Dive Site: Boboss Epave

About Boboss Epave

Boboss Epave is a distinctive boat dive situated near Nosy Be in Madagascar, renowned for its compelling wreck-to-reef profile. The dive begins on the remains of a trawler, which was later repurposed as a shrimp boat, before transitioning to an adjacent reef. This reef features two prominent coral heads that host abundant macro life and attract a variety of fish species, making it a dynamic underwater experience for certified divers. Positioned in the waters off Nosy Be, the site offers a varied underwater landscape, blending artificial structure with natural coral formations. While the exact shallowest depth of the reef's beginning is not explicitly stated, the overall maximum depth recorded for the site is 23 to 25 meters, accommodating a comfortable multi-level dive. Marine biodiversity is a significant draw here, with commonly sighted species including barracudas, various sharks like whitetip reef sharks, and an impressive array of macro subjects such as frogfish and leaf scorpionfish. The site benefits from the rich ecosystem of Nosy Be, which is known for its healthy reefs and diverse aquatic inhabitants. Tidal awareness is crucial for planning dives at Boboss Epave to optimize conditions. The typical dive journey involves exploring the wreck first, then progressing to the vibrant reef section. This sequence provides a balanced experience, moving from structural exploration to appreciating the colorful coral and smaller creatures. Local operator support is essential for navigating the site effectively and ensuring a safe, enjoyable dive tailored to prevailing conditions.

Dive site facts: Boboss Epave

Depth

Up to 23–25 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 48–50 min

Current

Light to mild

Visibility

12–14 m

Water temperature

24–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced recommended (for wreck-to-reef profile)

Dive type

Wreck, reef, macro

Region / port

Nosy Be, Madagascar

Coordinates

14.0896° S, 48.0125° E

Conditions & Currents

Boboss Epave typically experiences light to mild currents, as is common for many sites around Nosy Be. While generally manageable, divers should be aware that conditions can shift with tides, and local operators will provide specific briefings to time entries for optimal safety and enjoyment. Entry to the water is from a boat, and moderate effort is required for access due to the offshore location. Visibility at the site commonly ranges around 12 to 14 meters. There is no mention of thermoclines or significant surge, but boat traffic is a general consideration in active diving areas. Divers should plan their gas and dive profile conservatively, especially when transitioning between the wreck and reef sections, and maintain good buoyancy control.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Frogfish

common

Leaf Scorpionfish

common

Whitetip Reef Shark

common

Stonefish

common

Crocodilefish

common

Pelagic fish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at Boboss Epave typically begins with a boat entry, leading divers directly to the trawler wreck, which lies at a moderate depth. The initial phase of the dive focuses on exploring the structure of the shrimp boat wreck, allowing for careful inspection of its features and any marine life that has made it home. Divers then gradually ascend and navigate towards the nearby reef, which is characterized by two large coral heads. The reef section offers a different environment, showcasing vibrant corals and a high concentration of macro species. The dive progresses along the reef, with depths typically ranging from 12 to 23-25 meters. The turn point is determined by air consumption and bottom time, after which divers gradually make their way back towards the ascent point. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower portions of the reef, ensuring a relaxed and thorough decompression before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Boboss Epave offers distinct photographic opportunities, starting with the wreck for wide-angle compositions and then transitioning to the reef for macro work. For the wreck section, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the overall structure and any schooling fish around it. On the reef, a macro lens is essential to highlight the abundant frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, and other small critters. Strobes are highly recommended for both sections to bring out true colors and contrast, especially on the deeper parts of the wreck and for illuminating macro subjects. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the silty wreck or fragile coral heads. Patience is key when photographing camouflaged species like frogfish and leaf scorpionfish.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Les Arches de Sakatia

  Arch-rich dive with macro and pelagic opportunities, located 1.4 km away.

• Tagada

  A remote drop-off for experienced divers, located 8.2 km away.

• Mahavelona Plateau

  Boat-access plateau dive with coral, fish, and current, located 8.9 km away.

• Mitsio Wreck

  Remote wreck with dense fish life requiring advanced logistics, located 10.3 km away.

• Atnam

  Known for stunning underwater landscapes and potential big animal encounters.

• Banc des Fusiliers

  A fish-heavy boat dive behind Nosy Sakatia, offering good macro opportunities.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Boboss Epave is exclusively by boat from Nosy Be, the main departure point for diving in this region of Madagascar. Most dive centers in Nosy Be are the primary operators for trips to this site. While the main international airport for Madagascar is Ivato International Airport (TNR) near Antananarivo, divers typically fly into Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS) for direct access to the island's dive operations. A local operator is required to run this dive, particularly due to the need for tide-aware timing. Permits or park fees for this specific site are not mentioned, though some nearby marine parks do have fees. Trips are typically day trips or integrated into longer liveaboard itineraries exploring the Nosy Be archipelago. Madagascar operates on the Malagasy Ariary (MGA) currency, with common payment methods including VISA and Mastercard.

Safety & environment

For diving at Boboss Epave, adherence to local operator safety briefings is paramount, especially regarding tide-aware entries and overall dive planning. Key hazards include potential boat traffic in the area and sharp coral formations on the reef, requiring careful buoyancy control. Divers should treat the wreck section conservatively, being mindful of potential entrapment points or unstable structures, and avoid direct contact with the reef. While a specific recompression chamber for Nosy Be is not detailed, the nearest chamber for Madagascar is typically located in Antananarivo. Evacuation from Nosy Be for serious diving incidents would likely involve air transport, highlighting the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and air evacuation. Always dive within your certified limits and be proficient in skills such as controlled ascents and emergency procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Boboss Epave FAQ