2 dives here and have lunch on the island.

Day 7 | Diving at Nosy Iranja

November 20 | 2 dives at Nosy Iranja

Nosy Iranja, also known in Madagascar as “Turtle Island,” is a beautiful, remote paradise about 2 hours by boat from Nosy Be. It consists of two islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Kely – connected by a 2 km long, bright white sandbar accessible only at low tide. The island is known for its turquoise waters and is an important, protected nesting site for sea turtles. We make 2 dives here and have lunch on the island. We will be here all day.

Day 8 | Diving & excursion to Lokobe

November 21 | 2 dives & excursion to Lokobe
This day is also dedicated to diving. Again we make 2 dives. In the afternoon we go to Lokobe National Park, the green heart of Nosy Be. By boat we will sail to this protected rainforest, where we will search for black lemurs, chameleons and other unusual animals with a local guide.

Day 9 & 10 | Diving around Nosy Be

November 22 & 23 | Last dive days
The last dive days are upon us. On day 9 you will make 2 dives around Nosy Be and a night dive. On the last diving day you will make 2 dives again and have lunch together in Russian Bay. Russian Bay is a remote bay near Nosy Be, known for its white sand beaches and dolphins. It owes its name to a Russian fleet unit that sheltered here for two months in 1904-1905 during the Russo-Japanese War.

Day 11 | Day trip to Nosy Komba

November 24 | Nosy Komba

Today we leave the reef behind for good and take a day trip to Nosy Komba, a green and mountainous island just off the coast of Nosy Be.

We take a trekking across the island, learning about the tropical landscape and local life. On the way we visit the Lemur Park, where curious lemurs often show themselves up close. Then we walk through the village and get a good picture of daily life on the island.

The day ends leisurely with lunch at Jardin Vanille, known for its herbs, spices and vanilla plantations.

Day 12 & 13 | Return home

November 25 & 26 | Back to Home

After this special diving trip, our stay on Nosy Be comes to an end. After breakfast we are taken to the airport for the return flight to Brussels. We fly the same route as on the outward journey, with a change en route, and spend a total of about 15 hours on the road before arriving the next day.

If you want to explore Madagascar further, it is excellent to extend this trip with a tour of the island. Madagascar is one of the most special islands in the world, with unique nature that you won’t find anywhere else. Think of the famous lemurs, but also of tropical rainforests, baobabs and impressive national parks. We are happy to think along about beautiful extensions or combinations with this group tour.

Highlights of Nosy Be

What can you expect from this group tour?

Snorkeling with whale sharks

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and can grow more than 12 meters long. Despite its size, it is a quiet, almost graceful presence. The animals follow the plankton-rich waters, their main source of food. During the period of this group trip, the whale sharks are in Nosy Be, so we have a good chance of encountering them. The separate whale watching excursion is an absolute highlight.

Sea turtle spotting

If you are a lover of turtles, then around Nosy Be you are in the right place. Many green and hawksbill turtles live in this area. These animals often live for decades, so you have the chance to see large, adult turtles. Especially around the islands of Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja there is a very good chance of encountering many turtles.

Visit to Nosy Komba

Nosy Komba is a small, green and mountainous island near Nosy Be, famous for its pristine nature and vibrant culture. The island is home to the rare black lemurs in Maki Park and offers a fascinating mix of tropical forest, traditional villages and local crafts. During the day trip, you will trek around the island, discover the daily life of its inhabitants and finish with a delicious lunch at Jardin Vanille, amid fragrant vanilla plantations.

The accommodations

The stay and surroundings

Maison Ylang

Maison Ylang is a charming boutique hotel located in Ambatoloaka, one of Nosy Be’s most atmospheric spots, right on the beach and close to local restaurants, bars and stores. The hotel offers a perfect blend of tranquility, comfort and tropical ambiance, ideal for a diving vacation or a relaxing island experience.

The hotel has 11 comfortable rooms, ranging from standard rooms with garden or sea views to spacious deluxe options. All rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a balcony or terrace to enjoy garden, pool or Indian Ocean views.

At Maison Ylang you will also find a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and a relaxing lounge environment. The hotel operates in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner, respecting nature and the local community. With direct access to the beach and its own dive center, as a guest of Maison Ylang you are all set for an unforgettable vacation.

The diving school

The diving school and facilities

Ylang Dive Center

The Ylang Dive Center, located at Maison Ylang, is a modern and professional PADI and SSI certified dive center. Whether you are a beginner or advanced diver, the center offers a wide range of diving experiences: from introductory dives and training to recreational boat dives to the most beautiful dive sites around Nosy Be, such as Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja and the Radama Islands.

The dive center works with small groups for optimal personal guidance and safety. The modern boats are equipped with showers, toilets and snacks on board, making each diving day comfortable. Nitrox is available for certified divers.

At Ylang Dive Center, a safe, personal and unforgettable diving experience is paramount, guided by experienced instructors who know the local waters inside out. This way you will discover the colorful underwater world of Nosy Be in the best possible way.

Travel costs

What is included

This travel package is CHF 2.841 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended 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 the possibilities? Get in touch with us!

Included in this trip, from CHF 2.841 p.p.

10 nights at Maison Ylang based on bed & breakfast
Dive package consisting of 14 dives
Nitrox for certified divers
Whale watching excursion
Day trip Nosy Komba
Lokobe Forest excursion (afternoon)
Lunch as mentioned in daily program
Park fees for Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja, and Mont Passot
Return transfers
VZR & Administration fee

Excluding

✈︎ 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

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Frequently asked questions about this group tour

Group trip

How large are the groups on average?

This depends on each group trip we do, but the maximum group size for this trip is 10 participants.

Can I participate alone or do I need to bring someone with me?

You can certainly participate on your own! Most participants of our group tours come solo. This also makes it so much fun, you get to know people right away and have dive buddies right away. Joining the group trip as a couple is, of course, also allowed.

Will a WhatsApp group be created?

Yes, we create a group app in advance so participants can get to know each other and receive practical info.

Are the accommodations shared or private?

Basically, you share a room with someone of the same sex; the price of the trip is based on this. Would you rather have your own room? This is also possible. If so, please indicate this on the application, and we can give you the adjusted price for this right away.

Is there a group leader or guide present?

Yes, Nanneke is the group leader for this trip. She is an experienced group leader as well as a dive instructor. She is not the dive guide during this trip, the dives are guided by the crew of the local dive schools.

What additional costs might there be during the trip?

There may be additional costs if you want to rent diving equipment, drink alcohol, etc., for example. It is listed under “included in this trip” what is included in the group trip.

What about diving level or experience?

During this trip, the group for diving can easily be divided according to experience. You will then meet again during the surface interval or after diving.

What if I want to leave the group for a day trip or activity?

The group trip often includes a day trip or activity. In this group trip it is the same. Want to do a different activity? You can. Do discuss this with the group leader so that everyone is aware.