49 dive sites1 liveaboard-only site

Dive Sites in Madagascar

Diving in Madagascar means big pelagics in blue water and pristine coral reefs — from Nosy Be to Nosy Tanikely. Every dive site in Madagascar with depth, current, certification level and best season, plus the liveaboard itineraries that actually dive them.

Diving in Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the world's great liveaboard destinations, with 49 mapped dive sites covering reefs, walls, drifts, channels and wrecks.

Every site below shows depth range, certification level, current, access and the best season, so you can judge at a glance whether it fits your experience. Start with the full site list, then explore dive sites by type, the nearest decompression chambers and the marine life you can expect in Madagascar.

All 49 dive sites in Madagascar

Depth range, certification level, dive type, access and current at a glance.

Open any site for its full profile, best season and the liveaboards that dive it in Madagascar.

49 dive sites

Nosy Komba Reef

Madagascar

Nosy Komba, a volcanic island nestled between Nosy Be and mainland Madagascar, offers exceptional reef diving.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 4–18 m
Theme: Reef

Atlantis Point

Madagascar

Atlantis Point is a renowned dive site located within the Nosy Be archipelago in Madagascar, celebrated for its dynamic drift diving experience.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 10–30 m
Theme: Drift / Pinnacle

Greg's Wall

Madagascar

Greg's Wall is an advanced dive site situated in the Radama Archipelago, off Madagascar's northwestern coast.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 10–320 m
Theme: Wall

Radama Islands

Madagascar

The Radama Islands, an archipelago off Madagascar's western coast, represent a remote and largely untouched diving destination.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 5–40 m
Theme: Reef

West Reef

Madagascar

West Reef, located off the coast of Madagascar, is part of an extensive reef system that supports a unique and diverse marine ecosystem.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 5–40 m
Theme: Reef

The Wall (Nosy Be)

Madagascar

The Wall in Nosy Be is a renowned dive site characterized by its steep, colorful drop-offs, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Madagascar's underwater world.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 15–30 m
Theme: Wall

Tanikely Canyon

Madagascar

Nosy Tanikely, often called "the island of small land," is an uninhabited islet nestled in the bay of Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 10–28 m
Theme: Reef / Wall

Nosy Iranja Drop-off

Madagascar

Nosy Iranja, often called the 'Turtle Island,' lies southwest of Nosy Be, renowned for its pristine beaches and a vibrant underwater world.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 8–38 m
Theme: Drift / Wall

Dive sites by type

Wrecks, walls, drifts, caves and pinnacles in this area.

41 dive sites

Reef diving

13 dive sites

Wall diving

7 dive sites

Drift diving

4 dive sites

Cave diving

2 dive sites

Pinnacle diving

1 dive sites

Wreck diving

Decompression chambers in Madagascar

Verified hyperbaric facilities that cover the diving areas of in Madagascar. Always confirm availability locally before a trip and dive with valid insurance.

Location	Facility	Relevant for
Nosy Be	Hyperbaric chamber at the Vie et Harmonie health centre (DAN-supported)	Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia, Mitsio and Radama Islands

Marine life you can see in Madagascar

The species most often logged on Madagascar's dive sites.

8 dive sites

Barracuda

7 dive sites

Coral

7 dive sites

Eagle Ray

4 dive sites

Blacktip Reef Shark

4 dive sites

Anemonefish

4 dive sites

Frogfish

4 dive sites

Humpback Whale

4 dive sites

Whale Shark

3 dive sites

Dugong

3 dive sites

Angelfish

2 dive sites

Clownfish

2 dive sites

Giant Trevally

Conditions & practicalities

Diving in Madagascar: seasons, conditions and logistics

49 dive sites in Madagascar — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.

Best months: Apr–Nov
Water temperature: 25–29 °C
Visibility: 10–30 m
Currents: Mild — Most reefs can be dived without drift skills; water only picks up around channels and exposed corners. Newly certified divers with decent buoyancy are comfortable here.
Getting there: Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
Permits & fees: Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.

FAQ

Diving in Madagascar FAQ

When is the best time to dive in Madagascar?

Diving conditions in Madagascar change throughout the year. Check our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides to plan around peak visibility, weather and marine life encounters.

Do I need a liveaboard to dive in Madagascar?

A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in Madagascar that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in Madagascar, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.

What certification do I need to dive in Madagascar?

Most Madagascar liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.

How much does a Madagascar liveaboard cost?

Liveaboard prices in Madagascar typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.

Do I need a visa for Madagascar?

Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.

Is diving in Madagascar safe for beginners?

Many Madagascar sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.

Plan your trip

Ready to dive in Madagascar?

Explore the Madagascar destination guide or search liveaboards that visit these sites.

Madagascar destination guide Liveaboards in Madagascar