Separating Africa from Madagascar’s west coast, the Mozambique Channel stretches 1,600 km in length and up to 419 km at its narrowest point. Its deepest point reaches 3,292 meters. This region is a diver’s paradise, offering an opportunity to explore the treasures of Madagascar’s picturesque west coast. Known for its stunning white sandy beaches and impressive rocky bays, the area is nothing short of breathtaking.
The Mozambique Channel is teeming with fascinating and under-explored dive spots. Its waters host an incredible variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and even humpback whales. The vibrant coral reefs are equally awe-inspiring, offering colorful and lively underwater scenery. Although Madagascar is not yet recognized as one of the top diving destinations globally, it certainly deserves the title. Locations like Nosy Be, Anakao, and Ifaty boast enchanting dive sites. Beyond its underwater wonders, Madagascar’s west coast is home to idyllic beaches and pristine nature reserves.
Located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be, meaning "big island" (320 km²), also known as Ambariobe, is surrounded by numerous smaller islands, some of which remain uninhabited. Known as the "Island of Perfumes," it is famous for its luxury seaside accommodations and fragrant plantations of ylang-ylang, vanilla, clove, coffee, and sugarcane. The island is also home to the renowned Dzamandar rum distillery. Nearby Nosy Komba, the second-largest island, is ideal for forest hiking and encountering the sacred lemurs, the symbolic inhabitants of the area. Naturally, the beaches are paradisiacal, bordered by turquoise waters.
Nosy Be is a premier destination for scuba diving. Its crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot colorful marine life. The Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park is the best place to experience this. Snorkeling often leads to encounters with dolphins, an exhilarating experience not to be missed! Sea excursions are a staple here, allowing visitors to hop between islands and enjoy the local attractions. Just ten minutes by boat from Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia offers another spectacular dive site as well as hiking trails that reveal wild orchids and other natural wonders.
The Mozambique Channel is home to Tuléar’s extensive coral reef, making the southwestern coast of the Great Island exceptional for diving and snorkeling. Ifaty and Anakao remain the top destinations for these activities. These fishing villages offer a magical experience amid schools of barracuda, groupers, and parrotfish! Ifaty boasts a stunning lagoon, while Anakao is increasingly popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing. From July to September, visitors can also enjoy humpback whale watching, an even more thrilling experience than dolphin encounters.
The southwest coast is dotted with charming fishing villages, including Salary, north of Ifaty. In Salary Bay, the water is always at the perfect temperature, and fishing is excellent. Visitors can try their hand at sport fishing and attempt to catch a big fish, or they can simply relax on the beach, sip rum, and enjoy grilled fish. Inland, the landscape transforms into a unique mix of spiny plants and baobabs, typical of southern Madagascar. Other must-see destinations include Mangily and the Mikea Forest, Belo sur Mer with its endless salt flats, and more.
The west (southwest to northwest) is Madagascar’s sunny region, where the weather is consistently beautiful and the sea remains calm year-round.