Dive Site: Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

About Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve is a protected marine area situated in the middle of Nosy Be Bay, off Madagascar's northwest coast. This uninhabited islet, whose name means "island of small land," is often referred to as a natural aquarium due to its rich coral reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity. The reserve's privileged location benefits from warm tropical waters and alluvial deposits from the Sambirano River, contributing to the high density of diverse aquatic life that thrives around the island. Access to the island has been controlled since 2010, with a 700-meter radius around its lighthouse marking the reserve's boundary. The underwater topography primarily consists of vibrant coral gardens and reefs, supporting a wide array of marine species. Dives are generally shallow, with visibility often excellent, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. While the east beach is designated for bathing, diving is permitted all around the island, with buoys indicating the reserve zone. The reserve offers straightforward dives, allowing exploration of healthy soft and hard corals. Divers and snorkelers can encounter colorful reef fish, various rays including eagle rays, and a variety of sharks, notably reef sharks. The site is also a haven for macro life enthusiasts, with numerous nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and leaf scorpionfish observed. Sea turtles are frequently seen navigating the clear waters. The abundant marine life makes encounters highly likely on most dives. Day trips from Nosy Be, Ankify, or Nosy Komba are the typical way to visit, as no overnight stays or restaurants are permitted on the island. Boats are not allowed to anchor at night. Dives are generally between 15 and 30 meters, with pleasant and stable water temperatures around 28°C year-round. The easy conditions and rich ecosystem make it an ideal spot for multiple relaxed dives.

Dive site facts: Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

Depth

0–12 m

Typical dive

5–12 m, 45–60 min

Current

Weak

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

25–28 °C

Entry

Beach / tender

Level

Beginner to advanced

Dive type

Coral reef, marine park, macro, turtles

Region / port

Nosy Be Archipelago

Coordinates

-13.4833, 48.2167

Conditions & Currents

Nosy Tanikely is generally characterized by minimal current, providing calm and uncrowded diving conditions, particularly around Nosy Be. This makes it an ideal location for divers of all levels, including novices. The pleasant water temperatures, consistently around 28°C, eliminate concerns about thermoclines. Visibility is typically excellent, contributing to an easy and enjoyable diving experience. Standard entries from day boats are common, and the calm conditions mean no special techniques like negative entries or reef hooks are usually required. The site is well-suited for relaxed exploration, allowing ample time for marine life observation without significant current-related gas planning adjustments. Boat traffic is generally managed by local operators, ensuring a safe environment for divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green sea turtle

common

Hawksbill sea turtle

common

Clownfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Moray eel

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Whitetip reef shark

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Ghost pipefish

occasional

Leaf fish

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Nosy Tanikely typically begin with a comfortable entry from the beach or a short tender ride to a designated buoy. The dive usually follows the gentle reef slope, which starts in very shallow, waist-deep water and extends to a maximum depth of about 12 meters. Divers explore the vibrant coral gardens, observing a variety of reef fish, moray eels, and frequent sightings of green and hawksbill sea turtles grazing in the seagrass or foraging on the reef. The route often involves a leisurely circuit around a section of the reef, allowing ample time for macro photography and general observation. Due to the shallow depths and calm conditions, bottom times can be extended, often reaching 50 to 60 minutes. The safety stop is conducted in the clear, shallow waters near the beach or boat, offering continued opportunities to spot marine life.

Underwater photography

Nosy Tanikely is an excellent location for underwater photography, particularly for macro and wide-angle shots due to its clear, shallow waters and abundant marine life. For macro subjects like nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and leaf fish, a dedicated macro lens with a diopter will capture intricate details. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for showcasing the expansive coral gardens and charismatic subjects such as green and hawksbill sea turtles, which are frequently encountered in the shallows. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish, especially in deeper sections or on overcast days. Practicing good buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate coral formations and disturbing marine life, ensuring both excellent shots and a respectful interaction with the environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Nosy Komba Reef

  Known for dense coral and diverse reef fish, suitable for walk-in from the beach.

• The Wall (Nosy Be)

  A site with steep walls covered in colorful corals, offering encounters with large pelagic species.

• Nosy Fanihy

  Nosy Fanihy, a captivating island located near Nosy Be, Madagascar, is renowned for its exceptional underwater topography and abundant…

• Nosy Iranja Drop-off

  Known for stronger currents and pelagic fish, suitable for experienced divers.

Getting there & logistics

Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve is primarily accessed via day trips from Nosy Be, Ankify, or Nosy Komba. The main international airport for Madagascar is Ivato International Airport (TNR) near Antananarivo, from which domestic flights connect to Nosy Be (Fascene Airport, NOS). Boat transfers from Nosy Be typically take 30-45 minutes. There are no accommodations or restaurants on the island itself, as it is a protected reserve, so all visits are excursion-based. A park entry fee of approximately 15,000 Ar (about $3 USD) per person is usually included in tour packages. Trips to Nosy Tanikely are often combined with visits to other nearby islands like Nosy Komba, creating full-day excursions.

Safety & environment

Madagascar's primary recompression chamber is located in Antananarivo, requiring significant evacuation time in case of a dive emergency. It is highly advisable for all divers to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Nosy Tanikely is known for its calm, protected waters, making it a relatively safe dive site. However, divers should always adhere to standard safety protocols, including buddy diving and monitoring air consumption. Respecting the marine reserve's rules, such as not touching or disturbing marine life and corals, is essential. Always dive within your certified limits and be aware of your surroundings, especially regarding boat traffic when surfacing. Ensure your dive operator adheres to safety standards and carries appropriate first aid and emergency oxygen equipment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve FAQ