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Explore Nosy Sakatia

Nosy Sakatia, a small island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, offers divers a unique underwater experience with its stunning array of marine life and dive environments. Known for its abundance of plateaus and drop-offs, Nosy Sakatia is a diver's paradise with a multitude of dive site choices. The volcanic arches are adorned with giant gorgonians, while the reef plateaus are richly covered in vibrant coral, creating a mesmerizing underwater landscape. Popular dive sites such as Bancs des Fusiliers, Banc 06, and Boboss, where a small wreck adds an element of intrigue, cater to divers of all levels seeking both adventure and beauty. One of the island's most captivating features is the opportunity to encounter the majestic whale sharks that frequent its waters from September to October. It's an unforgettable experience to dive or snorkel alongside these gentle giants. Nosy Sakatia also offers the chance to snorkel with giant sea turtles, providing another thrilling encounter with marine life. Shark Point is a must-visit site, where divers can encounter various shark species, including the elusive hammerheads during the months of December and January. Whether exploring the vibrant reefs or encountering large pelagics, Nosy Sakatia promises an exhilarating and diverse diving experience.

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Dive Activity

Diving in Nosy Sakatia

Nosy Sakatia, a hidden gem off the northwest coast of Madagascar, offers dive enthusiasts a variety of captivating underwater experiences. Among its top attractions are the remarkable wreck dives, such as the "Mitsio Wreck," where divers can explore a sunken vessel teeming with vibrant marine life. Shore dives are equally impressive, with "Turtle Point" being a favorite for spotting graceful turtles gliding through crystal-clear waters. For those seeking a unique adventure, night dives reveal the enchanting behavior of nocturnal marine creatures, providing an unforgettable experience. The island offers a perfect balance between shore and liveaboard diving options, allowing travelers to choose their preferred diving style. Whether exploring from land or sea, Nosy Sakatia promises an engaging and diverse underwater journey.

Dive Centers

SAKATIA LODGE

SAKATIA LODGE

Nosy Sakatia, 207 HELL VILLE - NOSY BE, Madagascar

Dive Sites

SCUBA NOSY BE, 207 HELL VILLE
Banc des Licornes (★4.2)

Banc des Licornes (★4.2)

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.
Scubapro
Sakatia reef (★4.0)

Sakatia reef (★4.0)

Located 10 minutes by boat from the Lodge, Sakatia reef offers the possibility of diving to a depth of at least 15 meters... The pleasure of discovering the seabed and macro...
Aqualung
Enzo (★4.8)

Enzo (★4.8)

Located just 10 minutes from the center, this site, with a minimum depth of 18m, is ideal for macro enthusiasts. A site to be anticipated with current as well.
Mares
Mahavelona (★4.5)

Mahavelona (★4.5)

Located 15 minutes from Sakatia Lodge by boat, the Mahavelona wreck is a site for advanced and expert levels. Site to be anticipated with current and changing visibility.
Mares
Sakatia (★4.5)

Sakatia (★4.5)

Operation wallacéa Diving spot. Reef check and scientific dive. For more information , please ask the operation wallacéa staff. 12 km from the dive center.
Aqualung
Boboss lalina (★4.4)

Boboss lalina (★4.4)

Boboss lalina is a diving spot located behind Nosy Sakatia, a dozen km from the center. Between 25 meters and 14 meters. Best done on a rising tide.
Mares
TIM’S REEF (★4.8)

TIM’S REEF (★4.8)

Just 2 minutes from the lodge, Tim’s reef is a tribute to a lodge guest who dived to the end... The halomitra that characterize this site make all the difference...
Mares
Mireille (★4.1)

Mireille (★4.1)

Situated just 2 minutes by boat from the lodge, Mireille is a very special site which must be visited with a guide as the orientation is very precise.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Olaf Sakatia (★4.4)

Olaf Sakatia (★4.4)

Just 5 minutes from the Center by boat, Olaf is a dive site for checking the level of divers before starting dives on our other dive sites. Easy dive site for all the diving level
Mares
Miora (★4.0)

Miora (★4.0)

Just 15 minutes by boat from the Lodge, Miora is a huge plateau that makes it an easy site for all levels. A site to anticipate with current and not the best visibility ever...
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Banc Louis (★4.3)

Banc Louis (★4.3)

Splendid plateau located 15 minutes by boat from the island of Sakatia. this plateau is ideal for all levels, beginners and more experienced divers alike will enjoy admiring the biodiversity of the seabed. the corals are in excellent condition!
Aqualung
Banc des Pirogues (★3.5)

Banc des Pirogues (★3.5)

The pirogue bank inside the bay is often only accessible in June, July and August. The rest of the year, visibility is just too poor. Plenty of fish, beautiful diversity of coral, shallow, between 14 and 20 m. Best done between June and September for better visibility.

