Diving & Snorkeling in Nosy Be – Complete Guide to Exploring Underwater Wonders
- Sesame NosyBe
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Nosy Be, the jewel of Madagascar, is renowned for its exceptional marine life, accessible to both experienced divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. With warm waters all year round, perfect visibility, and spectacular marine wildlife, every immersion is an unforgettable adventure. Whether you wish to swim with turtles, observe manta rays, or explore colorful coral reefs, this guide reveals everything you need to know about diving and snorkeling in Nosy Be.
Why Choose Nosy Be for Diving and Snorkeling?
Nosy Be is considered one of the best diving destinations in the Indian Ocean thanks to its unique characteristics:
Warm and clear waters: Water temperatures between 25°C and 30°C with visibility up to 30 meters.
Exceptional biodiversity: Tropical fish, turtles, corals, whale sharks, and dolphins.
Sites suitable for all levels: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Nosy Be offers a variety of incomparable spots.
Possibility of combined excursions: Diving or snorkeling in the morning and relaxing on a paradise beach in the afternoon.
Diving and snorkeling in Nosy Be: an immersion into a fascinating world
Scuba diving offers a more immersive discovery of the marine world and a close encounter with local wildlife.
Best dive sites in Nosy Be:
Nosy Tanikely – Listed as a marine reserve, this is one of the best spots for diving in Nosy Be. With a depth of 20 meters, you can encounter turtles, moray eels, angelfish, and barracudas.
The Gorgonian Bank – A site for experienced divers where gigantic gorgonians shelter rays, groupers, and napoleon fish.
The Mitsio Archipelago – A unique spot with underwater canyons and caves, ideal for exploration.
Nosy Sakatia – Known for its sea turtles, perfect for a relaxing dive.
The 4 Frères – A volcanic site where you can spot white-tip reef sharks and butterflyfish.
Tip: The best time to dive in Nosy Be is between April and December, with optimal conditions and the presence of whale sharks between October and November.
Snorkeling in Nosy Be: an accessible discovery for everyone
Snorkeling is the ideal alternative for those who wish to explore the seabed without scuba diving. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, and fins to enjoy the underwater spectacle while staying at the surface.
The best snorkeling spots in Nosy Be:
Nosy Tanikely – Nicknamed “the natural aquarium,” it is the best snorkeling site in Nosy Be.
Nosy Sakatia – Perfect for swimming with turtles and observing schools of tropical fish.
Nosy Iranja – A paradise island with crystal-clear waters, perfect for spotting colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs.
Nosy Tsarabanjina – A true hidden gem with translucent waters, spectacular coral reefs, and exceptional marine biodiversity.
Snorkeling is accessible to everyone and can be done independently or with a guide to discover the best spots.
Diving or snorkeling: which experience to choose?
Criteria | Scuba Diving | Snorkeling |
|---|---|---|
Equipment | Tank, wetsuit, regulator | Masks, snorkel, fins |
Required level | Certification required for independent diving | Accessible to everyone |
Experience | Full immersion, possibility to explore depths | Surface observation, lighter and easier |
Wildlife observed | Turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, groupers | Tropical fish, corals, turtles |
If you simply wish to observe marine life in complete simplicity, snorkeling is ideal. If you dream of exploring the underwater world in greater depth, then diving is made for you!
Our Diving & Snorkeling Excursions with Sesame Nosy Be
With Sesame Nosy Be, we offer tailor-made excursions to explore the underwater wonders of Nosy Be.
Guided snorkeling trips – Mask and snorkel provided.
Supervised dives for all levels – Whether beginner or advanced, we have dives adapted to your needs.
Turtle observation – A unique experience around Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja, and Nosy Tanikely.
Full-day trips with lunch on an island – After diving, relax on a paradise beach.
Our excursions include equipment and a comfortable boat for a top-quality experience.
Prepare your diving/snorkeling in Nosy Be: practical tips
Bring sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen and anti-UV lycra).
Stay hydrated before and after your time at sea.
If you are prone to seasickness, take preventative medication.
Respect marine life: do not touch the corals or animals.
Book Your Cruise Now
Ready to live the ultimate experience in Nosy Be? Contact us today to plan your dream cruise.
Email : contact@sesamenosybe.com
WhatsApp : +261 38 51 916 76
Website : https://www.sesamenosybe.com/
Instagram : @sesamenosybe