Explore Nosy Be

Nosy Be, often dubbed the "Island of Perfumes," is a true gem for divers seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure. Located off the northwestern coast of Madagascar, this enchanting island offers a unique diving experience characterized by its pristine coral formations and vibrant marine life. The Tanikely Marine Reserve stands as the epicenter of Madagascar diving, boasting giant gorgonian sea fans and delightful macro life. Divers can explore a kaleidoscope of colorful nudibranchs and encounter fascinating creatures like antennariids, making every dive a discovery of the ocean's hidden treasures.

Dive enthusiasts in Nosy Be are treated to a diverse range of underwater environments, from the gentle slopes of Nosy Tanikely to the dramatic plateaus of Vatatimo, Miravava, and Banc des Pirogues. These sites are teeming with life, including schools of snappers, jacks, and the occasional barracuda. Adventurous divers can also explore two captivating wrecks, where marine life flourishes in the nooks and crannies. Whether opting for shore dives, boat excursions, or liveaboard adventures, Nosy Be provides ample opportunities to experience the incredible biodiversity that makes this region a standout dive destination.

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Professional Level Programs / Courses

SCUBA NOSY BE

Assistant Instructor

25 Nov 2025

The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming a Divemaster along the scuba instructor pathway. It allows you to collect valuable teaching experience, practice briefings, teach academics, and conduct in-water training. If you want to further your career as a dive professional, you can finish the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Evaluation, and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.

Instructor Evaluation

SCUBA NOSY BE

Instructor Evaluation - IE

15 Dec 2025

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ 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.

★★★★☆ 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.

★★★★☆ 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

★★★★☆ 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.

★★★★☆ 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.

★★★★☆ 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.

★★★★☆ 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.

★★★★☆ Banc des gorgones

Banc des Gorgones is located not far from Ambatoloaka. One of the first dive sites discovered where an abundance of gorgonian corals were found close to the coast.

Diving in Nosy Be

Nosy Be, Madagascar, offers a diverse range of diving experiences for enthusiasts. One of the top dive sites is "The Mitsio Wreck," where divers can explore a sunken fishing vessel teeming with marine life. This site is perfect for those fascinated by wreck diving and provides a glimpse into the ocean's captivating underwater world. Shore dives, such as the ones at Nosy Tanikely, are popular for their easy access and vibrant coral reefs, offering a more relaxed exploration. Unique experiences in Nosy Be include night dives where divers can witness the bioluminescent plankton illuminating the water with ethereal glows. Marine life behaviors, such as the seasonal migration of whale sharks, add to the allure of these waters. Nosy Be balances shore diving and liveaboard options well, allowing divers to enjoy both leisurely shore dives and adventurous excursions to more remote sites.

The best Months to Dive in Nosy Be

Nosy Be offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F throughout the seasons. Visibility is typically excellent, often reaching 20–30 meters/66–98 feet, making it ideal for underwater exploration.

Diving is possible all year, although the best conditions are from April to December, when the weather is dry and stable. From January to March, the region experiences more rainfall and potential cyclones, which can affect visibility and create stronger currents. Divers should plan accordingly, considering these seasonal variations.