International dive trip · Madagascar
Relaxed lodge-based diving off Nosy Sakatia, Madagascar: coral gardens, muck dives, turtles and seasonal whale sharks and humpbacks.
Get more infoNosy Sakatia is a small, car-free island just off the north-west coast of Madagascar, close to Nosy Be. It has a calm, barefoot feel, with lemurs and chameleons on land and a protected turtle zone in front of the lodge.
The diving is varied and gentle, with more than thirty sites covering pinnacles, reef walls, coral gardens and muck slopes. It is a good choice for divers who want a quiet island week with some wildlife on the side, and for couples or families where not everyone dives.
Diving is by boat from the island to reefs around Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Be. The sites suit both newer and experienced divers, with healthy hard corals, sponge gardens and sandy slopes that hide small and unusual creatures.
Water temperature ranges from the mid-20s C in the cooler months to around 30 C in the warm season. Conditions vary with the weather, and the wet season brings storms, so the time of year you choose matters.
The rhythm is relaxed: a morning dive outing, lunch and downtime, and optional extras such as night dives or a fluorescent night dive. Many guests add a village walk, a pirogue trip with snorkelling, or a day trip to a nature reserve on Nosy Be.
Accommodation is in island bungalows or glamping-style tents set in gardens or on the beach, with options for couples and for families. Breakfast and dinner are included, there is a licensed bar open through the day, and guest Wi-Fi is available.
Travel involves flights from Johannesburg to Nosy Be, followed by an airport transfer and a short boat crossing to the island. The trip package includes a set number of dives, with extra dives and nitrox available locally; confirm exactly what is included with us.
Madagascar has a malaria risk, so speak to a travel clinic about prophylaxis. Some medications are not recommended for divers.
| Destination | Madagascar |
| Trip style | Lodge-based diving |
| Trip length | 7 nights of accommodation; the dive package includes 5 dives with more available locally. Confirm current options with us. |
| Best season | Dry season runs roughly April to October. Humpback whales are typically seen June to September and whale sharks around September to November. The wet season, roughly November to March, is warmer but stormier. |
| Certification level | Open Water minimum; suitable for beginners through to experienced divers. Bring your certification card, logbook and dive insurance. |
Pricing, dates and what is included are confirmed per departure. Send us your questions and we will come back to you.
Humpback whales are generally seen from June to September and whale sharks from around September to November. Sightings are never guaranteed, so we will help you pick dates that fit your priorities.
Yes. The island offers guided walks, village visits, pirogue trips with snorkelling, massages and day trips to a lemur reserve on Nosy Be.
The base package includes a set number of dives with tanks and weights, and more dives, night dives and nitrox can be added on the island. Confirm the current inclusions with us.