Scuba Nosy Be
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Nosy Be · Madagascar · Indian Ocean
Max. depth · 19 mBanc 06, Nosy Be: plateau riche en bancs de poissons
Descend on to Banc 06, a shallow plateau where massive schools of fish often gather, offering potential encounters with large pelagics.
What makes this site special
- Shallow plateau from 14 to 19 metres.
- Frequent, large schools of fish.
- Occasional encounters with manta rays.
- Sightings of mobula rays possible.
- Potential for eagle ray sightings.
- Large moray eels present on the plateau.
Banc 06 about the site
Banc 06 is a distinct submerged plateau situated off Nosy Be, presenting a relatively shallow dive profile for the region. The site's main feature is this expansive, flat-topped structure, with its upper edge found at 14 metres and gently sloping down to a maximum recorded depth of 19 metres. This consistent depth range makes it an accessible dive, allowing ample bottom time to explore the plateau's contours and inhabitants.
The primary draw to Banc 06 is the sheer volume of fish life that congregates here. You'll often find yourself surrounded by incredible numbers of schooling fish, forming dense, moving walls of silver and colour. These aggregations can be so dense that at times they almost obscure vision, creating a vivid, pulsating landscape across the plateau. The presence of such vast baitfish schools naturally attracts a diverse predatory ecosystem.
Among the regular inhabitants, you should keep an eye out for larger moray eels that sometimes make a striking appearance against the backdrop of the reef. These eels can be quite substantial, often observed in their natural hunting grounds within the crevices and underhangs of the plateau. Their presence adds another layer of intrigue to the dynamic marine environment found here.
Beyond the resident reef fish and morays, Banc 06 holds the potential for significant pelagic encounters. Divers occasionally report sightings of manta rays (Mobula birostris) gracefully gliding over the plateau, drawn in by the abundant food source. Mobula rays (Mobula thurstoni) are also known to frequent the area, often moving in groups, and the swift, sleek profiles of eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) can offer a memorable surprise during the dive. These larger visitors highlight the productive nature of this underwater landscape.
Diving Banc 06: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
Banc 06 is accessible from Open Water Diver certification due to its shallow depth profile, ranging from 14 to 19 metres. While typically calm, the best time to dive here is between April and November, outside the rainy season. Visibility can be affected at other times but is generally good during this period.
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Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Nosy Be
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Hotels in Nosy Be
Board a liveaboard from Nosy Be
1 liveaboard departs from Nosy Be another way to explore the region, over several days at sea.
Frequently asked questions about Banc 06
When should you dive Banc 06 for the best conditions?
You can dive Banc 06 between April and November, outside the rainy season. During this period, visibility is generally good. At other times, visibility can be affected, so planning your visit within this seasonal window may give you clearer views across the shallow plateau and its marine life.
What certification and depth should you expect at Banc 06?
Banc 06 is accessible to you with an Open Water Diver certification because of its shallow profile. The plateau begins at 14 metres and slopes gently to a maximum depth of 19 metres. Its consistent depth range gives you room to explore the flat-topped structure and its inhabitants.
What are the currents like at Banc 06?
Conditions at Banc 06 are typically calm, making the site approachable for you as you explore its submerged plateau. The calm conditions suit the shallow profile, which ranges from 14 to 19 metres. Visibility is generally good between April and November, while other periods can affect what you see.
What might you see while diving Banc 06?
At Banc 06, you can encounter frequent, large schools of fish across the plateau, along with large moray eels in crevices and underhangs. Manta rays, mobula rays and eagle rays are also possible sightings. These pelagic visitors are drawn by the abundant food provided by the schooling fish.
