Advanced Open Water Premium: diving training in Nosy Be
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAfrica / Madagascar
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AgeFrom 12 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions122.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Head to the Indian Ocean for an exceptional underwater and land adventure , discovering Madagascar's pristine sanctuaries. This trip combines the exploration of vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, breathtaking drop-offs, and mysterious shipwrecks with the island's unique wildlife.
The heart of your trip revolves around elite technical training. You'll earn your PADI Advanced Open Water certification through five themed dives at Nosy Be's most beautiful dive sites. To further enhance your skills, the program includes Nitrox specialties, ideal for maximizing your dive time, and Deep Diver , which allows you to dive independently to a depth of 40 meters. Your explorations will lead you to encounters with majestic green turtles and a multitude of tropical fish.
The experience continues on land with a trek through the Lokobe primary forest . This nature reserve is home to fascinating endemic species, from black lemurs to colorful chameleons and geckos.
The highlights
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PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
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Diving at the best sites in Nosy Be
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Nitrox & Deep Diver Specialties
Photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
The expert's opinion
To participate in this trip, you must hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent qualification issued by a recognized organization. It is essential to be in good physical condition , comfortable in the water, and have no medical contraindications to scuba diving . Finally, you must ensure that all course materials and mandatory medical forms are completed before the start of your program.
Diving conditions
- Water temperature: 27 to 29°C
- Recommended combination: 3 mm
- Average visibility: 15 to 30 m
- Generally weak currents — ideal conditions for learning
Marine wildlife
- More than 500 species of fish have been recorded around Nosy Be.
- Nearly 800 species of nudibranchs have been recorded around Nosy Be
- Sea turtles — ubiquitous on Tanikely and Sakatia
- Exceptional corals: coral heads, gorgonians, barrel sponges, soft corals
In figures
Diving
- 3 average daily practices
- Maximum depth: 27 m
Management
French
English
Program
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Arrival in Nosy Be & check-in
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 21km
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon your arrival at Fascene Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you privately in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel (approximately 45 minutes). Meet at the Dive Center for a welcome briefing, including an overview of the program, dive sites, and the team. Enjoy a welcome drink before settling into your selected hotel.
Included: Welcome briefing and aperitif at the Dive Center • Private air-conditioned transfer from the airport.
Day 1 -
Adventure Dives AOW — Nosy Tanikely
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Begin your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course with two Adventure Dives in Nosy Tanikely Marine Park, one of Madagascar's most beautiful dive sites. Renowned for its exceptional visibility and ideal conditions, this site is perfect for developing your skills while exploring remarkable marine biodiversity. You'll have the opportunity to observe green turtles, impressive gorgonians, schools of fusiliers, and Napoleon wrasse up close.
The afternoon is free for you to relax or participate in one of our optional activities and excursions, available upon reservation according to your wishes.
In the evening, share a convivial moment around a tasting of the regions , a gourmet experience highlighting local flavors in a warm atmosphere.
Included: 2 dives • Nosy Tanikely Marine Park • Evening tasting of regional products.
Day 2 -
Adventure Dives AOW — Anemone & Turbinaria and first night dive.
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 3
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Continue your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver training with two new Adventure Dives at two of Nosy Be's most beautiful dive sites. Anémone is renowned for its magnificent coral bommies and exceptional biodiversity, while Turbinaria captivates with its purple tube corals, whip corals, barrel sponges, and rich macrofauna, including cuttlefish, shrimp, nudibranchs, and crabs. Ideal conditions to hone your skills while enjoying unforgettable dives.
The afternoon is free for you to relax or participate in one of our optional activities and excursions, available upon reservation according to your wishes.
In the evening, experience the unique thrill of a night dive , and discover a whole new side of the reef when the nocturnal wildlife becomes active.
Included: 3 Adventure Dives • Anemone & Turbinaria sites • Night dive.
Day 3 -
Nitrox Specialty — Sakatia
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Discover the benefits of Nitrox diving during a dedicated day on the magnificent reefs of Nosy Sakatia . Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, gentle currents, and rich biodiversity, this site offers ideal conditions for learning and practicing the use of an oxygen-enriched mix (EANx32 or EANx36).
The morning begins with a theoretical session covering the properties of Nitrox, mix analysis, maximum dive depth (MOD) planning, and the use of Nitrox dive tables and computers. You will then complete two dives on the Sakatia reefs, among colorful coral formations, schools of fusiliers, and stingrays, to experience firsthand the benefits of Nitrox, particularly extended bottom times.
After lunch, enjoy the free afternoon to relax or participate in one of our optional activities and excursions, available upon reservation according to your preferences.
Included: 2 Nitrox dives • Nitrox Specialty Training • Nosy Sakatia.
Day 4 -
Deep Diver — Mitsio & Lokobe Wreck
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 27 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Continue your PADI Deep Diver training with two dives at two iconic sites around Nosy Be. The first dive takes you to the Mitsio wreck (27-28m), renowned for its incredible biodiversity, home to lionfish, scorpionfish, frogfish, lobsters, batfish, barracuda, and pipefish. The second dive is at Ledge , a spectacular drop-off fringed with coral bommies, ideal for perfecting your deep diving techniques, underwater navigation, and observing a rich macrofauna.
