Turquoise lagoon by outrigger canoe from Ramena, northern Madagascar
The Emerald Sea is a wide lagoon of clear, shallow water at the entrance to Diego Suarez Bay (Antsiranana). Its shades of green and turquoise over white sand make it the most popular day trip in northern Madagascar.
We pick you up at your hotel at 8:00 am and drive to Ramena, a fishing village at the mouth of the bay. The crossing is made by outrigger canoe, the traditional boat of the region, along wild coastline: about 1h15 each way, under sail depending on the wind.
On the islet, the day alternates between swimming, snorkelling with mask and snorkel, walks on the sand and rest in the shade of casuarina trees. As the lagoon is shallow, it also suits families and less confident swimmers.
Our local team prepares freshly grilled fish, coconut milk side dishes and seasonal fruit on the spot. Back at your hotel around 5:00 pm.
The Emerald Sea lies near Diego Suarez, several hours by road and boat from Nosy Be. To visit it from Nosy Be, our northern Madagascar tours include it, together with the Ankarana tsingy and Amber Mountain.
08h00
Departure from your hotel in Diego Suarez in a comfortable vehicle to Ramena, a traditional fishing village at the mouth of the bay.
08h45
Board an outrigger canoe for a guided crossing of Diego Suarez Bay, along wild coastline to the lagoon.
10h00
Arrival in the heart of the Emerald Sea. Free morning for swimming, exploring the seabed with mask and snorkel or relaxing in the shade of casuarina trees.
12h30
A relaxed lunch with your feet in the sand, prepared by our local team: freshly grilled fish, coconut milk side dishes and seasonal tropical fruit.
14h30
Free time to stroll along the islet, photograph the lagoon or rest by the water.
15h30
Crossing back to Ramena with the late-afternoon breeze, then transfer to your hotel in Diego Suarez, arriving around 5:00 pm.
Pick-up at 8:00 am from your hotel in Diego Suarez, back around 5:00 pm. Groups of 2 to 12 people. The programme and times may be adjusted to weather, sea and wind conditions. Shade is limited on the islet: bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear and a towel. Drinks other than water are not included.
€65 per adult, €32 per child aged 5 to 10 and €45 for ages 11 to 15. The price includes the transfer from your hotel in Diego Suarez, the canoe, the guide, lunch, water and snorkelling gear. For children under 5, please contact us.
A full day: pick-up at your hotel at 8:00 am and return around 5:00 pm, including about 1h15 of canoe crossing on the way out.
Yes. The lagoon is shallow, which makes it very accessible, including for families. Mask and snorkel are provided to explore the seabed. Swimming is optional: everyone enjoys the day at their own pace.
The excursion runs all year round. As the crossing is made under sail, times may be adjusted to the wind and sea conditions: ask us for advice for your dates.
It is led by our local team, with a stable canoe suited to the bay, and we only leave when sea conditions allow. Before travelling to Madagascar, also check your government's official travel advice.
Not as a day trip: the Emerald Sea lies near Diego Suarez, several hours from Nosy Be. Our northern Madagascar tours include it, starting from Nosy Be.
The Emerald Sea owes its colour to the shallow lagoon and its white sandy bottom, which reflect the sunlight. The shades change through the day and with the tide, from light turquoise to deep green.
Times and the programme may be adjusted to the weather and sea conditions. If sailing is impossible, we contact you to arrange a new date or another solution.
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