Description
Discover Madagascar above and below the surface. Begin on Nosy Sakatia with five days of relaxed island living and daily dives into warm, reef-rich waters. Then travel north through changing landscapes—past sugar cane fields and spice plantations—to walk among the sharp Tsingy of Ankarana, the red stone needles of Tsingy Rouge, and the green canopy of Amber Mountain. From ocean to forest, this journey invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience the quiet wonder of a place still shaped by nature.
Highlights of the Madagascar Dive & Tsingy Experience Tour
Nosy Sakatia
Situated off the western coast of Nosy Be Island, Nosy Sakatia is a tiny little picturesque island in Madagascar. Measuring roughly 6 km long by 2 km wide (~6 km²), it lies just off Nosy Be—about a 10–20-minute boat ride. It is only lightly inhabited with three small villages: Ampasindava, Ampasimena, and Antanabe. Known as the “Island of Orchids,” it’s part of a protected ecosystem under Madagascar’s environmental classification—untouched by mass tourism and with no roads, only walking paths
Its name blends “saka” (obstacle) and “tia” (love), referring to a myth of lovers separated by the sea—one on Nosy Be, the other on Sakatia. This slice of paradise features pristine white-sand beaches lapped by impossibly blue waters. The island is also home to lush forests, an array of endemic wildlife and numerous viewpoints which offer stunning views over the pristine coastline. Visitors can look forward to diving in the calm crystal-clear waters, through the colourful coral reefs, and enjoying the peaceful laidback charm of this tropical hideaway.
Ankarana Reserve
Ankarana consists of an “island” of tsingy, or limestone karst pinnacles, and a forest which is penetrated by numerous caves and canyons. Some of the largest caves have collapsed, forming isolated pockets of river-fed forest with their own perfectly protected flora and fauna. These pockets are home to many animals. Ankarana Reserve is a dramatic and ancient karst landscape offering rugged hiking, hidden caves, rich wildlife, and landscapes unlike anywhere else in Madagascar.
Joffreville
Neighbouring the Amber Mountain National Park, the Joffreville village lies four kilometres from its entrance. This former French colonial town offers comfortable accommodation options in character-filled heritage buildings. The surrounding landscape features forested mountains, valleys and lush woodlands. This sleepy town serves as an excellent base for those wishing to explore the beautiful surrounds of the Amber Mountain National Park, which is home to several endemic species. Visitors can look forward to browsing a smattering of small shops, viewing the old church and strolling through the streets of the town dotted with fruit stalls selling locally grown seasonal fruit such as avocados, mangos, litchis, guavas and bananas.
Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez)
The French colonial city of Antsiranana is home to the second largest natural bay in the world, stunning views of the Indian Ocean and its very own picturesque Sugarloaf Mountain. Visitors can wander through the wide sleepy streets and explore what remains of the city’s colonial buildings, discover the old market, and absorb a culture that draws its influences from indigenous tribes, Creole, Indians and Comorians amongst others. Antsiranana is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and is also close to two UNESCO recognised national parks, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
