Home / Leisure Travel / Holiday Types / Activity / Dive /

Dive

 

Diving the Northern Islands of Madagascar

Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island, split away from Africa more than 160 million years ago meaning that and its fauna and flora has been in splendid isolation ever since and are now found nowhere else on earth. Its underwater treasures are only just being explored, yielding up previously unknown species of coral and fish. Madagascar, conjures up visions of discovery and adventure and offers diverse and spectacular scenery: mountains, deserts, rainforests, dazzling beaches fringing the Indian Ocean and island archipelagos linked by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. The lovely and charming Malagasy people have many unique and fascinating customs that influence their daily lives to a large extent. 

Diego Suarez

Situated in the northern-most point of Madagascar, Diego Suarez's sleepy charms, with a beautiful bay and the sacred islet 'Nosy Lonjo,' are a welcome contrast to the hubbub of Tana.

Amber Mountain

Amber National Park is one of Madagascar's most scenic parks. Thick forest is lush with diverse flora and fauna, tumbling waterfalls and crater lakes. It is home to an incredible wealth of species, including the world's smallest chameleon, which is less than an inch in length, and, of course, the lemurs. Of the seven lemur species in the park, the most notable are the Crowned, and Sanford's Brown Lemur.

Explore the 'Baies des Dunes et Sakalava'

Visit French Mountain with views of the sugar loaf, then onto Sakalava and Dunes Bays, where there is time to relax on the beach and snorkel in the beautiful waters.

Ankarana and Ankify

Ankarana has been the subject of a number of documentaries. An astonishing limestone plateau, surrounded by formidable cliffs and walls on which there are razor-sharp pinnacles or tsingy. The interior of the mountain is a honeycomb of huge caves, mostly unexplored, in places the roof has caved in and sunken forests have grown. During times of war the Antakarana people hid in the caves, and signs of their presence remain, including sacred ancestral bones. Whether it's the history, the tsingy, the caves or the extraordinary wildlife you are interested in, a visit to this area is truly an incredible experience. Leave Ankarana for a beautiful drive on to Ankify, where you will stay at Le Baobab.

Nosy Kombo & Tanikely

Transfer is speedboat to Nosy Be with its idyllic beaches, coral reefs and wonderful tropical ambiance. En route stop at the islands of Nosy Kombo, with Black Lemurs and friendly villagers, and Nosy Tanikely, to snorkel in the marine reserve an incredible variety of marine-life.

Nosy Be

Nosy Be is covered with luxuriant vegetation, a paradise of perfumed plants such as ylang-ylang, vanilla, lemongrass and geranium. Nosy Be has been catering for tourists for a long time and there are several hotels on the island; we suggest overnighting at either the L'Ylang Ylang or Vanilla Hotel.

Live aboard

Join Oceane's Dream on their well-equipped catamarans, sailing the unexplored reefs and small, often uninhabited islands that surround Nosy Be. Previously unfrequented by divers these rich waters offer easy and spectacular dives; along drop-offs, in caves or over the coral heads found in shallow water. Whilst pristine reefs, unaffected as yet by global warming, are a photographer's dream. Large numbers of reef fish as well as Barracuda, Groupers, Yellow Tuna, Eagle, Sting, and Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are waiting to be discovered, while Humpback Whales migrate past the islands from July to October. With only four double cabins, you will practically have the reef to yourself. These comfortable, fully equipped catamarans offer a relaxing mix of sailing and diving, with time to explore some of those deserted beaches.

The above are just examples of the areas to visit and we will be happy to put together an itinerary for you that refelects exactly what you are looking for in a holiday to this fantastic area. 

You could also combine a trip here with a stay in either Zanzibar or a sfari in Tanzania to make a truly memorable holiday.

Please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

 

Escape to Bonaire

Bonaire lies 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is part of The Dutch Antilles group of islands. A beautiful and largely undeveloped island, Bonaire is a true relaxation destination. The main town of Kralendiij consists of little more than a few roads with its friendly people enjoying a slow and relaxed pace of life. Most of the islands west coast is home to luxury hotels however travel further inland and you are in almost virgin territory.


Flamingos in Bonaire

 

The lack of human interference has made the island a popular wildlife breeding ground, Flamingos are particularly in evidence and in 1979 Bonaire’s waters were declared as a large Marine Park.





harbour village shipwreck

Bonaire is among the world’s top 5 dive destinations and is home to 86 well-defined dive sites. Over 30 years of environmental protection laws have earned Bonaire a reputation for some of the most beautifully preserved marine life in the world. Abundant underwater life includes more than 300 species of tropical fish and over 120 different types of coral. Due to Bonaire’s leeward location outside of the hurricane belt and consistently pleasant climate, crystal clear visibility prevails at any depth.



Harbour Village Resort

 

Choose to stay at The Harbour Village Resort just a few miles north of the main town with its own private beach and beach club. From numerous spa treatments to its own decked pool and private hammocks just built for two this hotel truly provides a romantic hideaway escape for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

 

 

Please Request a Personal Quotation  or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

 

Galapagos Diving and more

This unique archipelago comprises nineteen main islands and several small islands. Extreme depths, down to 3,000 metres off the western islands, and a complex system of currents combine to nourish a stunning abundance of marine species.

The radiant fish and bizarre animals populating the islands make it one of the great dive destinations; swept by the cold waters of Antarctica and the warm currents from the tropical Pacific, the Galapagos colourful marine-life embodies an unusual mixture of species. Here, penguins swim with tropical fish and iguanas feed underwater. The marine animals exhibit the same bold curiosity and lack of fear that characterises the terrestrial wildlife.  There is no better way to explore the Galapagos Islands than on board a boat and for a diver no better way than a liveaboard.

The Galapagos Eco Explorer I was designed as one of the fastest, most stable and most comfortable liveaboards sailing the area. A maximum of sixteen passengers are accommodated in nine double staterooms, located on the main and upper levels, with seating areas and windows opening to fantastic views. There is a large indoor salon for dining and relaxation, a separate open-air salon, viewing and sundeck areas. The dive deck features ample space for storing dive gear, suiting up and rinsing.

A typical itinerary:

Monday: San Cristobal and Isla Lobos

Arrive Ecuador airport and transfer to the Galapagos Eco Explorer I. Sail to Isla Lobos for check out dives and a land visit. Depart at midnight for Isla Seymour.

Tuesday: North Seymour Island

Two morning dives and island tour, with optional night dives. Sail overnight to Wolf Island.

Wednesday: Wolf Island

Four dives and an optional night dive. Sail overnight to Darwin Island.

Thursday & Friday: Darwin Island

Four dives and an optional night dive both days. Transfer south, to Cabo Marshall, overnight on Friday.

Saturday: Sabela Island, Cabo Marshall

Four dives and an optional night dives. Evening, or overnight, sailing to Cousin's Rock.

Sunday: Cousin's Rock

Two morning dives, then a Bartolome Isle hike, and snorkelling with penguins and sea lions. Sail back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno with dinner and farewell party on board.

 

Monday: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Disembark early, followed by optional tortoise trip and shopping in town.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation  or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

 

 
 
ATOC Logo Advantage Logo ACE Logo URS Logo IATA Logo ABTA Logo ATOL Logo AITO Logo