Scuba diving locations in Madagascar:

• The islands and islets surrounding Nosy Be on the north and west coasts have some of the best dives.
• In the south of the island the diving is mainly around Ifaty.
• Humpback whales can be watched from Isle Sainte Marie, Tuléar, Fort Dauphin, Nosy Be and in the Antongil Bay from June to September.
• Ste Marie Island, off the east coast, has some good wrecks.
• Ile Aux Nattes, just south of Ste Marie, has some interesting coral formations

When to scuba dive in Madagascar:

Warm water all year, but monsoons bring storms and cyclones to the east and north from December to March. From June to September, humpback whales come from the Antarctic to breed with magnificent mating displays. By the end of August it is not unusual to see the mothers swimming with their calves.

Local standards for gear:

The best scuba diving spots in Madagascar:

• Pointe Alebrand is a sandy bed with granite boulders, grey shark, rays and barracuda.
• The Pagodas is an accessible, large coral formation with rays, lobster and turtles.
• The Paroi des Merous goes down to 40m and is named after the large groupers that can be found there.

The best spots to snorkel in Madagascar:

Fun scuba facts:

Country data:

Administrative details

• Currency: Malagasy ariari (MGA)
• Population: is about 22,000,000 (2011)
• Time Zone: EAT (GMT+3)
• Main languages spoken: Malagasy, French ## Diveable overseas territories:

Malagasy diving federations:

Local diving laws and regulations (and PADI-equivalent certifications):