Gros Plan

Madagascar's waters, particularly around the Mitsio and Radama archipelagos, are a diver's paradise, teeming with an incredible array of marine life and pristine coral formations. These Indian Ocean gems offer warm, clear waters perfect for encountering leopard sharks, majestic whales, graceful turtles, and even the colossal whale sharks. Swim through intricate coral gardens and discover fascinating wrecks, all while surrounded by the unique biodiversity that makes Madagascar a world-class diving destination. The Gros Plan catamaran provides an ideal platform to explore these untouched underwater landscapes, offering a comfortable and intimate experience. Diving from the Gros Plan is designed for discovery and relaxation. The catamaran's design allows for easy access to dive sites, often utilizing tenders to reach the most secluded spots. With a maximum of just eight guests, dive groups are kept small, ensuring a highly personalized experience with ample attention from the experienced dive guides. Although Nitrox availability isn't explicitly mentioned, the focus is on maximizing bottom time through well-planned dives. Divers can expect to explore vibrant reefs, intriguing swim-throughs, and historical wrecks, with opportunities for both day and night dives to witness the full spectrum of marine activity. Life on board the Gros Plan is characterized by comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. The catamaran features four cozy cabins, each thoughtfully appointed with a double bed, individual reading lights, and a private en-suite bathroom equipped with hot-water showers, ensuring a refreshing experience after each dive. Beyond the cabins, guests can unwind in various social spaces, including a comfortable indoor salon, an inviting outdoor terrace perfect for enjoying the sea breeze, and dedicated sunbathing areas for soaking up the Malagasy sun. The vessel also offers non-smoking rooms and outside showers for convenience. Culinary delights are a highlight of any journey on the Gros Plan. An onboard chef meticulously prepares fresh and delicious cuisine, with a particular emphasis on local flavors and freshly caught fish, as praised by previous guests. Meals are served full-board, including snacks, and feature a variety of options to cater to different tastes, including vegetarian and vegan choices upon request. Guests can enjoy complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee throughout the day, along with welcome cocktails to set the tone for a memorable trip. Wine is available with dinner, and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased, complementing the warm hospitality provided by the dedicated local and international crew. Built in 2015, the Gros Plan is a 45-foot catamaran designed for comfortable and efficient exploration. With a beam of 6 meters and a deck area of 84 square meters, she offers generous space for her eight guests. Powered by two 40 CV engines, she cruises at a comfortable 8 knots, reaching a top speed of 12 knots, ensuring smooth transits between dive sites. Her specifications include a water capacity of 2x150 liters and a fuel capacity of 600 liters, supported by a freshwater maker to ensure ample supply throughout the journey. Departing from Nosy Be, Madagascar, the Gros Plan offers 6-day itineraries that alternate between the southern Radames archipelago and the northern Mitsio islands. Transfers to and from the airport or hotel are available as optional extras, making the start and end of your journey flexible. The best season for diving in Madagascar generally aligns with the warmer, drier months, offering optimal visibility and marine encounters.