The best spots to observe marine life are the Nosy Tanikely Marine Protected Area, the Mitsio Archipelago and the fishing village of Anakao
As an island surrounded by the Mozambique Channel and the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is an exceptional seaside destination. With its year-round mild climate, it’s a delight for travellers who want to get away from it all and rediscover the pleasure of lounging on the beach. Kilometers of white sand stretching along a turquoise sea await visitors. Bathing, sunbathing, water sports, watching the comings and goings of the outrigger canoes and meeting the locals – all you have to do is let yourself be lulled by the gentle peace of life along Madagascar’s coastline.
Diverse water sports
Madagascar is above all an island so obviously, there are plenty of water activities. Starting with scuba diving. The best spots to observe marine life are the Nosy Tanikely Marine Protected Area, with colorful coral fish, rays, barracudas, and black corals. For experienced divers, there are beautiful underwater cliffs and caves around the Mitsio Archipelago. In the south, the fishing village of Anakao offers excursions to canyons adorned with majestic arches.
And why not take advantage of a trip to Madagascar to try windsurfing and kitesurfing? Sakalava Bay and the Emerald Sea in Diego-Suarez are among the best spots in the world for these sports. There is also Sainte-Marie in the east and a beautiful beach with fine white sand in the southeast. Courses are offered to all takers, from beginners to advanced.
And what about surfing? Well, it takes place in warm waters in Madagascar, making the sport even more enjoyable. The island has several spots, scattered all over the country. For example, there are very nice tubes near the Sambava River in the northeast. You can even find the oldest Malagasy surf school in the east, in Mahambo, where Baie Maxime offers perfect conditions. In the south of the island, Anakao, Lavanono, or Baie Monseigneur await surfers amidst idyllic landscapes.
Madagascar is one of the best destinations in the world for sport fishing. Most outings are organized in the northern part of the island, mainly off the west coast. Experienced skippers and guides offer to embark on their boats and head out to sea to test one’s ability to reel in big catches.
Participating in a sport fishing session means you can explore some of the most beautiful marine landscapes in Madagascar. Those of Nosy Be, Diego-Suarez, the Radama Archipelago or Fort Dauphin in the far southwest. Several fishing methods are available to catch species such as barracuda, dorado, bonito, threadfin, or grouper. Many providers offer catch-and-release fishing. Often, sea trips for sport fishing are a chance to watch large marine species such as whale sharks, turtles, and humpback whales.
Diversified culture
Madagascar provides unique encounters with its inhabitants, showcasing their kindness and distinctive craftsmanship. The island is a vibrant craft hub, blending ancient practices passed down through generations with emerging arts. Notable among these is Zafimaniry woodcarving, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage since 2008. Madagascar also boasts a diverse array of craft skills, including traditional embroidery, silk weaving, leatherwork, basketry, and jewelry made from precious and semi-precious stones.
Madagascar is also a top culinary destination in the Indian Ocean. Its cuisine, influenced by African, Asian, and Indian traditions, provides a diverse range of flavors. Rice is a staple element in Malagasy cuisine, accompanying various dishes featuring meat, fish, and seafood. The northeast of the island is noted for its abundant use of coconut milk and vanilla, imparting sweet, exotic tones to local dishes. As the world’s leading vanilla producer, Madagascar uses this iconic spice in many dishes, alongside other seasonings such as, garlic, curry, and ginger.
A matchless destination
The island has everything it takes for a luxury tour, giving travelers exclusive experiences. A growing number of tourism professionals specialize in high-end tourist products. Madagascar has a number of Club Hotels with the chance to enjoy a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, in addition to traditional hotel services. Top-of-the-range establishments are also located in resort destinations such as Nosy Be and Diego-Suarez in the north and Sainte-Marie in the east. There are also luxury hotels in the central highlands.
You won’t return from a trip to Madagascar completely unmoved: the island touches the heart deeply in various ways.
For those who have “seen everything” and “done it all”, it’s the best destination that’ genuinely off the beaten track, as Madagascar is a unique journey.
Madagascar stats
- 1,600 km north-south
- 4,800 km of coastline
- World’s 2nd longest barrier reef
- 6 of the world’s 8 baobab species are endemic
- 294 bird species
- Over 1,000 species of orchid
- Around a hundred lemur species
Contact :
Madagascar National Tourism Board
IBG 29 C – Antsahavola 101 – Antananarivo, Madagascar
Tel. + 261 20 22 661 15
Fax : +261 20 22 660 98
Email : [email protected] | [email protected]
Пренасяме се в Мадагаскар с изложение ВАКАНЦИЯ&СПА Експо 2024
