Snorkelling with turtles, vanilla plantations and the village of Tanam-be, near Nosy Be
About twenty minutes by boat from Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia is one of the best excursions in the archipelago for swimming with green turtles. The island also offers a hike through its plantations and a visit to a village far from the usual routes.
Green turtles feed in Nosy Sakatia's seagrass beds and snorkelling encounters are frequent, when tide and sea conditions allow. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided, and your guide joins you in the water.
From Ampasindava beach, a hike of about an hour crosses white and red earth, cashew plantations, vanilla fields, medicinal plants and several orchid species, up to the village of Tanam-be.
In Tanam-be, discover the villagers' daily life and history, with, when possible, a visit to the dispensary and the school. Local lunch, then return to Nosy Be around 3:00 pm.
For a longer day at sea, discover the Nosy Iranja excursion and its white sandbank, or all our Nosy Be excursions.
08h30
Pick-up at your hotel on Nosy Be and drive to the boarding point.
09h00
A short briefing, then 20 minutes by boat to Ampasindava beach. Snorkelling gear is prepared and, depending on the tide, a first look at the seabed.
10h00
About an hour's walk across white and red earth, cashew plantations, vanilla fields, medicinal plants and orchids, to the village of Tanam-be.
11h30
Discover the villagers' daily life and history, with a visit to the dispensary and school when possible.
12h30
Lunch with local flavours in a pleasant setting, followed by some time to relax.
13h30
When tide and sea are favourable, a snorkelling session to meet green turtles in their seagrass beds.
14h30
Boarding and boat ride back to Nosy Be.
15h00
End of the excursion and transfer to your hotel around 3:00 pm.
Pick-up at 8:30 am from your hotel on Nosy Be, back around 3:00 pm. Groups of 2 to 12 people. Times may be adjusted to weather, sea and tides, and turtle encounters depend on the day's conditions. Bring closed shoes for the hike, swimwear, a towel, a hat and sunscreen.
€70 per adult, €35 per child aged 5 to 10 and €50 for ages 11 to 15. The price includes the transfer from your hotel on Nosy Be, the boat, the guide, lunch, water, the village visit and snorkelling gear. For children under 5, please contact us.
From about 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The boat ride from Nosy Be takes only about twenty minutes, leaving the day for the hike, the village and snorkelling.
Nosy Sakatia is known for its regular green turtles, and encounters are frequent. They are wild animals, though: sightings depend on the tide and sea conditions and remain a matter of luck.
The hike lasts about an hour on accessible ground at a pace suited to the group. Closed shoes and a hat are recommended. It is suitable for anyone in normal good health.
It is better to be comfortable in the water. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided and your guide stays with you during the sessions. Swimming and snorkelling are optional: everyone enjoys the day at their own pace.
Yes, for children comfortable walking and in the water: the crossing is short, the hike lasts about an hour and snorkelling is optional. Child rates apply from 5 to 15 years.
The excursion runs all year. Turtle encounters depend mostly on the tide and sea conditions on the day: ask us for advice based on your dates on Nosy Be.
It is led by our local team, with an experienced boat, crew and guide, who stays with you while snorkelling. Before travelling to Madagascar, also check your government's official travel advice.
Times and the programme may be adjusted to weather, sea and tides. If sailing is impossible, we contact you to arrange a new date or another solution.
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