Scuba Diving in Madagascar

Madagascar Diving Highlights

Madagascar offers spectacular diving for all levels of divers The seas are also full of life not found anywhere else, just like the land. And it doesn't just consist of endemic species. At least 34 types of whales and dolphins, 5 types of turtles, 56 types of sharks, 300 hard corals and 1300 species of bony fish have been found around the Madagascar coast.

Intro to Madagascar

Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar, which is the fourth-largest island in the world, and smaller peripheral islands. Madagascar has a one of a kind mix of plants and animals. Many of them are found nowhere else. Madagascar is even referred to as the "eighth continent" by some ecologists. Ninety percent of the 10,000 plants native to Madagascar can't be found anywhere else in the world.

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Madagascar Marine Life

The seas around Madagascar host a high diversity of wildlife, including invertebrates. There are extensive coral reefs around the island. Thousands of fish species can be found, including the rare coelacanth. You can see an extraordinary array of colorful reef fish, rays, sea urchins, anemones and octopus. Four species of sea turtle breed on the beaches. For whales, humpback whales breed off the south-western coasts such as at le Sainte-Marie, Omura's whales notably around Nosy Be, pygmy blue whales on the Madagascar Plateau, and southern right whales slowly increasing along Malagasy coasts.

Diving Conditions

• Water Temperature: 28C/83F (Jan-March) & 25C/77F (July-Sept)
• Visibility: 10 - 50m (33 - 164 ft)
• Depth Range: 5 - 40m (16 - 131 ft)

Dive Sites

Here are some of the best diving spots in Madagascar:

1. Nosy Be - It has the best diving in Madagascar. The depth is perfect for beginner divers who want to experience a little bit of drift diving. The abundance of micro-life makes this site a photographer's dream. It has an amazing marine biodiversity such as huge coral fans, several species of turtles, gigantic lobsters, leopard shark, frogfish, and angelfish. In the summer months, manta rays and whale sharks can even be found.

2. Mitsio Wreck - This area is suitable for beginner to advanced divers. It is now home to an abundance of marine life including scorpionfish and fan coral.

3. le Sainte-Marie - It is another popular wreck diving site located just off the east coast. Saint Marie is on migratory routes for humpback whales between July and September.

4. Paroi des Merou - Advanced divers would love this site which drops to 40m. You can expect an abundance of marine life and exciting diving activities here.

5. Pointe Alebrand - Larger pelagic fishes can be spotted here. See grey sharks, manta rays, barracuda and sometimes migrating humpback whales, which could be seen in large numbers.

If you fly from the U.S. or Canada, the number of possibilities is more limited than flying from Europe, but you will still find a few airlines that will fly you to Madagascar. The main point of entry is Ivato International Airport (TNR), located about 16 km from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

How To Dive Madagascar

Both liveaboard and land-based diving will give you spectacular diving. Many divers in the Nosy Be region choose reputable operators such as Blue Wave Diving and Scuba Nosy Be. Most dive centers are closed during the cyclone season (January to March).

Best Time To Dive

The diving season in Madagascar is year round, but the best time to visit is probably from June to September. Whales migrate to the island during that period.

Topside & Non-Diving Activities

• Kite and Windsurfing
• Guided Kayaking
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Wildlife Tours

• Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
• Language: French, Malagasy, English
• Main Airport Code: TNR
• Time Zone: UTC+3
• Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz