Africa is a world-class haven for divers.

Madagascar, often called "the land in a forgotten sea," is the fourth-largest island on Earth, fringed by smaller islands along its coastline. With an extraordinary blend of endemic wildlife and plant species across a range of habitats—from dense forests to vibrant coral reefs—this island stands as one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots.

Plunge into the protected waters around Miavana, where untouched coral reefs and endangered sea turtles await discovery, along with a mesmerizing array of marine life. Whether snorkeling along the shoreline or venturing across open waters by boat, you’ll find perfect dive spots guided by our skipper and divemaster. As you drift through the soothing underwater world, keep watch for graceful manta rays and playful dolphins. With our PADI-approved Activities Centre, both novice and experienced divers are welcomed to explore this marine paradise through various dive courses.

The best time to visit is from November to April. The reefs you’ll explore are unlike any other on Earth—virtually unseen by human eyes. Sea turtles, vibrant corals, manta rays, and spinner dolphins thrive in the waters around Miavana. And from July to November, these waters are graced by the majestic presence of migrating humpback whales, making your experience truly unforgettable.

Miavana is one of the rare sanctuaries where several species of sea turtles nest in safety, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and green turtle, along with the occasional olive ridley. Each year, starting in December, sea turtles return to our island’s shores to nest, with hatching continuing through April. Our dedicated environmental team patrols the beaches daily, carefully recording every sighting and nesting location to ensure these precious creatures are protected and monitored.

From June to October, up to 125,000 Sooty Terns flock to nearby Nosy Manampaho, creating one of the most important seabird colonies in the Indian Ocean. We run a dedicated tern monitoring program, collecting data on nesting numbers to protect and preserve this vital colony, which adds another layer of wonder to Miavana’s rich natural heritage

EVERY YEAR FROM JULY TO OCTOBER, thousands of humpback whales embark on a grand migration from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm, tropical seas off the coast of Madagascar to give birth. Although these warmer waters are relatively sparse in food, they offer the ideal conditions for nurturing newborn calves. The mothers rely on the thick blubber they accumulated during a summer of relentless feeding in Antarctica to fuel both themselves and their calves, providing rich milk that is 50% pure fat.

In the seas surrounding Madagascar, humpback whales gather in abundance—mothers and calves enjoying the gentle conditions, while males sing and display in hopes of securing a mate. Though the calves are tiny compared to their mothers at birth, they quickly grow strong on their calorie-rich diet and by swimming and frolicking each day. Visitors to Madagascar during this season have three incredible ways to witness these majestic creatures: from the comfort of a boat, an exhilarating helicopter ride, or a serendipitous underwater encounter while scuba diving.

SEA TURTLES HAVE A FASCINATING AND INTRICATE LIFE CYCLE, beginning with eggs laid and hatched on sandy beaches. After hatching, the young turtles spend their early life in the open ocean (pelagic phase), before moving into developmental habitats as sub-adults. Once fully grown, they settle in adult foraging grounds. Throughout their lives, sea turtles often embark on long migrations, traveling hundreds of miles between feeding areas and returning to offshore nesting beaches during the breeding season.

In the waters off Kenya, five of the world’s seven species of sea turtles can be found: the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and the mighty Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). These species are key players in the marine ecosystem, navigating vast distances in a constant cycle of life and survival.

At our Private Island location in Zanzibar, a vital breeding ground for green turtles, the conservation team works tirelessly year-round to protect and monitor turtle nests. During the nesting season, which peaks between April and August, visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to follow the tracks of female turtles as they come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Witness the wonder of their nests and take part in the ongoing efforts to safeguard these endangered creatures throughout the year.

MNEMBA ISLAND encircled by a coral atoll and the tranquil azure sea, invites you to swim straight from its pristine beach. Just a short motorboat ride away, you’ll discover snorkeling spots teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life. As a key breeding ground for green turtles, the island’s dedicated team patrols the beaches daily, recording each new sign of turtle activity. Mnemba has also become a safe haven for two rare antelope species, the Ader’s duiker and suni antelope, thanks to a successful conservation project. Mnemba Island's twelve rustic, luxurious palm-frond bandas are nestled in the dappled shade of casuarina pines, with views of the white coral sands. This intimate private island offers the ultimate escape. On this tiny oasis, your day unfolds entirely as you wish, with our team ready to make every moment unforgettable.