Home to unique wildlife and bioverse mangrove forests, coral reefs, and orchids, Madagascar is a world-class destination for both diving and land safaris. Completely untouched isles give way to world-class diving, ideal for spotting vibrant corals, seahorses, guitarfish, and even whale sharks, seen seasonally from September through December.
While you can dive in Madagascar year-round, it’s best in the dry season, May through March. This time of year brings great visibility and warm sunshine.
This 11-day itinerary includes five days of diving in one of Madagascar’s best locations, plus unique wildlife viewing opportunities, such as Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the world’s largest lemur species, and Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic, home to unique species like endemic chameleons.
| Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan | Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 to 6 | Nosy Sakatia | Sakatia Beachfront Villas | Breakfast & dinner | Transfer from Fascene Airport 8 dives including tanks, weights and dive guide Excursions to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely |
| Day 7 | Antananarivo | Palissandre Hotel & Spa | Daily Breakfast | Transit Accommodation and transfers |
| Day 8 and 9 | Andasibe | Mantadia Lodge | Daily Breakfast | Excursions to Peyrieras Reptile Reserve, Parc VOIMMA, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Lemur Island |
| Day 10 | Antananarivo | Palissandre Hotel & Spa | Daily Breakfast | Transit Accommodation and transfer to Fascene Airport |
Nosy Sakatia
Situated off the western coast of Nosy Be Island, Nosy Sakatia is a tiny little picturesque island in Madagascar. Measuring roughly 6 km long by 2 km wide (~6 km²), it lies just off Nosy Be—about a 10–20-minute boat ride. It is only lightly inhabited with three small villages: Ampasindava, Ampasimena, and Antanabe. Known as the “Island of Orchids,” it’s part of a protected ecosystem under Madagascar’s environmental classification—untouched by mass tourism and with no roads, only walking paths.
Its name blends “saka” (obstacle) and “tia” (love), referring to a myth of lovers separated by the sea—one on Nosy Be, the other on Sakatia. This slice of paradise features pristine white-sand beaches lapped by impossibly blue waters. The island is also home to lush forests, an array of endemic wildlife and numerous viewpoints which offer stunning views over the pristine coastline. Visitors can look forward to diving in the calm crystal-clear waters, through the colourful coral reefs, and enjoying the peaceful laidback charm of this tropical hideaway.
Over five days, you will get to enjoy 8 dives, with two dives a day as you explore a variety of vibrant and diverse underwater environments. You will be diving with Sakatia Lodge Dive Centre, Nosy Be’s best dive centre. On your last day, you will have a ‘dry’ day, before flying, and head to nearby Nosy Komba to visit the lemurs there, and the local craft village, before enjoying exploring the beautiful island of Nosy Tanikely for the remainder of the day.
Andasibe
Located in eastern Madagascar in the Moramanga District, the small village of Andasibe is surrounded by a belt of protected rainforest and several parks boasting incredible natural scenery and an array of exotic Madagascan wildlife. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounds. Visitors can look forward to discovering the natural wonders of the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Analamazaotra Reserve and Perinet Special Reserve. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the unique song of the large indri lemur, explore a network of incredible trails that wind past glistening lakes and magnificent waterfalls and discover the rich biodiversity in the local flora and fauna.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is Madagascar’s capital city, perched on top of a mountain range close to several nature reserves, including Tsingy de Bemaraha, with its fantastical limestone spikes. Founded in 1625, it has a rich historical heritage that is complemented by scenic landscapes traversed with a multitude of hiking routes. The city is also known for its bubbly nightlife, with live music played regularly at various clubs, bars and hotels.
Sakatia Beachfront Villas
Relax in this secluded waterfront resort, offering private villas, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, and daily meals served at the next-door lodge.
Palissandre Hotel & Spa
Conveniently located in central Antananarivo, each room features Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and city views. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, garden lounge, fitness centre, and French restaurant.
Vakona Forest Lodge
Just outside Andasibe National Park, this lush jungle lodge offers 24 bungalows, including both double rooms and larger suites for families. Mosquito nets, fans, en-suites, and mini fridges are in each bungalow.
Sakatia Dive Centre, based at Sakatia Lodge, is certified as a National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) Dream Destination, meaning it offers the highest standard of safety, training, and environmental stewardship.
Using their two dedicated dive boats, they have access to 20 dive sites around Nosy Be and Nosy Sakatia, each between 1 km and 20 km from the resort. Conditions and dive sites chosen vary depending on the tides and time of year.
This shop also specialises in night and fluro dives, using a blue light torch and mask filter to observe bio-fluorescence after dark.
Miora: Just a 15-minute boat ride away, this large plateau reef is suited to divers of all abilities. Stingrays, triggerfish, and mantis shrimp are often seen. Maximum depth 19m
Tim’s Reef: Named after a guest who loved diving here, this beautiful site is only two minutes from the lodge. It’s renowned for its galaxea and halomitra coral and nudibranchs. Green turtles are often spotted as well. Maximum depth 16m.
Tagada: This drop-off site features large gorgonian coral. At 20km off the coast, its open water location means pelagic species are sometimes seen as they pass by. Maximum depth 26m.
Mahavelona: This wreck dive is best for expert divers, with changing currents and visibility. A thriving reef is also found at this site, with Moray eels and octopus sometimes seen. Maximum depth 26m.
Banc des Licornes: This beginner-friendly location is a pristine coral reef, home to many stonefish, stingrays, and rhinopias. Eagle and manta rays also pass through regularly. Maximum depth 18m.
Banc des Fusiliers: This spot is popular as a second dive location, about 10km behind Nosy Sakatia. Macro is the drawcard here, but large schools of fish are also often seen, including snapper, grouper, and barracuda. Maximum depth 20m.
Boboss lalina: Positioned behind Nosy Sakatia, this dive site is best visited on a rising tide. It’s a good site for macro and crocodile fish, scorpionfish, and stonefish. Maximum depth 21m.
Mitsio Wreck: A shrimp trawler sunk in 2004 to create this wreck dive site. It’s a popular place to spot barracuda, snapper, scorpionfish, and stonefish. Maximum depth 27m.
Sakatia Reef: The resort’s namesake reef is just a ten-minute boat ride away and offers an easy dive for all abilities and lots of marine life. With a biodiverse seabed, it’s particularly popular for macro diving. Maximum depth 17m.
Pricing for Madagascar Diving & Lemur Adventure
| 11-day exploration from Nosy Sakatia to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person pricing | |||||
| 6 nights accommodation at Sakatia Beachfront Villas, including breakfast and dinner 1 night accommodation at Palissandre Hotel & Spa, including breakfast 8 boat dives including tanks, weights and dive guide 2 nights accommodation at Vakona Forest Lodge, including breakfast 1 night accommodation at Palissandre Hotel & Spa, including breakfast Return airport transfers as specified in the itinerary Activities and excursions as mentioned in itinerary Park entrance and river usage fees unless otherwise stipulated |
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| Excluded | |||||
| Return Domestic flights between Nosy Be and Antananarivo International Flights Equipment rental Extra scuba dives Nitrox Pre and post tour accommodation Optional activities Meals & drinks not mentioned in inclusions Personal expenses, including gratuities and telephone calls Travel insurance |
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| Valid to Dec 31, 2026 | AUD | EUR | |||
| Per person twin share rate | 2474 | EUR | | | 2474 | |
| This resort's prices are in EUR and include all givernment taxes. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made. | |||||
