Diego Suarez excursions: Red Tsingys, Amber Mountain & bay tours

Pick your Diego Suarez destination and let the guide handle the route

Guided excursions in Diego Suarez, Madagascar, visit one of twelve northern sites (from Red Tsingys rock formations to Amber Mountain to the Emerald Sea) with a bilingual guide, private transport, lunch and bottled water included. Trips range from one to seven hours depending on the site. Pickup is included, and children from age two are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Diego Suarez's natural sites

• Visit Red Tsingys
• Explore Amber Mountain
• See Three Bays
• Visit Emerald Sea
• Tour Ankarana Reserve
• Visit Antalaha Bay
• See Sacred Lake
• Visit Mahery Lake
• Explore Nosy Hara
• Visit Ampasindava
• See Windsor Castle
• Visit Ramena

The experience

The excursions work around a simple choice: you pick the destination, and the operator handles the logistics. Red Tsingys draws visitors for its rust-colored needle rock formations rising from the landscape. Amber Mountain offers forest trails and volcanic terrain. Three Bays, Antalaha Bay, Emerald Sea and Nosy Hara each deliver different angles on the turquoise water and mountain backdrop that frame this corner of Madagascar. Ankarana Reserve, Sacred Lake, Mahery Lake, Windsor Castle, Ramena and Ampasindava round out the menu: each one a distinct landscape rather than a variation on the same stop.

Transport is private, so the van moves at the pace of your group alone. A bilingual guide speaks English and French throughout the day, and the itinerary is built to get you back to the ship on time. A deliberate constraint that keeps the excursion from running long. Lunch and bottled water arrive as part of the booking, so you eat on-site without hunting for a restaurant or negotiating a separate meal stop.

The trips themselves range from a morning outing to a full day depending on which site you choose. Wheelchair-accessible transport is available, and children from age two travel without issue. Specialized infant seats come standard if you need one. The route adapts to your group's fitness level, so the walk stays moderate rather than strenuous.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from your hotel or ship.
• a bilingual guide in English or French.
• lunch and bottled water.
• wheelchair-accessible transport and infant seats if needed.

Options for this experience

9 options

Tuk Tuk city tourGuide in English or French · 18 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 23:30City tour by tuk-tuk. Pickup is included.

Emerald SeaGuide in English or French · 13 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Emerald Sea. Pickup is included.

Natural swimming pool by boatGuide in English or French · 9 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 23:30Emerald Sea swimming pool: private boat check-out to the crystal-clear water known as the Emerald Sea Pool. Pickup is included.

See 6 more options

Three BerriesGuide in English or French · 20 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Three Berries. Pickup is included.

Amber Mountain, full dayGuide in English or French · 20 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Amber Mountain Park. Pickup is included.

Bay of AntalahaGuide in English or French · 10 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Visit to the Bay of Antalaha. Pickup is included.

Ankarana reserveGuide in English or French · 7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Ankarana Park tour lasting 3 hours. Pickup is included.

Sacred Lake and Red TsingyGuide in English or French · 10 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Combined visit: the Red Tsingy in the morning, then the sacred Lake of Antagnavo and the legend of the sacred Crocodiles in the afternoon. Pickup is included.

Red TsingyGuide in English or French · 20 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 23:30Red Tsingy visit. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day19 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (7 to 15 years): free · Infant (2 to 6 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by North Gascar Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the destination that matches your interests (Red Tsingys for dramatic rock formations, Amber Mountain for forest and volcanic terrain, Three Bays or Emerald Sea for water and coastline), and the guide and transport adapt to that choice. The fixed return time is what keeps the excursion from running past your ship's departure, so you can book with confidence even on a port day with a tight schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years): free; Infant (2 to 6 years): free.

What are the Red Tsingys and why do people travel to see them?

Red Tsingys are dramatic rust-colored rock formations that jut up from the landscape near Diego Suarez, creating a striking natural sculpture that draws photographers and geology enthusiasts. The excursion visits this site as one of the twelve available destinations.

How long does each excursion take, and can I choose a shorter trip if I have limited time?

Excursions range from one hour to seven hours depending on which destination you select. Shorter trips suit travelers with a morning or afternoon free, while full-day options like Amber Mountain or Ankarana Reserve give you time to explore at a slower pace.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch and bottled water are included in every excursion. Dietary needs can be arranged when you book. Mention any restrictions at checkout so the operator can prepare accordingly.

Do I need my own transportation, or does the tour provide pickup?

Private transportation is included in the excursion price, and pickup from your hotel or ship is part of the booking. The van is wheelchair accessible, and the driver times the return to match your ship's departure schedule.