Madagascar Diving

Remote. Rewarding. Remarkable.

Diving in Madagascar is unlike anywhere else in the Indian Ocean. With over 1,500 miles of coral reefs, waters rich in marine biodiversity, and far fewer crowds, it’s an ideal destination for divers who want to explore something a little wilder, and more off the beaten track.

The islands off Nosy Be are famous for their tropical beaches and warm, translucent waters brimming with dramatic corals and colourful reef fish.

Why Dive in Madagascar?

• Highest coral diversity in the western Indian Ocean
• Expect colourful reefs, dramatic drop-offs, rare species—and in season, the thrill of spotting whale sharks and migrating humpbacks.
• Rare sightings of whale sharks, manta rays & humpback whales in season
• Madagascar escapes coral bleaching thanks to cool water currents. (Researchers believe that the cool water currents from adjacent deep ocean areas have countered the global warming effect.)
• Ideal for both beginner and experienced divers
• Combine diving in Madagascar with nature-based safaris to see lemurs and other Malagasy specials.

Best Scuba Diving in Madagascar

The best diving in Madagascar centres around the islands off Nosy Be, the coral reefs of Ile Sainte Marie, and the quiet southern coast near Ifaty.

Nosy Be & Surrounding Islands

Nosy Be  is Madagascar’s top diving region. Especially around Nosy Tsarabanjina, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia. Here the coral reefs here are thriving and teeming with reef fish, turtles, moray eels, and more.

• Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve is ideal for snorkelling and easy dives
• Nosy Mitsio offers deep channels and coral gardens for experienced divers
• Stay at Sakatia Lodge to be right at the heart of the action
• The Nosy islands have escaped coral bleaching.

Note: The island of Nosy Be itself has limited dive sites but it serves as a base for easy day excursions to nearby marine hotspots. There are several dive schools which offer excursions.

Ile Sainte Marie & Ile aux Nattes

On Madagascar’s east coast, Ile Sainte Marie  offers reef and wreck diving with a twist of pirate lore. Explore vibrant coral gardens around Ile aux Nattes or dive historic pirate shipwrecks that dot the coastline.

• See turtles, skates, lionfish, and reef sharks
• Wreck dives offer a more unusual experience
• Plus Humpback whale season: July to September

For those venturing further afield, Ifaty on the south-west coast offers great reef diving in a more arid, remote environment.

You can also find excellent diving in the east. And around Ifaty near Tulear on.

Best Time for Diving in Madagascar?

April to May and August to November are the best times for diving holidays in Madagascar. This gives the calmest waters and so best visibility.

• Best months: April–May and August–November (calm seas, clear visibility)
• June–July: Cooler waters = more plankton so lower visibility—but upside is higher chance of whale sharks
• Whale watching season: July–September
• BUT Avoid: January–March (cyclone season = heavy rains, reduced visibility, and heavy swells)

Who would love Madagascar diving?

• Adventure divers seeking remote coral reefs
• Nature-lovers wanting to combine diving with unique lemur wildlife safaris
• Honeymooners or couples who want something exotic, different, yet uncrowded
• Return divers who’ve done the Maldives and want something more wild

See our Main Page on Luxury Diving Holidays around Africa for more destinations.