The Nosy Be Island has over 20 scuba diving operators affiliated to the Malagasy Federation of Scuba Diving.
Scuba diving in Nosy Be is an unforgettable adventure for beginners or professionals. The National Marine Park of Nosy Tanikely is exceptional for diving and for snorkelling
Three years ago the scuba diving club Scuba Nosy Be created the FMPSM, Federation Malgache de Plongée Sous-Marine (Malagasy Federation of Scuba Diving). This federation is recognized throughout the world thanks to the quality of its teaching and high training standards. It is also a member of the CMAS, Confédération Mondial des Activités Sous-marine (World Confederation of Underwater Activities).
Courses are available for all levels, from beginner to instructors via SCUBA Schools International SSI. At the current time, Scuba Nosy Be is the only diving centre to offer Instructor training. The CMAS-FMPSM training ranges from apprentice monitors to the instructor trainer.
Life size aquariumThe National Marine Park of Nosy Tanikely is exceptional for diving and for snorkelling. The site, despite having suffered from global warming in the 2-8 zone, remains a world reference in view of its coral diversity. It is a real aquarium. During almost each dive you will encounter turtles, jacks, stingrays, fishes, crocodiles, frogfish, scorpion fishes. You will also see barracudas, leopard sharks and white tip sharks from reefs.
The sites off Nosy BeAtnam is a superb canyon coated on giant gorgonians walls with more than 30m visibility. It offers a sumptuous landscape that is accessible to experienced divers.
The stunning fall from Shark Point is accessible to Level 1, in rising tide. It is abundant in fish, bench snapper, bench rifleman. And to add to the show, sharks revolve around this pantry including grey shark, the white tip reef shark and the majestic hammerhead shark.
In the Manta Point, you will get to encounter the most breathtaking graceful fish: the manta ray measuring up to 6-7 metres. It does not swim, it dances. It offers a superb diving ballet. Manta rays are present here for a short period of weeks, several times a year.
The Mitsio is an exceptional wreck off Nosy Be. It is covered with small fish surrounded by predators like barracudas, king mackerel and kingfish.
Seasons to note:Humpback whale: August to mid-October.Whale shark: October to mid-DecemberHammer shark: December and JanuaryOmura whale: August to January
This article was featured in Prime Magazine Sept 2017
You can go diving all year. Marine species will vary according to season.
From the capital city, Antananarivo, flying is the most convenient way to travel to Nosy Be. You can also ride by car to Ankify through Ambanja. Arriving at the port you can then take a quick shuttle across to the island. If you want the car to reach Nosy Be, from Ankify you need to cross via the ferry.
As part of this aquatic adventure, free accommodation for backpackers (simple but clean). One day of dives or two dives = one night free! You can also find a hotel on a small budget, with very good value for money such as the Hotel Restaurant au Clair de Lune
The Hotel Restaurant au Clair de Lune is strongly recommended with its incredible cuisine in a peaceful and friendly setting. Nosy Be is rich in fish and tropical fruits, inspiring the creation of new and exciting dishes.
Besides the observation of marine treasures, the island of Nosy Be offers many activities to discover the beauty of nature. Treks, horse riding and fishing are also possible.
