Swim with Massive Whale Sharks—the Earth's Largest Fish
Nosy Be Snorkeling and Wildlife Extension
Overview
Explore the island of Nosy Komba, haunt of black macaco lemurs, and the protected marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely, where excellent snorkeling above colorful coral gardens awaits, along with the chance of spotting turtles and dolphins. During September to November, you'll also have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean. Swimming among these creatures is a wonderful thrill—don your fins, mask, and snorkel and get ready for one of the great wildlife experiences of the world!
Arrive: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Depart: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Highlights
- Visit Nosy Komba, home to black macaco lemurs, and snorkel the coral gardens of Nosy Tanikely
- Enjoy a seaside hotel on the Mozambique Channel
Itinerary
Fly to Nosy Be, an island off northwestern Madagascar. You'll be met on arrival by our representative and transferred to the seaside Residence Villas...BLD
Travel by private boat to two of the surrounding islands, Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. On cone-shaped Nosy Komba, a 20-minute walk brings you to a nature park where black macaco lemurs are found. Boating further to the island of Nosy Tanikely, a small protected marine reserve, you'll be gliding over pristine coral formations brimming with life. There is great snorkeling here in clear waters and a chance to see hawksbill and green turtles, dolphins, and multi-colored coral. Return to Nosy Be for an afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Residence Villas...BLD
After breakfast, a 20-minute drive brings you to the harbor for a half-day excursion with whale sharks.
Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean and among the most docile, regularly visit Nosy Be Island in northwestern Madagascar between the end of September and December. Growing as long as 65 feet, these fish are plankton feeders, scooping up tiny plants and small fish while gliding close to the surface. The boat is simple and hosts 10-12 passengers. Snorkel, fins, and masks are provided (or you can bring your own). The waters in this area are very calm and offer crystal-clear visibility. During the excursion, the boat follows the route of the whale sharks as they swim along at about three miles an hour.
(Note: you may be getting in and out of the boat several times depending on the sharks' location and must be able to hoist yourself up into the boat from the water, which requires some upper body strength. There is no ladder, and you need to be able to haul yourself in and out of the boat with fins on.) Etiquette for swimming with whale sharks includes not approaching them closer than nine feet, not using flash photography, and remaining still in the water if they swim toward you. The boat crew will have further instructions.
As an alternate option, you may enjoy a city tour of Nosy Be, which will include a walk by the center of town and its local market, then a visit to a local distillery where ylang ylang flowers are processed into an essential oil.
Return to the hotel for lunch and optional afternoon activities. Later in the day, you'll be met for a drive to a vista point on Mont Passot where you can enjoy a beautiful Mozambique Channel sunset. Dinner is on your own this evening at the hotel restaurant. Overnight at Residence Villas...BL
Fly back to the capital for an overnight at Relais des Plateaux.
Note: There are a few flights departing direct from Nosy Be to Paris (or other European cities)...BL
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight...BLD
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Madagascar.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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