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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.4)</span>

    Banc des Pirogues (★3.4)

    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

    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    100 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    2
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    1
    J
    8
    J
    10
    A
    17
    S
    13
    O
    21
    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.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    81 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    1
    J
    11
    J
    6
    A
    8
    S
    3
    O
    23
    N
    15
    D
    11
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    28 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    4
    A
    5
    S
    6
    O
    6
    N
    1
    D
    2

    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
    27 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    3
    J
    7
    A
    1
    S
    3
    O
    5
    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.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    12 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    5
    S
    3
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    2

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

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    12 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    5
    J
    0
    A
    2
    S
    2
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    0
    iStock/Extreme Photographer
    Whale Shark

    Whale Shark
    5 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    3
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    iStock/Juliosanjuan
    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray
    4 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    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.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    151 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    15
    M
    8
    J
    21
    J
    15
    A
    16
    S
    14
    O
    30
    N
    24
    D
    6

    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
    138 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    15
    M
    8
    J
    11
    J
    19
    A
    21
    S
    17
    O
    18
    N
    14
    D
    11
    Show More

    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
    130 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    9
    M
    4
    J
    8
    J
    7
    A
    17
    S
    10
    O
    22
    N
    39
    D
    11

    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
    124 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    9
    M
    9
    J
    21
    J
    15
    A
    16
    S
    4
    O
    21
    N
    19
    D
    8

    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
    121 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    9
    M
    3
    J
    16
    J
    15
    A
    18
    S
    8
    O
    17
    N
    21
    D
    11

    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
    110 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    9
    J
    17
    J
    10
    A
    10
    S
    11
    O
    26
    N
    14
    D
    9

    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
    107 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    5
    J
    11
    J
    9
    A
    11
    S
    8
    O
    29
    N
    22
    D
    7

    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
    88 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    8
    M
    2
    J
    18
    J
    10
    A
    15
    S
    2
    O
    18
    N
    11
    D
    4

    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
    77 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    10
    J
    9
    J
    2
    A
    15
    S
    4
    O
    12
    N
    19
    D
    4

    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
    69 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    6
    M
    2
    J
    9
    J
    10
    A
    13
    S
    3
    O
    14
    N
    5
    D
    5

    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
    67 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    6
    M
    5
    J
    16
    J
    4
    A
    7
    S
    2
    O
    12
    N
    10
    D
    4

    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
    55 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    4
    J
    11
    J
    7
    A
    7
    S
    4
    O
    2
    N
    15
    D
    3

    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
    50 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    1
    J
    5
    J
    8
    A
    11
    S
    5
    O
    8
    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.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    47 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    5
    J
    7
    J
    9
    A
    5
    S
    3
    O
    9
    N
    3
    D
    0

    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
    37 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    5
    A
    0
    S
    5
    O
    3
    N
    17
    D
    4

    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
    34 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    4
    J
    10
    A
    6
    S
    1
    O
    5
    N
    3
    D
    2

    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
    33 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    8
    A
    11
    S
    2
    O
    3
    N
    1
    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
    29 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    4
    J
    1
    J
    6
    A
    6
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    0
    D
    6

    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
    28 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    10
    J
    4
    A
    2
    S
    2
    O
    5
    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.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    28 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    6
    O
    5
    N
    9
    D
    3

    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
    23 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    5
    M
    1
    J
    4
    J
    6
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    2
    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.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    20 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    6
    O
    1
    N
    4
    D
    4

    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
    20 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    3
    A
    7
    S
    3
    O
    1
    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.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster
    18 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    4
    J
    0
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    7
    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
    0
    M
    1
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    5
    S
    1
    O
    5
    N
    0
    D
    3
    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Leaf Scorpionfish

    Leaf Scorpionfish
    12 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    4
    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.: 3

    Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
    Cornetfish

    Cornetfish
    11 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    0
    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.: 300

    Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
    Squid

    Squid
    9 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    8
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
    Garfish

    Garfish
    8 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    2
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    1
    N
    3
    D
    1
    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse
    8 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    3
    O
    1
    N
    1
    D
    0
    Alamy-Water Frame
    Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)

    Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)
    7 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    2

    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
    iStock-June Jacobsen
    Whitetip Reef Shark

    Whitetip Reef Shark
    5 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    2

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

    Total number of species approx.: 190

    Alamy-Water Frame
    Conger Eel

    Conger Eel
    5 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    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.: 2

    iStock-stock_colors
    Tarpon

    Tarpon
    4 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    2
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    iStock-stephankerkhofs
    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish
    4 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    1
    D
    0