The best Months to Dive in Nosy Sakatia

Nosy Sakatia, a charming island off the coast of Madagascar, offers favorable diving conditions year-round. Water temperatures remain inviting, ranging from 25°C–30°C/77°F–86°F throughout the year. Visibility is excellent, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, providing divers with clear views of the vibrant marine life.

Diving is possible all year, though conditions are best from April to December. During the rainy season, from January to March, increased rainfall may reduce visibility slightly. However, the island is sheltered from strong winds and currents, making it a reliable diving destination in every season.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Nosy Sakatia

Nosy Sakatia, an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, offers rich marine biodiversity, particularly appealing to divers. The clear waters are home to a variety of reef fish, including clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, abundantly found around the vibrant coral reefs. These species are commonly seen year-round, thriving in the warm, nutrient-rich waters that provide an ideal habitat.

Seasonal highlights include sightings of turtles, with the green and hawksbill species most frequent from October to December. Rays, such as the majestic manta ray, are best observed between September and November, when they migrate through the area. Although less frequent, reef sharks may appear, especially near deeper dive sites, offering thrilling encounters for those exploring the depths of the island's waters. Divers can expect a mix of common encounters and rare sightings, depending on the season and specific dive sites visited.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
99 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
5
M
1
J
12
J
10
A
8
S
4
O
30
N
16
D
13
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
93 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
3
M
1
J
3
J
12
A
17
S
11
O
21
N
12
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
26 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
2
J
9
A
1
S
4
O
5
N
1
D
3
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
24 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
4
A
6
S
4
O
6
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
5
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
180 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
18
M
8
J
23
J
21
A
18
S
14
O
42
N
25
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
154 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
1
A
17
M
8
J
12
J
20
A
23
S
18
O
25
N
14
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
146 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
13
M
8
J
23
J
21
A
16
S
4
O
29
N
19
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
141 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
0
A
12
M
3
J
18
J
18
A
18
S
8
O
26
N
21
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
134 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
13
M
3
J
7
J
5
A
19
S
10
O
25
N
39
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
123 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
5
M
4
J
13
J
11
A
11
S
8
O
37
N
22
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
120 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
7
M
8
J
17
J
10
A
10
S
11
O
32
N
13
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
99 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
2
J
19
J
13
A
15
S
2
O
23
N
11
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
90 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
9
J
9
J
6
A
18
S
4
O
14
N
19
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
76 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
9
M
2
J
8
J
10
A
14
S
3
O
17
N
5
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
73 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
4
J
15
J
5
A
7
S
2
O
16
N
9
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
69 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
1
J
7
J
12
A
13
S
5
O
11
N
5
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
62 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
4
J
12
J
10
A
7
S
4
O
4
N
15
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
61 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
4
J
8
J
11
A
3
S
3
O
17
N
4
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
35 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
3
J
10
A
7
S
1
O
6
N
3
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
34 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
5
M
4
J
1
J
6
A
6
S
0
O
8
N
0
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
34 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
7
J
5
A
2
S
2
O
11
N
0
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
34 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
0
S
6
O
0
N
17
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
34 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
1
J
3
J
11
A
9
S
2
O
4
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
33 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
10
M
1
J
4
J
8
A
0
S
1
O
5
N
0
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
26 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
6
O
5
N
10
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
2
A
4
S
0
O
5
N
0
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Cornetfish

Cornetfish
16 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
0
J
2
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
14 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
2
N
6
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
0
N
4
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
5
S
3
O
0
N
0
D
0
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Leaf Scorpionfish

Leaf Scorpionfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid

Squid
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
8
D
0
Alamy-Water Frame
Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)

Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
2
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
3
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
6
D
0

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