Dive Site: Pointe Alebrand

About Pointe Alebrand

Pointe Alebrand is a notable dive site located off the coast of Madagascar, recognized for its dramatic underwater landscape and rich pelagic encounters. This site distinguishes itself with a unique topography featuring a sandy bed interspersed with prominent granite boulders, creating an interesting environment for marine life to congregate and for divers to explore. The site is particularly famous for attracting larger marine animals. Divers frequently observe grey sharks, formidable barracuda, and graceful manta rays navigating these waters. During specific seasons, it also becomes a migratory route for humpback whales, offering truly spectacular encounters. While the general diving season in Madagascar extends year-round, the prime time for visiting sites like Pointe Alebrand and maximizing the chances of pelagic sightings is typically from June to September. The waters here are characterized by a wide visibility range and comfortable temperatures, making for an enjoyable dive experience. Diving here often involves going with the flow of the current, allowing for an effortless observation of the dynamic marine ecosystem. This makes it an ideal spot for divers looking for exciting drift dives and big animal action within a healthy coral reef system.

Dive site facts: Pointe Alebrand

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Moderate to strong (drift potential)

Visibility

10–50 m

Water temperature

25–28°C

Entry

Live boat / drift entry

Level

Advanced recommended (current experience helpful)

Dive type

Pelagic, drift, reef

Region / port

Nosy Be Archipelago

Coordinates

13.2578° S, 48.2045° E

Conditions & Currents

Pointe Alebrand is known for its potential for drift diving, indicating the presence of ocean currents that move divers along the reef. This means understanding current direction, descent timing, and exit plans is essential for safety and enjoyment. Currents can vary, influencing the pace of the dive and requiring divers to remain streamlined and manage their air consumption effectively. Visibility at the site is generally excellent, ranging from 10 to 50 meters, though strong currents can occasionally affect clarity. Divers should expect conditions that make for dynamic dives, requiring good buoyancy control and awareness of their buddy's position. The boat tracks and picks up divers at the end of the drift, so clear communication and understanding of surface procedures are crucial.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey shark

common

Manta ray

common

Barracuda

common

Humpback whale

July to September · occasional

Pelagic fish (large)

common

Scorpionfish

occasional

Fan coral

common

Sea turtle

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Reef fish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Pointe Alebrand are typically conducted as drift dives, utilizing the prevailing currents. Divers enter the water directly from the dive boat, often with a negative entry, and descend quickly to the target depth, typically ranging from 5 to 40 meters. The route is determined by the current, allowing divers to passively move along the sandy bed interspersed with granite boulders, observing pelagic species. The dive progresses with the current, maintaining a comfortable depth to maximize bottom time while focusing on larger marine life. Turn points are dictated by air consumption or depth limits, with the dive leader signaling ascent. Safety stops are performed as a group, drifting in mid-water, while the boat follows overhead to ensure a safe and coordinated pick-up at the surface.

Underwater photography

Capturing the pelagic action at Pointe Alebrand requires a wide-angle lens to frame the expansive underwater vistas and larger subjects like sharks, manta rays, and barracuda schools. Given the potential for strong currents, excellent buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or coral formations. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the occasional corals and reef fish, but be mindful of their impact on shy pelagic subjects. For seasonal humpback whale encounters, a very wide fisheye lens is ideal. Be prepared for dynamic lighting conditions due to varying depths and water clarity, and always prioritize stable footage or sharp stills over chasing subjects to minimize intrusion.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mitsio Wreck

  Nearby wreck dive suitable for various experience levels.

• Nosy Be Wall

  One of the best diving areas in Madagascar, known for rich biodiversity.

• Paroi des Merou

  Advanced dive site with a deep drop-off and abundant marine life.

• Nosy Tanikely

  A marine national park offering diverse diving experiences.

• Nosy Iranja Drop-off

  Known for healthy coral reefs and pristine underwater landscapes.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Pointe Alebrand typically begins with arrival at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. From there, domestic flights connect to local hubs, often Nosy Be, which serves as a primary departure point for liveaboards and day trips to surrounding dive sites. Most dive centers around Nosy Be, such as Blue Wave Diving or Scuba Nosy Be, organize excursions to this site. Diving trips usually involve a boat ride to the location, which can vary in duration depending on the specific operator's base. It's common for Pointe Alebrand to be part of a broader itinerary exploring the Nosy Be archipelago or combined with other sites known for pelagic encounters. While specific permit fees for this site are not mentioned, some marine parks in the region may require entrance fees.

Safety & environment

Diving at Pointe Alebrand, especially due to its drift conditions and potential for deeper sections, requires adherence to strict safety protocols. Divers must carry valid dive insurance covering medical emergencies and potential evacuation, as recompression chamber facilities are limited and likely require significant travel, potentially to Reunion Island or South Africa. Site-specific hazards include strong and unpredictable currents, which necessitate careful pre-dive briefings covering entry, exit, and emergency procedures. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid rapid ascents or uncontrolled descents, particularly when encountering large pelagic species that may require unexpected movements. Always dive with a qualified guide and ensure your personal dive equipment is well-maintained. Always stay with your buddy and be aware of your air consumption.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pointe Alebrand FAQ