The morning includes a full briefing on the Deep Diver specialty, including deep dive planning, air management, nitrogen narcosis prevention, and safety procedures.
In the afternoon, explore the Lokobe Nature Reserve , the best-preserved primary forest in Nosy Be. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, observe the famous endemic black lemurs, chameleons, geckos and boas of Madagascar, before returning by traditional pirogue.
Included: 2 Deep Diver training dives • Mitsio wreck • Ledge site • Guided excursion in the Lokobe Reserve • Return by traditional dugout canoe.
Day 5 -
Deep Diver — Rosario & Charly and second night dive
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 3
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Continue your PADI Deep Diver Specialty with two dives at two of Nosy Be's most spectacular dive sites. Begin at Charly , renowned for its thriving coral reefs, abundant schools of colorful reef fish, and frequent encounters with green sea turtles. Your second dive takes you to Rosario , where dense coral pinnacles, impressive sea fans, barracudas, snappers, and Napoleon wrasse create one of the island's most breathtaking underwater landscapes.
The morning includes a Deep Diver briefing focused on dive planning, gas management, and safe deep diving practices. These dives provide the perfect opportunity to refine your skills while exploring exceptional marine biodiversity.
The afternoon is free to relax or join one of our optional activities and excursions, available to book on-site according to your interests.
As night falls, enjoy another unforgettable Night Dive at Aristide , where the reef comes alive with red snappers, green sea turtles, nocturnal seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and the magical glow of bioluminescence.
Included: 2 Deep Diver training dives • Charly & Rosario Dive Sites • Night Dive at Aristide • PADI Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver & Nitrox Certifications.
Day 6 -
Nosy Iranja, the 4th most beautiful beach in the world
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Embark on a full-day exploration of Nosy Iranja , a true tropical paradise renowned for its spectacular white sandbar connecting two islands at low tide and ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Between turquoise waters, pristine coral reefs, and breathtaking landscapes, this excursion offers a relaxing escape in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy a snorkeling session on the shallow reefs of Iranja, where you can observe sea turtles and a multitude of tropical fish swimming in crystal-clear waters. After lunch on the beach, head to the island's lighthouse for exceptional panoramic views of the archipelago, then stroll along the iconic sandbar before swimming or relaxing on the beach.
At the end of the day, join the Dive Center team for a friendly Sunset BBQ , the perfect opportunity to share your best memories over dinner while watching the sunset.
Included: Excursion to Nosy Iranja • Snorkeling • Lunch on the beach • Lighthouse visit • Sunset BBQ at the Dive Center.
Day 7 -
Departure
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, enjoy your last moments in Nosy Be before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, a private air-conditioned transfer will take you to Fascene Airport, departing approximately 3 hours before takeoff , for a stress-free return.
Included: Breakfast • Private air-conditioned transfer to the airport.
Day 8
Note
The program may be modified depending on weather conditions, sea state, safety requirements, logistical constraints, or any other unforeseen circumstances. To ensure the safety of participants and the smooth running of the trip, the Dive Center reserves the right to adapt the dive sites, excursions, the order of activities, or the program schedule. Any modifications will be made with services of equivalent quality and interest, to the extent possible.
Accommodation
Access
Enjoy a stress-free arrival with our transfer service between Nosy Be Airport and the Ecolodge. Our team will greet you upon arrival and take you directly to your accommodation for a comfortable and worry-free start to your stay.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a hotel of your choice, based on a double/twin room
- Meals as per the program (dinners and lunches indicated)
- Complete PADI Advanced Open Water course: 12 supervised dives
- Certifications included: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver + Nitrox Diver + Deep Diver
- Complete diving equipment (wetsuit, mask, regulator, 12L tank, weights) + Nitrox included
- Nosy Tanikely Marine Park taxes included
- All ground transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Sea transfers by boat to the islets and remote sites
- Land tours and visits mentioned in the program
- French or English-speaking tour leader
The price does not include
- International and domestic flights
- Madagascar visa and entry formalities
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Diving insurance (mandatory, not included)
- Additional dives not included in the program
- Additional dives in optional training courses
- Excursions and additional activities
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers and dive team
- Single room supplement
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
The Marie team
For over 25 years, we have been exploring, imagining, and operating trips to the heart of the world's most beautiful destinations, both underwater and on land. It all began with a passion for the ocean… which has now become a true expertise in creating and organizing seamless and perfectly executed travel experiences. We don't just design trips—we operate them from start to finish. From the initial idea to our clients' return, we are there every step of the way to guarantee a flawless, safe, and worry-free journey. Diving and snorkeling are at the core of our DNA. We know the sites, the seasons, the hidden treasures—and above all, we love to share them. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to responsible tourism, with constant attention to our environmental impact. But beyond the destinations, our priority remains the same: our clients. Availability, attentiveness, and attention to detail—we always go the extra mile to offer much more than just a trip. Because true luxury is a perfectly executed journey.
