Ylang Dive Center

Ylang Dive Center is a premium diving operation situated directly on the beachfront in Ambatoloaka, on the island of Nosy Be. Set within the Maison Ylang hotel, the centre provides an intimate and exclusive environment for divers looking to explore the marine life of Madagascar away from the larger crowds.

The centre operates with a strong commitment to sustainability, utilizing solar energy, a zero-plastic policy, and an on-site wastewater treatment system. This approach ensures that your exploration of the local reefs remains as respectful to the environment as possible.

The team consists of certified SSI instructors who provide personalised instruction for every level of diver. Whether you are looking for your first experience in the water or progressing through advanced certifications, the instruction is tailored to your specific needs.

Communication is seamless for international visitors, as the team is fluent in both French and English. The centre's location within a boutique hotel also means you can enjoy amenities like a private pool for training or relaxing on the terrace between dives.

As an SSI affiliated centre, Ylang Dive Center offers a comprehensive range of training programmes. This starts with introductory Discover Scuba Diving sessions (Baptême) and moves through the full SSI certification ladder, including Open Water and Advanced SSI courses.

For more experienced divers, the centre also provides technical diving training. This allows you to push your boundaries and explore more complex underwater environments with professional guidance.

Excursions are conducted from two 12-metre fast motorboats named Cananga and Vanille. To maintain an exclusive atmosphere, each trip is limited to a maximum of 12 divers.

The boats are well-equipped for comfort during transit, featuring shaded areas, leather seating, and on-board facilities including freshwater showers and toilets. You will also find refreshments such as fresh water, coffee, tea, and homemade treats available during your trip.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment, meaning you can arrive with nothing more than your personal items. This includes high-quality wetsuits, regulators, and fins, all of which are included in your diving packages.

For those who prefer to use their own gear, the centre offers full rental services for masks and snorkelling kit. The facility is designed for convenience, allowing you to rinse your gear and prepare for your next dive in a professional setting.

The reefs around Nosy Be are teeming with life, particularly around sites like Tanikely. You can regularly observe whitetip sharks patrolling the area, alongside various species of turtles and octopuses navigating the coral structures.

The biodiversity of the reef is supported by a vast array of colourful fish and healthy coral formations, providing a rich backdrop for every dive.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty of opportunities to spot octopuses and other smaller creatures tucked away within the reef architecture.

The optimal time to visit for the best marine conditions is between April and December. It is important to note that the centre is closed during February due to the cyclone season.

Local divers should plan their trips around the seasonal shifts to ensure the best possible experience when exploring the reefs and surrounding waters.