Home to over 300 fish species and boasting 95% coral cover, Nosy Tanikely National Park is Madagascar’s only marine reserve where visitors can snorkel with green sea turtles year-round. This small uninhabited island, whose name translates to “island of little land,” serves as a natural aquarium in the azure waters off Madagascar’s northwestern coast. Just a short boat ride from Nosy Be, this protected marine sanctuary offers some of the most accessible and vibrant coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching Nosy Tanikely requires a boat trip, as the island is uninhabited and accessible only by sea. Most visitors arrive via organized day trips from one of three main departure points:
- Nosy Be (the most common departure point, approximately 30-45 minutes by boat)
- Ankify on the mainland (about 1 hour by boat)
- Nosy Komba (approximately 20 minutes by boat)
Tour operators typically offer round-trip transportation as part of their packages, with morning departures allowing for a full day of exploration before returning in the late afternoon. The boat journey itself is scenic, offering beautiful views of Madagascar’s coastline and surrounding islands.
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Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
The climate at Nosy Tanikely National Park follows Madagascar’s tropical pattern, with distinct wet and dry seasons that significantly impact your visit experience.
Recommended Time to Visit
- May to October (Dry Season): Ideal conditions with clear visibility for snorkeling, calm seas, and minimal rainfall. Water temperature ranges from 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F).
- April and November: Shoulder seasons with fewer visitors but still good weather conditions.
Times to Avoid
- January to March: Cyclone season with heavy rainfall, reduced visibility underwater, and potential tour cancellations due to rough seas.
- December: Beginning of the rainy season with increasing humidity and occasional storms.
For wildlife enthusiasts, September to December offers the bonus opportunity to potentially spot whale sharks and humpback whales in the surrounding waters during their migration season.
Permits & Entrance Fees
As a protected marine reserve, Nosy Tanikely National Park requires an entrance fee from all visitors. The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, with tickets available for purchase upon arrival at the island’s reception desk or in advance at the park office in Hell Ville on Nosy Be.
Current Entrance Fees (as of 2023)
- Foreign Adults: 40,000 Ariary (approximately $9-10 USD)
- Foreign Children (6-12 years): 4,000 Ariary (approximately $1 USD)
- Malagasy Nationals: 5,000 Ariary for adults, 1,000 Ariary for children
These fees contribute to conservation efforts and maintaining the park’s facilities. It’s advisable to bring cash in Ariary, as card payment facilities are not available on the island. Most tour operators include these fees in their package prices, but it’s worth confirming this when booking.
Top Activities in Nosy Tanikely
Snorkeling in the Natural Aquarium
Snorkeling is the premier activity at Nosy Tanikely, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters making it accessible for all experience levels. The eastern beach offers the best entry point, where you’ll immediately encounter an underwater world teeming with marine life.
Expect to see angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish, groupers, and if you’re lucky, green sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water. The coral gardens are vibrant and healthy, with brain coral, table coral, and soft corals creating a colorful underwater landscape.
Scuba Diving Adventures
For those certified in scuba diving, Nosy Tanikely offers exceptional diving opportunities around its perimeter. The deeper waters reveal larger marine species and more extensive coral formations not visible from the surface.
Diving spots are marked by buoys around the reserve zone, with depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet). Divers regularly encounter moray eels, lionfish, nudibranchs, and occasionally reef sharks and manta rays.
Lighthouse Trail Hike
A short but rewarding hike leads to the island’s lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands. The trail winds through coastal forest, providing opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
The hike takes approximately 20-30 minutes each way and is of moderate difficulty with some steep sections. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and bringing water is essential, especially during midday heat.
Wildlife Encounters
Land Wildlife
While the marine life steals the spotlight, Nosy Tanikely’s terrestrial fauna offers its own attractions:
- Lemurs: Both brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) and black lemurs (Eulemur macaco) inhabit the island’s forest. They’re most active in the morning and late afternoon.
- Madagascar Fruit Bats: These large flying mammals can be spotted hanging from trees during the day.
- Reptiles: Various lizard species and chameleons can be found along the forest paths.
- Yellow-billed Tropicbird: This distinctive seabird nests on the island’s cliffs.
Marine Life
The waters surrounding Nosy Tanikely host an impressive diversity of marine species:
- Sea Turtles: Green and hawksbill turtles are regular residents.
