Diving and snorkeling in Nosy Be: the best spots and our tips
Turtles coming up for air a few metres away, coral reefs, shoals of colourful fish and warm water all year round: the Nosy Be archipelago is one of Madagascar's finest underwater playgrounds. As local guides in Nosy Be since 2017, we explain where to go, when to come and how to book Nosy Tanikely, now accessible by reservation only.
Why Nosy Be for marine life
Nosy Be is surrounded by a ring of small islands, each a few minutes to an hour away by boat. This makes it easy to mix things up: snorkeling from the beach for beginners, scuba diving for certified divers, seagrass beds where turtles feed, white-sand lagoons. The water stays warm all year, and two sites are protected areas managed with Madagascar National Parks: Nosy Tanikely marine national park and Lokobe National Park, which also includes a marine area.
Another plus: most spots can be combined in a single day. A classic trip pairs Nosy Komba and its lemurs in the morning with snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely in the afternoon.
The best spots at a glance
| Spot | Level | What you see | Access from Nosy Be |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nosy Tanikely | All levels, snorkeling and diving | Coral reef, reef fish, green and hawksbill turtles | About 30 min by boat. Booking required. |
| Nosy Sakatia | Beginners to advanced | Seagrass beds where turtles feed, colourful reefs, nudibranchs | About 10 min by boat, west coast |
| Nosy Iranja | Snorkeling in the lagoon | Lagoon fish, rays, turtles that come ashore to nest | About 1 to 1.5 hours by boat |
| Nosy Komba | Snorkeling and diving depending on the site | Several sites reachable from the island, dolphins sometimes offshore | About 15 min by boat from Hell-Ville |
| Lokobe | Discovery, no diving | Coral and fish seen from the pirogue, primary forest | By traditional pirogue from Ambatozavavy |
Travel times vary with the departure point, the boat and sea conditions. For an overview of everything the archipelago offers, read Things to do in Nosy Be.
Focus: Nosy Tanikely marine park
Nosy Tanikely (official spelling: Nosy Tanihely) is a small island about 8.5 km south of Nosy Be. It became a natural park in 2010 and is managed by the Tanihely National Park association with Madagascar National Parks. The park covers 340 hectares and, according to Madagascar National Parks, is home to 154 fish species, 110 coral species, 81 mollusc species and 2 species of sea turtle: the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle.
You snorkel straight from the beach, and the park also offers scuba diving between 12 and 20 m. On the island, a lighthouse built in 1908 gives a 360° view over the archipelago. The park is open every day from 7 am to 4 pm. Fishing and night diving are prohibited.
How to book Nosy Tanikely
- Booking required: since 1 August 2025, access is by reservation only, on the park's official online platform or at the park office in Hell-Ville. You receive an electronic ticket with a QR code.
- Limited visitor numbers: the Malagasy press reports a cap of 300 visitors per day. In high season, book early.
- Entrance fee: according to the park's official website, 40,000 ariary per foreign adult and 4,000 ariary per child aged 6 to 12 (rates in force since 1 January 2024). Check the current rate when you book.
Scuba diving: first dives and certified divers
Nosy Be has several PADI and CMAS certified dive centres offering courses for all levels, from supervised introductory dives to more technical dives. The calm, clear water at Nosy Tanikely is well suited to a first dive. Certified divers will find deeper sites further offshore, to be chosen with the dive centre according to your level and certification.
We are not a dive centre: for scuba diving, we point you to a certified centre and organise the rest of your stay (transfers, excursions, accommodation). Remember to bring your logbook and certification card if you are already certified.
Best season, visibility and water temperature
| Period | What to know |
|---|---|
| April – June | End of the rains, the sea calms down. Local dive centres often cite this period for the best visibility. |
| July – August | Dry season and high season. The water is at its coolest (around 25.5–26 °C) and visibility can be slightly lower. |
| September – December | Whale shark season. The water gradually warms up. |
| January – March | Warmest water (around 29 °C), but rainy and cyclone season: boat trips are sometimes cancelled. |
On average, the sea temperature in Nosy Be ranges from about 25.5 °C in August to 29 °C from January to April. A shorty or rash guard is enough for snorkeling. You can dive all year, but the dry season, from May to November, usually brings the calmest seas for boat trips.
What you will see underwater
- Sea turtles: green and hawksbill turtles. At Nosy Tanikely, the park says sightings are "almost guaranteed".
- Reef fish: clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, Moorish idols, boxfish and sometimes schools of barracuda.
- Rays and moray eels: regularly seen around the reefs and in the Nosy Iranja lagoon.
- Giant clams and coral: branching, finger and massive corals at Nosy Tanikely.
- Whale sharks: from September to December, you can swim with them offshore. Read all about it in Swimming with whale sharks in Nosy Be.
How to protect the reef
- No sunscreen at Nosy Tanikely: the park rules strictly prohibit it. Wear a UV-protective T-shirt or rash guard. Elsewhere, keep sunscreen to a minimum before swimming.
- Do not touch coral or animals: no turtles, fish or shells. Do not stand on the reef.
- Keep your distance from turtles: let them come up for air without blocking their way.
- Take nothing: collecting coral, shells, plants or animals is prohibited in the park.
- No litter: everything you bring leaves with you.
Our practical tips
- Leave early: the sea is often calmer in the morning, and you enjoy the reef before other groups arrive.
- Bring your own mask if you have one: a well-fitting mask makes all the difference. Otherwise, gear is usually provided on excursions.
- Less confident swimmers: ask for a buoyancy vest and stay close to your local guide.
- Combine islands: Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely on the same day, or Nosy Sakatia for a short trip.
- Bring cash in ariary for small purchases on the islands.
On budget, our single-island excursions start from €50, and our all Nosy Be islands package (accommodation not included) is €385. Details in our article Nosy Be excursion prices. Travelling as a couple? Read Honeymoon in Nosy Iranja too.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book to visit Nosy Tanikely?
Yes. Since 1 August 2025, access is by reservation only (the park's official platform or its office in Hell-Ville), with a limited number of visitors. With us, the reservation is part of organising your trip.
What is the best time for snorkeling and diving in Nosy Be?
All year round, with generally calmer seas from May to November. If you can, avoid January to March, the rainy and cyclone season.
Can you dive in Nosy Be without a certification?
Yes. PADI and CMAS certified centres offer supervised introductory dives. And without a tank, snorkeling already lets you see the reef, fish and turtles.
Can you wear sunscreen at Nosy Tanikely?
No, it is strictly prohibited in the park. Bring a rash guard or UV-protective T-shirt and a hat.
Where can you see sea turtles in Nosy Be?
Above all at Nosy Tanikely, but also at Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja. Keep your distance and never touch them.