Madagascar Diving Packages
Diving holidays built around warm water, rich reefs and realistic travel logistics
Madagascar offers some of the most rewarding diving in the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Nosy Be archipelago. Warm water, excellent visibility and high marine biodiversity make it suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, while the relative lack of mass tourism means reefs remain healthy and uncrowded.
As we primarily work with South African travellers, our Madagascar diving packages are designed around direct flight schedules from Johannesburg.
Flights into Nosy Be operate weekly, so dive holidays in the region are structured around 7-night stays or longer, allowing for proper dive pacing, surface intervals and relaxed travel.
For a broader overview of travel styles beyond diving, you can also explore our full range of Madagascar holiday packages.
Why dive in Madagascar
Madagascar’s north-west coast sits at the meeting point of several ocean currents, creating ideal conditions for marine life and coral growth.
What makes diving here special:
Warm water throughout the year
High coral diversity and healthy reef systems
Frequent encounters with turtles, rays and reef sharks
Seasonal sightings of whale sharks and manta rays
Diving is relaxed rather than rushed, with many sites located a short boat ride from shore-based lodges.
Types of Madagascar diving packages
Island-based diving holidays
Most diving holidays are based in the Nosy Be region, where calm seas and short travel times make it easy to combine diving with rest days and island exploration.
Island-based diving packages are built around 7-night stays, in line with weekly flights into Nosy Be. Divers typically enjoy multiple dive days interspersed with snorkelling, island visits and time to relax.
Highlights include:
Easy access to varied dive sites
Minimal daily travel
Excellent conditions for beginners and photographers
Diving with island exploration
For travellers who want more than just diving, we design itineraries that combine dive days with excursions to nearby islands such as Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia or Tanikely Marine Reserve.
These packages suit divers travelling with non-diving partners or those wanting a more varied holiday while keeping diving at the core of the experience.
Advanced and specialist diving
For more experienced divers, Madagascar offers deeper sites, stronger currents and pelagic encounters, particularly in outer reef areas and offshore locations.
These itineraries are tailored carefully to experience level and conditions, with safety and pacing prioritised throughout.
Key dive areas around Nosy Be
Tanikely Marine Reserve – coral gardens, turtles and calm conditions
Nosy Fanihy – offshore reefs with larger marine life
Nosy Sakatia – shallow reefs ideal for beginners and snorkellers
Mitsio Islands – remote sites with excellent visibility and biodiversity
Site selection always depends on season, weather and diver experience.
Sample Madagascar diving itineraries
7-night Nosy Be land-based diving holiday
Based in the Nosy Be archipelago
Multiple dive days with rest intervals
Optional snorkelling and island excursions
Designed to align perfectly with weekly flights and safe dive scheduling.
7-night Mitsio Islands liveaboard diving safari
Based in the Mitsio Islands, north of Nosy Be
Multiple dive days at remote reefs with appropriate rest intervals
Access to offshore sites and uninhabited islands not reachable on day trips
Designed to align perfectly with weekly flights into Nosy Be and safe dive scheduling
Best time for diving in Madagascar
Diving is possible year-round, with seasonal highlights:
April to November: Generally calm conditions and good visibility
July to October: Peak season for whale sightings
November: Warm water and fewer travellers
We always advise on timing based on dive experience and preferred marine life.
Why dive with MadagasCaT
Every diving holiday is planned using trusted dive operators and lodges we know well. We focus on realistic itineraries, safe dive scheduling and accommodation that works well for divers rather than generic resort stays.
Many clients discover Madagascar through our broader range of Madagascar holiday packages before returning for a dive-focused trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madagascar good for beginner divers?
Yes. Many dive sites around Nosy Be offer calm conditions and shallow reefs, making them ideal for beginner and newly certified divers.
What marine life can I see when diving in Madagascar?
Divers regularly encounter turtles, reef sharks and rays, with seasonal sightings of whale sharks and manta rays depending on location and time of year.
Can I do my dive qualifications in Madagascar?
Yes but we recommend doing your theory exams before arriving in Nosy Be. This way you will be able to spend more time in the water. We can arrange the entire process directly with you and a Dive School