Nosy Sakatia Snorkel Cruise with Giant Turtles from Nosy Be

Nosy Sakatia, a protected island off Nosy Be

Nosy Sakatia is a small island just off the west coast of Nosy Be, about 20 minutes away by boat and reachable only from the sea. It has kept a quiet, preserved character: there are no roads, a scattering of fishing hamlets, sandy coves and green hills where villagers grow vanilla, coffee and orchids. The surrounding waters, with seagrass meadows and coral, are among the most popular snorkelling spots around Nosy Be.

A Nosy Sakatia tour fits neatly into a half day, which makes it a good choice if you want time at sea without a long crossing. Travellers often ask whether Nosy Sakatia is worth visiting compared with the bigger islands; its appeal is the gentle pace and the near-certain chance of swimming close to wild turtles in calm, clear water, rather than crowded beaches.

Swimming with the giant sea turtles

The highlight is the turtles. Green sea turtles feed on the seagrass beds around the island, and because they are used to quiet swimmers they often keep grazing while you float above them. Seeing a large turtle surface for air a few metres away, then glide back down over the sand, is an unforgettable moment, and children who swim confidently love it.

Our guide explains how to behave so the animals stay relaxed: do not touch or chase the turtles, keep a respectful distance, avoid standing on the seabed and use reef-safe sunscreen. Snorkelling equipment is not included in the tour, but masks and fins can be rented on site. The best time to swim with turtles at Nosy Sakatia is in the calm morning hours of the dry season, from about April to November.

Coral reef and natural pools

Away from the seagrass, the coral reef and the shallow natural pools around Nosy Sakatia are full of colour. You can expect to see small reef fish such as butterflyfish, parrotfish and wrasse, sea urchins tucked into the rocks, and corals in shades of green, purple and ochre. The water is usually warm and clear, ideal for beginners who prefer to stay close to the boat.

Snorkelling in Nosy Be is at its best on still days with good visibility, and the sheltered side of Sakatia often offers exactly that. Your guide chooses the spots according to the tide and the conditions of the day. Around three hours are set aside for swimming and snorkelling, enough to enjoy several spots without rushing and to rest on the boat between swims.

Fishermen's lanes and island plantations

On land, a short walk shows you another side of the island. Narrow paths lead between simple wooden houses of the fishing community, past outrigger canoes drying on the sand, to small plots where vanilla vines climb up support trees and coffee shrubs grow in the shade. Wild orchids add colour to the green, and your guide explains how vanilla is pollinated and cured in this part of Madagascar.

This walk gives the trip a human side and helps you understand how island families live from the sea and the land. Please dress modestly in the village, ask before photographing people and buy local products only if you wish. The combination of turtles, reef and village life makes this one of the most varied short excursions from Nosy Be.