Day 1: Nosy Be to Nosy – Tanikely – Mamoko – Arrive in Nosy Be at noon to provision and acquaint yourself with the boat. Set sail for Nosy Tanikely where you can go ashore and visit the island’s national park. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles and various species of colorful fish. Head to Mamoke, a small island which is home to a village built on an old colonial mansion where giant tortoises stroll slowly through the rainforest.
Day 2: Mamoke – Baie des Russes – A short sail from Mamoke, you’ll arrive at the quiet anchorage of Baie des Russes, or Russian Bay. The tranquil setting makes for the perfect place to anchor and explore the coconut tree-lined island. The island’s wildlife is vast with wild pigs, lemurs and one of the rarest raptors in the world, the Pygargue Madagascar, all there to experience. Enjoy a barbecue on the white sandy beaches with fellow sailors.
Day 3: Baie des Russes – Nosy Iranja – Just 15nm from Baie des Russes you’ll find yourself at Nosy Iranja, affectionately known as ‘Turtle Island’. This private remote island is home to a hawksbill turtle breeding reserve where visitors can witness the endangered turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Be greeted by the local, friendly lemurs before taking some time to enjoy scuba diving where the underwater sites are excellently preserved and lush corals are home to an extensive range of fish and other marine life. You may be lucky enough to see dolphins and whales too. Discover traditional Madagascan cuisine at the Nosy Iranja Lodge. Be sure to request permission to go ashore before arriving.
Day 4: Nosy Iranja – Nosy Kalakajoro – Continue sailing the Radama archipelago with a visit to Nosy Kalakajoro, popular with sailors for its unspoiled beaches and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. For keen scuba divers, head out on an organised dive of the island’s ‘drop offs’ where you’ll come into contact with some amazing marine life including rays, grouper and leopard sharks.
Day 5: Nosy Kalakajoro – Nosy Ovy – Nosy Antanimora – Head to Nosy Ovy, part of the Radama archipelago. Take a trip inland to see the Mahabo royal tombs, perched on the hilltop and hike through the rainforest, taking in the rich flora and fauna and perhaps visit a coffee plantation. The azure waters surrounding the island are great for a spot of snorkeling before heading towards Nosy Anatanimora, where you can moor overnight. Here, you can see locals fishing and stroll through the mesmerizing sand lagoon. Take a trip to one of the local food outlets where you can try the fish caught by the fisherman and enjoy true Madagascan hospitality.
Day 6: Nosy Antanimora – Baramahamay – Depart Nosy Antanimora and head for Baramahamsy Bay, 27nm away. This splendid river is surrounded by hills, lush mangroves, tiny beaches and fertile coconut trees. The waters offer reef and ambient scuba diving where you can see a range of colorful sea life. Visit the village of Marohariva where locals are friendly and enjoy trading freshly caught fish with the sailors who visit there. Enjoy a barbecue on the beach with fellow mariners, all cooking up fresh fish and delicious mud crabs caught just hours before from the verdant sea and mangroves. Moor overnight.
Day 7: Baramahamay – Nosy Be – Return to base.
