Plongée à Île Sainte-Marie — Madagascar

Île Sainte-Marie was once the Indian Ocean's most notorious pirate haven, and Captain Kidd's ship reportedly lies in the bay. Today, humpback whales breed in the warm offshore waters from July to September, and the fringing reefs support surprisingly diverse marine life. The island's rum-soaked Malagasy-French culture adds charm.

Score
59.9
Visibilité
8–20m
Température
24–29°C
Meilleurs mois
July, August, September
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World Class
Intermediate
Île Sainte-Marie
MadagascarIndian Ocean
59.9

SCORE

-16.8500°N

49.9200°E

Île Sainte-Marie was once the Indian Ocean's most notorious pirate haven, and Captain Kidd's ship reportedly lies in the bay. Today, humpback whales breed in the warm offshore waters from July to September, and the fringing reefs support surprisingly diverse marine life. The island's rum-soaked Malagasy-French culture adds charm.

Madagascar's Pirate Island Diving

Visibility8–20 m
Temperature24–29°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$80
Best MonthsJuly, August, September, October
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML68.0CH55.0VIS52.0SV52.0TMP85.0DA55.0OP58.0TS62.0GT30.0VAL72.0CRD88.0SP42.0

Marine Life

68.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
62
Megafauna Encounters
72
Reef Fish Abundance
62
Macro Life
52
Endemic Species
65
Marine Life Diversity
68.0
Coral & Reef Health
55.0
Visibility & Conditions
52.0
Dive Site Variety
52.0
Water Temperature
85.0
Depth & Access
55.0
Operator Quality
58.0
Topside Experience
62.0
Getting There
30.0
Value & Cost
72.0
Crowding
88.0
Social Proof
42.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

pirate cemetery visitwhale watchingvanilla plantation tourÎle aux Nattes day trip

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Pirate Cemetery
  • Île aux Forbans

Non-Diver Score

7/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber400 km — Réunion Hospital Chamber (nearest reliable)
Nearest Hospital5 km

Basic hospital on island; air evacuation to Antananarivo or Réunion for serious cases

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Bora Dive & Research

PADI

4.4
30 reviews