Dive Site: Mitsio Sharks Point

About Mitsio Sharks Point

Mitsio Sharks Point, located within the Mitsio Archipelago off the coast of Nosy Be, is renowned as a premier dive site for experiencing diverse shark species and abundant pelagic life. This site is characterized by its dynamic underwater topography, featuring spectacular rock formations and vibrant coral gardens that serve as a habitat for numerous marine creatures. The Mitsio Archipelago itself is celebrated for its pristine condition and isolation, ensuring an authentic and well-preserved diving experience. The dive site plunges to depths ideal for advanced divers, where you can explore dramatic drop-offs and open water environments. The healthy coral ecosystems here attract a variety of reef fish and larger marine animals, creating a bustling underwater landscape. The currents in this area can be variable, often bringing in nutrient-rich waters that attract the pelagic species for which the site is named. While sharks are a year-round presence, the site also offers seasonal highlights. From June to September, humpback whales migrate through these waters, and between October and December, whale sharks are frequently sighted. These periods can enhance the already impressive marine biodiversity, although increased plankton during whale shark season might temporarily reduce visibility. Overall, Mitsio Sharks Point promises an exciting and memorable dive, showcasing the rich marine life of Madagascar.

Dive site facts: Mitsio Sharks Point

Depth

5-40 m

Current

Variable, mild to strong

Visibility

10-50 m

Water temperature

24-30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Drift, pelagic, reef

Night dive

Possible in the region

Region / port

Nosy Be, Mitsio Archipelago

Coordinates

-12.92, 48.61

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Mitsio Sharks Point can range from mild to strong, varying significantly with the specific dive site and tidal conditions within the Mitsio Archipelago. Divers should be prepared for potential drift dives, where understanding the briefing on current direction, entry, and exit procedures is crucial for safety and enjoyment. While currents can reduce visibility due to plankton, this rich influx of nutrients often attracts the larger pelagic species, enhancing the dive experience. Buoyancy control and air management are essential skills here, especially when navigating varying current strengths. Divers should anticipate a boat pick-up at the end of the drift, and maintaining contact with the dive guide and buddy is paramount.

Marine life & sighting chances

White-tip reef shark

All year round · common

Grey shark

All year round · occasional

Humphead parrotfish

All year round · common

Whale shark

Mid-October to Mid-December · common

Manta ray

April to Mid-July, Mid-September to November · common

Mobula ray

All year round · occasional

Humpback whale

June to September · occasional

Leopard shark

All year round · occasional

Hammerhead shark

December · rare

Hawksbill turtle

All year round · common

Barracuda

All year round · common

Tuna

All year round · occasional

Octopus

All year round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Mitsio Sharks Point typically begins with a boat entry, often as a negative entry to quickly descend and stay together in potential currents. The dive plan usually involves following a main reef structure or pinnacle, allowing the current to carry you along in a drift dive. Depths can vary significantly, with descents to 30-40 meters to explore deeper formations and encounter pelagics, before gradually ascending along the reef slope. The dive guide will lead the group, pointing out marine life such as white-tip and grey sharks, and schools of humphead parrotfish. The turning point is often dictated by air consumption or reaching a designated feature, and the ascent profile will include a safety stop at 5 meters, often still drifting, before surfacing for a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Mitsio Sharks Point is an excellent site for wide-angle photography, particularly given the opportunities for shark and large pelagic encounters, as well as expansive coral formations. A fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the reef and schooling fish. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, especially at deeper depths where natural light diminishes quickly. When photographing sharks or other large animals, maintain a respectful distance and avoid aggressive pursuit; patience often yields the best shots. Pay close attention to buoyancy to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems and silting the area, which can ruin visibility for both yourself and other photographers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Nosy Mitsio Pinnacles

  Explore underwater pinnacles with whale sharks and rays.

• Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

  A biodiversity hotspot with vibrant coral reefs and excellent visibility.

• Nosy Komba Reef

  Paradisiacal reef with rich marine life, suitable for macro photography.

• Radama Islands

  Pristine islands with schools of barracuda, trevallies, and whitetip sharks.

• Nosy Iranja Drop-off

  Beautiful dive on a rock formation, with diverse marine life.

• The Wall (Nosy Be)

  Renowned for steep walls covered in colorful corals and large pelagic species.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Mitsio Sharks Point typically involves flying into Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, then taking a domestic flight to Fascene Airport (NOS) on Nosy Be. From Nosy Be, you'll embark on a liveaboard or day trip by boat to reach the Mitsio Archipelago. Dive trips often combine several sites within the Nosy Be and Mitsio regions over 5-7 day itineraries. Some dive operators offer packages that include transfers and accommodation. While specific park fees for Mitsio Sharks Point are not always explicitly stated, general environmental contributions may be part of your dive package. Always confirm all logistics with your chosen dive operator, including transfers, permits, and equipment rentals, as many dive centers are closed during the cyclone season from January to March.

Safety & environment

For diving in the Nosy Be region, including Mitsio Sharks Point, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Nosy Be, which provides a critical safety net. However, given the remote nature of some dive sites, emergency evacuation to larger medical facilities can be complex and time-consuming. It is strongly recommended that all divers have comprehensive dive insurance, such as DAN Europe, which covers both dive-related incidents and general travel emergencies. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, which necessitate good buoyancy control and careful adherence to dive briefings. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and maintain conservative dive profiles to minimize risks. Ensure your equipment is well-maintained, and consider carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) for drift dives.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Mitsio Sharks Point FAQ