Liveaboard Diving Around the Remote Northern Islands

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for Antananarivo, via Paris

Day 2. Antananarivo

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Tana Plazal in the centre of Antananarivo.

Day 3. Diego Suarez [B, D]

Transfer to the airport and fly to Diego Suarez, then transfer to the Hotel Colbert for a 3-night stay. Situated in the northern-most point of Madagascar, Diego Suarez's sleepy charms, with a beautiful bay and the sacred islet 'Nosy Lonjo,' are a welcome contrast to the hubbub of Tana.

Day 4. Amber Mountain [B, L, D]

Amber National Park is one of Madagascar's most scenic parks. Thick forest is lush with diverse flora and fauna, tumbling waterfalls and crater lakes. It is home to an incredible wealth of species, including the world's smallest chameleon, which is less than an inch in length, and, of course, the lemurs. Of the seven lemur species in the park, the most notable are the Crowned, and Sanford's Brown Lemur.

Day 5. Explore the 'Baies des Dunes et Sakalava' [B, D]

Visit French Mountain with views of the sugar loaf, then onto Sakalava and Dunes Bays, where there is time to relax on the beach and snorkel in the beautiful waters.

Day 6. Ankarana to Ankify [B, L, D]

Ankarana has been the subject of a number of documentaries. An astonishing limestone plateau, surrounded by formidable cliffs and walls on which there are razor-sharp pinnacles or tsingy. The interior of the mountain is a honeycomb of huge caves, mostly unexplored, in places the roof has caved in and sunken forests have grown. During times of war the Antakarana people hid in the caves, and signs of their presence remain, including sacred ancestral bones. Whether it's the history, the tsingy, the caves or the extraordinary wildlife you are interested in, a visit to this area is truly an incredible experience. Leave Ankarana for a beautiful drive on to Ankify, where you will stay at Le Baobab.

Day 7. Nosy Kombo & Tanikely [B, D]

Transfer by speedboat to Nosy Be with its idyllic beaches, coral reefs and wonderful tropical ambiance. En route stop at the islands of Nosy Kombo, with Black Lemurs and friendly villagers, and Nosy Tanikely, to snorkel in the marine reserve an incredible variety of marine-life.

Day 8. Nosy Be [B, D]

Nosy Be is covered with luxuriant vegetation, a paradise of perfumed plants such as ylang-ylang, vanilla, lemongrass and geranium. Nosy Be has been catering for tourists for a long time and there are several hotels on the island; we suggest overnighting at either the L'Ylang Ylang or Vanilla Hotel.

Days 9 to 13. Liveaboard [FB]

Join Oceane's Dream on their well-equipped catamarans, sailing the unexplored reefs and small, often uninhabited islands that surround Nosy Be. Previously unfrequented by divers these rich waters offer easy and spectacular dives; along drop-offs, in caves or over the coral heads found in shallow water. Whilst pristine reefs, unaffected as yet by global warming, are a photographer's dream. Large numbers of reef fish as well as Barracuda, Groupers, Yellow Tuna, Eagle, Sting, and Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are waiting to be discovered, while Humpback Whales migrate past the islands from July to October. With only four double cabins, you will practically have the reef to yourself. These comfortable, fully equipped catamarans offer a relaxing mix of sailing and diving, with time to explore some of those deserted beaches.

Day 14. Nosy Be [B, D]

Return to Nosy Be, where you will overnight at the L'Ylang Ylang or Vanila Hotel.

Day 15. Homeward [B]

Depart Nosy Be for Tana and catch your onward connection to the UK.

Day 16. Arrive home.