- Reef Fish: Hundreds of species including angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish.
- Rays and Sharks: Spotted stingrays and occasionally reef sharks patrol deeper waters.
- Seasonal Visitors: From July to November, humpback whales can sometimes be spotted from the lighthouse viewpoint.
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Snorkeling gear (can also be rented from tour operators)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes or sandals
- Towel and change of clothes
- Cash in Ariary for entrance fees and purchases
- Waterproof bag for electronics
Park Rules
- No touching or collecting coral, shells, or marine life
- No feeding wildlife (marine or terrestrial)
- No littering – take all trash with you
- Fires only permitted in designated picnic areas
- No overnight stays on the island
- Follow marked paths and restricted areas
- Maintain distance from marine mammals if encountered
Facilities Available
- Basic reception area
- Toilets
- Picnic area with tables
- Small interpretation center
- No restaurants or shops on the island
- No accommodation (day visits only)
- No freshwater showers
Where to Stay
Since overnight stays are not permitted on Nosy Tanikely itself, visitors typically base themselves on nearby islands or the mainland. Here are the best accommodation options for accessing the national park:
Nosy Be
The most popular base for visiting Nosy Tanikely, offering the widest range of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. Most tour operators are based here, making it convenient to arrange day trips to the marine park.
Distance to Nosy Tanikely: 30-45 minutes by boat
Nosy Komba
A quieter alternative to Nosy Be with several mid-range lodges and bungalows. The island has a more authentic feel and is closer to Nosy Tanikely, resulting in shorter boat transfers.
Distance to Nosy Tanikely: 20 minutes by boat
Ankify (Mainland)
Limited but affordable accommodation options on the mainland coast. Staying here provides easier access to other mainland attractions but requires longer boat journeys to reach Nosy Tanikely.
Distance to Nosy Tanikely: 1 hour by boat
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Recommended Tours & Operators
Most visitors experience Nosy Tanikely as part of an organized tour. These typically include round-trip boat transportation, snorkeling equipment, guide services, and sometimes lunch. Here are the main tour options available:
Full-Day Island Hopping Tours
The most popular option combines Nosy Tanikely with visits to other nearby islands such as Nosy Komba (Lemur Island) and sometimes Nosy Iranja. These tours typically depart around 8:30 am and return by 5:00 pm, allowing 1-2 hours at each destination.
Price range: 50-80 EUR per person
Dedicated Nosy Tanikely Snorkeling Tours
For those wanting to maximize their time at the marine park, dedicated tours focus exclusively on Nosy Tanikely, allowing 3-4 hours for snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing. These tours often include a beach picnic lunch.
Price range: 40-60 EUR per person
Private Charter Boats
For a more personalized experience, private boat charters allow you to set your own schedule and spend as much time as you wish at Nosy Tanikely. This option is ideal for families or groups and can be more cost-effective for 4+ people.
Price range: 150-250 EUR per boat (capacity 6-8 people)
Transportation Options
Getting to Madagascar’s northwestern coast and then to Nosy Tanikely involves several transportation stages:
International Travel
Most international visitors arrive at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital) before taking a domestic flight to Nosy Be’s Fascene Airport. Major airlines serving Madagascar include Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
Direct charter flights to Nosy Be are available from some European cities during peak season.
Local Transportation
From Nosy Be, boat transportation to Nosy Tanikely is available through:
- Tour operators: Most convenient option with scheduled departures
- Water taxis: Can be arranged at Hell Ville port
- Private boat charters: Available for custom itineraries
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Ready for Your Nosy Tanikely Adventure?
Nosy Tanikely National Park offers a perfect blend of accessible marine exploration and natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination in Madagascar. From the moment your boat approaches its pristine shores to your final glimpse of its lighthouse as you depart, this small island delivers an outsized experience of Madagascar’s marine treasures.
Whether you’re an avid snorkeler seeking vibrant coral gardens, a nature enthusiast hoping to spot endemic wildlife, or simply a traveler looking for a day of tropical paradise, Nosy Tanikely rewards visitors with unforgettable memories. By respecting the park’s conservation rules and planning your visit during the optimal season, you’ll enjoy the very best this natural aquarium has to offer.
Use the resources and links throughout this guide to plan your perfect Nosy Tanikely adventure. The crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life await your discovery!
The above is subject to change.
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