Private Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve Tour with Lunch

Summary

Snorkel coral reefs & taste Malagasy lunch on Nosy Tanikely

You’ll swim above colorful coral reefs at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, spot sea turtles and lemurs with your local guide, and enjoy grilled Malagasy seafood under coconut palms. With snorkeling gear provided and a traditional lunch included, it’s a day of wild nature and simple pleasures you’ll remember long after the salt has faded from your skin.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to float above a coral garden, just you and the fish? That’s how our day started at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve. The boat ride from Nosy Be was salty and bright—our guide, Faly, handed out sweet banana chips while telling us about the island’s name (something about “little land,” but I probably misheard). I could smell sunscreen mixing with sea air. When we anchored, the water was so clear I could see flashes of blue and yellow darting below before even getting my mask on.

I’m not a pro snorkeler—honestly, I get nervous with fins—but Faly showed me how to use the mini scuba tank. It was only 10 minutes but felt like forever in the best way. There were giant clams that looked like velvet purses and a turtle gliding by so close I almost forgot to breathe. My friend tried saying “turtle” in Malagasy; Faly laughed and corrected him gently (I still can’t pronounce it). We saw stingrays too, just shadows at first, then suddenly right there.

After drying off under some palm trees (and eating mango that tasted like sunshine), we took an easy walk through the jungle. Lemurs watched us from above—one even dropped something on my shoulder, which Faly said was good luck. The path led up to an old lighthouse built in 1805. The view over the archipelago made me quiet for a minute—I didn’t expect to feel so small and happy at once. On the other side of the island, black sand met sharp rocks where megabats hung upside down like weird fruit.

Lunch was grilled seafood and zebu stew under coconut palms—simple but perfect after swimming all morning. Someone passed around homemade rum punch (fruity but strong) while we swapped stories about failed underwater photos. I still think about that view from the lighthouse sometimes when I need a mental escape, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve Tour

• Full-day snorkelling and scuba diving
• Easy jungle trek to lighthouse
• Walk around island admiring coast and wildlife
• Malagasy lunch on white sandy coast

Top questions

How do you get to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve from Nosy Be?

The tour includes private boat transportation from Nosy Be to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for guests during the trip.

Do you need a diving license for the mini scuba experience?

No diving license is required for the 10–15 minute mini scuba tank experience offered on this tour.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

A traditional Malagasy lunch is served on the beach under coconut palms, including grilled seafood and zebu stew or chicken dishes.

Are drinks included in the tour?

Yes, soft drinks, water, local beer, Malagasy Coco punch, fruit-flavored rums (for adults), and fresh tropical fruits are provided throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

The tour includes private transportation but does not specify hotel pickup; check with your operator for details.

Can you see wildlife on Nosy Tanikely island?

Yes, visitors often see lemurs, chameleons, megabats, lizards, and many tropical fish while exploring the island.

How long is the trek around Nosy Tanikely?

The trek around the island takes about one hour at an easy pace with your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes private boat transportation from Nosy Be to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve with a local guide leading snorkeling or mini scuba sessions above vibrant coral reefs. All snorkeling gear is provided along with snacks like banana chips and fresh tropical fruits. You’ll enjoy a traditional Malagasy lunch of grilled seafood or zebu stew under coconut palms by the beach. Drinks—including soft drinks, water, beer, Coco punch, and fruit rums—are available throughout. A local phone card with internet access is also provided for use during your trip.