Explore Diana

The DIANA region of Madagascar, encompassing Diego, Antsohihy, Nosy Be, and Ambanja, offers an unparalleled diving experience for enthusiasts seeking vibrant marine life and diverse underwater landscapes. Situated in the northwest, this area is a hub for adventure with its volcanic-based topography creating unique diving environments. Nosy Be, a highlight of DIANA, boasts three distinct diving areas, each presenting a captivating array of underwater plateaus, colorful coral formations, and intriguing wrecks.

Diving in this region is more than just an exploration of beautiful seascapes; it’s a journey through deep canyons and subterranean arches that showcase the extensive biodiversity native to Madagascar. Divers are treated to thrilling encounters with exotic species, including golden-eyed lemurs' marine counterparts. From July to October, humpback whales grace the waters, while whale sharks make their appearance from September to November, and hammerheads thrill divers in December and January. These seasonal spectacles, combined with the region's distinct underwater architecture, make DIANA an irresistible destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility beneath the waves.

Places to Explore

Nosy Sakatia

13 Divesites 1 Center

Diving Nosy Sakatia offers an abundance of plateaus and drop-offs, making up a multitude of dive site choices.

Nosy Be

8 Divesites 10 Centers

The pristine coral formations of Nosy Tanikely, inhabited by a multitude of fish and invertebrate species sum up the incredible diversity of dive sites here.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Banc des Licornes

Plateaus at 13 - 19 m, superb coral reef, one of the most beautiful coral fields. Well-stocked with fish (lots of big stonefish).the coral look like new , no dammage, nice reef.

368
Logs
237
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ South Canyon Madagascar

Close to the Mozambique channel, South Canyon reef is shaped like a hand. Strong current is expected on this dive site. Maximum depth : 26 meters.

109
Logs
41
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tanikely Pain de Sucre

Tanikély Nord, also known as Pain de Sucre, is a magnificent dive site in the Tanikély marine reserve. A marine reserve means no fishing and lots of fish.

2,625
Logs
976
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Caida Wreck

Originally, it is a dhow filled with a cargo of sand that sank in 2004, having dived on it 6 months later, we realized that the wreck was already filled with fish, so we sank 2 other wrecks around it.

1,263
Logs
451
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Boboss Epave

2 sites in one! And yes, at the beginning a trawler wreck transformed into a shrimp boat, then to finish a beautiful reef constituted by 2 big potatoes rich in macro and small (frog fish ....).

867
Logs
360
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Atnam

This dive site with a fantastic landscape, it is not a site for fishes. One of the most beautiful site of Nosy be in the point of view: landscape, one of my favorites.

1,160
Logs
547
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Rolland

A drop-off with a superb deep plateau, the most interesting part is at 35 m. The plateau, between 30 and 45 m, is covered with giant gorgonian sea fans, a beautiful landscape for divers used to deep diving.

263
Logs
115
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tanikely Plage des Amoureux

Diving site located at 12km from Nosy be, 35 minutes by boat. It is a park, there is an entrance fee of 20 000 ariary.Very beautiful diving site, very fishy and a lot of coral diversity

2,345
Logs
803
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tanikely sud

The Tanikely park is very famous, beautiful dive site, full of fish, very beautiful corals, in good health, moreover easy diving, not deep, for all levels.

7,409
Logs
1,657
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Facci

Facci is a site located 14 km from the diving center. Depth between 22 and 25 meters. It is preferable to do this site as a first dive. Superb plateau covered with giant gorgonians.

199
Logs
106
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Madrépore Manta Point

Site located at 13km, 40 minutes by boat. The bottom is 21 meters, and the second part is 15 meters, separated by a field of garden eels. To be done on an ebb tide. The reef top is very nice , the coral are nice.

659
Logs
306
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Mitsio Wreck

Located a 30-minute boat ride from the Lodge, the Mistio wreck rests on a bottom of at least 26 m. Reserved for the more experienced, it’s best categorized as a deep dive, and should be done with nitrox to better appreciate it.

1,899
Logs
773
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Rosario

Rosario is a very good second dive site in the morning because it is not deep, site between 19m and 14m, nice field of fan coral, and good for macro.

801
Logs
354
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ le dôme

Dive site located at 45 m from the center, very nice Dome, with a side filled with superb gorgonian and the other side very fishy. The site is quite deep, nothing less than 23 meters, it is necessary to walk at 25 m almost all the dive.

367
Logs
217
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Louann

Dive site to be done as a first dive, site at about 20-25m. To be done on an ebb or flood tide. Drift, possible to go deeper, it’s a 20m to 50m drop-off. Better when it s low tide to high tide , there is more fish.

353
Logs
195
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Diana

Diana boasts some of the best dive sites, attracting divers with its diverse underwater attractions. Notable wreck dives include the "Three Brothers," where coral-covered remnants of old ships offer a glimpse into history amidst colorful marine life. Popular shore dives are easily accessible, such as the Nosy Be area, famed for its vibrant reefs and the chance to witness fascinating marine behaviors, like the captivating dance of manta rays.

For night dive enthusiasts, the region offers mesmerizing experiences, revealing nocturnal creatures and bioluminescent displays. Whether you prefer the convenience of shore diving or the adventure of liveaboard trips, Diana provides a balanced array of options. Liveaboards allow divers to explore remote locations, ensuring diverse and unforgettable underwater encounters that cater to both novice and experienced divers alike.

The best Months to Dive in Diana

Diana, Madagascar, offers diverse diving conditions year-round with varying seasonal influences. From November to April, water temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C/82°F to 86°F, providing warm and comfortable diving environments. During this period, visibility remains moderate but can be reduced due to seasonal rains.

May through October marks the dry season, where water temperatures drop slightly to 25°C to 27°C/77°F to 81°F, and visibility typically improves, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet. Winds and currents are generally mild, but stronger trade winds may occur in August and September, potentially affecting surface conditions. Diving is possible throughout the year, though planning around the rainy season may enhance the overall experience.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

YLANG DIVE CENTER

Maison Ylang Nosy Bé, 207 AMBATOLOAKA, MDG

SAKATIA LODGE

Nosy Sakatia, 207 HELL VILLE - NOSY BE, MDG

AQUA DIVING NOSY BE

HOTEL CORAIL NOIR, 207 DZAMANDZAR, MDG

FREEDIVE NOSY BE

Hôtel Beluga, Plage de Madirokely, BP 428 NOSY BE, MDG

MANTA DIVING

Ambondrona Avaratra, 207 NOSY BE, MDG

Andilana Beach Diving Center

Andilana, 207 NOSY BE, MDG

DOUBLE DEEP DIVING CENTER

Orangea Ampasy, 207 NOSY BE, MDG

BLUE WAVE DIVING

AMARINA VOI HOTEL, 207 BEFOTAKA, MDG

SCUBA NOSY BE

AMBONDRONA, 207 HELL VILLE, MDG

ULYSSE EXPLORER

Ankazoberavina, MDG

BLUE WAVE DIVING MADIROKELY

Madirokely, 207 Madirokely - Nosy Be, MDG

UPSIDE DIVE

Andilana Beach, 207 NOSY BE, MDG