Snorkeling in Emerald Sea from Antsiranana: Traditional boat

Swim and snorkel a sandbar in the Emerald Sea, then eat lunch prepared on the beach

Snorkel the Emerald Sea, a turquoise lagoon off Antsiranana, Madagascar, on a traditional Malagasy boat with port pickup, free time on a sandbar or small island, and lunch of grilled fish and coconut rice prepared on site. The six-hour day trip includes transportation from the cruise port and fits cruise schedules with a guaranteed return time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Emerald Sea boat trip and lunch

• Check out from Antsiranana port
• Transfer to Ramena coastal village
• Board traditional Malagasy boat
• Sail over turquoise waters
• Swim and snorkel at sandbar or island
• Relax on beach or walk
• Enjoy grilled fish and coconut rice lunch
• Return to Ramena and then port

The experience

The Emerald Sea sits off the coast near Antsiranana, and the day starts with pickup at the port and a short ride to the village of Ramena. From there you board a traditional wooden boat and sail across turquoise, shallow water toward a sandbar or small isolated island. The boat ride itself is the pace of the day: quiet and unhurried, with time to watch the water change color as you move deeper into the lagoon.

Once you reach the sandbar or island, the time is yours. Snorkel among tropical fish in warm, clear water; swim in the shallows; walk the beach; or simply rest in the sun. The water stays shallow enough that you can stand, and the fish are close enough to see without diving. A guide in English, Italian, French or German is with the group throughout, though the focus here is on what you choose to do, not on a scheduled itinerary of stops.

Lunch arrives prepared on site: grilled fish and coconut rice, cooked fresh in the natural setting. After eating and a final swim or rest, the boat returns to Ramena and then back to the port in time to reboard your cruise ship. The whole day runs six hours, timed so you don't miss your departure.

What’s included

• Private transportation from the cruise port to Ramena and back.
• entrance to the Emerald Sea lagoon.
• a traditional Malagasy boat for the full day.
• a guide in English, Italian, French or German.
• lunch of grilled fish and coconut rice prepared on site.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:30

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by North Gascar Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from the cruise port means you don't need a car or arrange transport on your own. The boat leaves from Ramena, a short drive from Antsiranana, and the return is timed to your ship's schedule so you stay on track for departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Italian.

What is the Emerald Sea like for snorkeling?

The Emerald Sea is a shallow lagoon with turquoise water and tropical fish visible from the surface. You snorkel from a sandbar or small island where the water stays warm and clear, and you can stand in most spots.

How does pickup work if I'm on a cruise ship?

The tour includes pickup at the Antsiranana port as soon as you disembark. A driver takes you to the coastal village of Ramena, where you board the traditional boat. The return is timed to get you back to the port before your ship leaves.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is grilled fish and coconut rice, prepared fresh on the beach. It's included in the tour price and served on site during your time on the sandbar or island.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. The water is shallow and calm, and the guide is with the group. The tour suits all fitness levels, and you can swim or rest instead of snorkeling if you prefer.

How long is the whole day?

The tour runs six hours from pickup at the port to your return, including the boat ride, time on the island, lunch and the journey back to the ship.