Tropical Diving

Tropical Diving has been operating in Nosy Be, Madagascar, since 2008. The centre is a small-scale, family-run operation that focuses on providing high-quality service for daily diving trips throughout the local archipelago.

Located directly on the beach in the village of Ambatoloaka, the centre offers easy access to the water. Boats depart from the beach immediately in front of the shop, and for those staying at hotels along the Ambatoloaka or Madirokely beaches, hotel pick-up is available.

The centre is led by Jean-Michel, a professional with over 20 years of experience in the diving industry. The team consists of three expert instructors who are all local to the Nosy Be area. Unlike many larger operations, the centre does not use trainees or temporary staff, ensuring a consistent level of expertise on every trip.

Safety is a core priority for the team, supported by a strong history of safe diving operations. All dives are led by experienced divemasters, and the centre maintains a strict ratio of six divers per guide to ensure close supervision and personalised attention.

Tropical Diving offers training through both PADI and CMAS affiliations. For those looking to experience the underwater world for the first time, they provide PADI Discover Scuba (maximum depth of 6m) and PADI Discover Scuba Diving (maximum depth of 12m).

While the current data focuses on these introductory programmes, the centre's professional structure and local expertise are well-suited to supporting divers as they progress through their certification journeys.

The centre operates speed boats specifically designed for diving, featuring rear platforms to make entries and exits easier for divers. Each boat has a capacity for up to six divers and is equipped with sun protection, a GPS, a sounder, and GSM connectivity. For safety, oxygen kits and first aid kits are carried on board every vessel.

On shore, the centre maintains a well-equipped facility with regularly serviced and renewed kit. They provide 20 complete Scubapro sets for hire and have a large inventory of 40 aluminium 12-litre cylinders, available in both DIN and INT valves. Air is supplied by two new Bauer compressors.

Safety equipment is readily available, with oxygen kits maintained at both the dive shop and on the boats. The centre also provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit.

The reefs of Nosy Be are home to a vast array of pelagic life. You can encounter whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), and occasionally hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) or manta rays (Mobula alfredi). During October and November, the area becomes a prime location for seeing whale sharks (Rhincodon typus).

For those interested in larger marine life, humpback whales are also present in the region from August to October. You may also spot dolphins (Delphinidae) during your boat transfers to the various dive sites.

On the reef itself, the biodiversity is immense. You will find various species of turtles (Cheloniidae), including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), alongside large groupers (Epinephelus), barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), and various species of jacks (Carangidae). The coral gardens are populated by colourful reef fish, including angelfish, triggerfish (Balistidae), and fusiliers (Caesio).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe among the corals and sponges. The sites host a variety of nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and stonefish (Synanceia). You can also look for blue-spotted stingrays (Hypanus americanus), leaf fish, and various species of seahorses (Hippocampus kuda).

The best time to visit the archipelago is between March-April and November-December. During October and November, a profusion of plankton in the water attracts whale sharks to the area.

The dive sites vary from shallow reefs and sandy plateaus to deep walls and canyons, catering to different experience levels and interests.