Difference between revisions of "Big Samy"
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[[File:Samy Express 101.jpg|600px]] | [[File:Samy Express 101.jpg|600px]] | ||
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When arriving in [[Vohemar]], passengers travelling further to [[Sambava]] and [[Antalaha]] can pre-book a taxi-brousse connecting directly with the boat on arrival in Vohemar. Otherwise, an overnight stay at [[Paradisia]] or another hotel in [[Vohemar#Accommodation|Vohemar]] is recommended. | When arriving in [[Vohemar]], passengers travelling further to [[Sambava]] and [[Antalaha]] can pre-book a taxi-brousse connecting directly with the boat on arrival in Vohemar. Otherwise, an overnight stay at [[Paradisia]] or another hotel in [[Vohemar#Accommodation|Vohemar]] is recommended. | ||
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The price for the boat between Diego and Vohemar is 100,000 Ariary or 110,000 Ar with an onward taxi-brousse transport to Sambava. | The price for the boat between Diego and Vohemar is 100,000 Ariary or 110,000 Ar with an onward taxi-brousse transport to Sambava. | ||
| − | == Diego Suarez == | + | For further information and reservations, contact the ticket offices in [[Sambava]] (Head Office), [[Vohemar]] or [[Diego Suarez]]. |
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| + | == Diego Suarez office == | ||
[[File:Samy Express 001.jpg|200px|left]] | [[File:Samy Express 001.jpg|200px|left]] | ||
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Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 / +261 (0)32 40 169 09<br clear="all"> | Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 / +261 (0)32 40 169 09<br clear="all"> | ||
| − | == Vohemar == | + | == Vohemar office == |
[[File:Samy Express 095.jpg|200px|left]] | [[File:Samy Express 095.jpg|200px|left]] | ||
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Tel: +261 (0)32 27 889 57 / +261 (0)32 62 075 08<br clear="all"> | Tel: +261 (0)32 27 889 57 / +261 (0)32 62 075 08<br clear="all"> | ||
| − | == Sambava == | + | == Sambava office == |
[[File:Samy Express 103.jpg|200px|left|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_103.jpg]] | [[File:Samy Express 103.jpg|200px|left|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_103.jpg]] | ||
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Contact: Hortensia<br> | Contact: Hortensia<br> | ||
Tel: +261 (0)32 40 169 08<br clear="all"> | Tel: +261 (0)32 40 169 08<br clear="all"> | ||
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Revision as of 12:01, 29 January 2020
Big Samy is a passenger ship operating between Diego Suarez and Vohemar. The service began in 2020 and can carry up to 150 passengers with plenty of luggage, even those who wish to bring a motorcycle - not a problem! The service operates during the rainy season while the road between Ambilobe and Vohemar is virtually impassable. During this times, the boat is always the faster option.
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The complete boat trip can take between 7 and 15 hours depending on the direction of wind and waves. The departure times can vary depending on weather and in case the weather is too bad, departures will be delayed until the next day or as soon as the weather conditions improve. Ideally, it will be calm and sunny and the voyage will be a scenic cruise where dolphins and other marine life can be spotted.
The boat cruises a few kilometres off the coastline. When coming from Diego Suarez to [[Vohemar], not long after Nosy Ankao (above)], shortly before passing a rocky cape ahead of Bay of Adravina 12°53'43.9"S 49°51'22.6"E, passengers will be asked to remain silent and women to wear their hair down.
Some passengers will appear frightened during the approximately 20-minute eerie passage. The use of mobile phones and other electronics are prohibited, presumably to avoid disturbing the spirits of sailors who may have drowned at this spot. For some reason, the same fady does not apply when passing the cape in the opposite direction.
If the fady is broken, a maritime accident or other trouble is believed to follow. Every four years, members of the surrounding Sakalava-Anjoaty tribe meet up near the sacred cape to sacrifice zebu as part of the Famangiana tany manintsy ceremonies at Ambavan'Iharana.
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Usually, departures from Vohemar and Diego is at 3am so that arrivals can be sure before the end of the day. Luggage can be loaded the evening before and passengers are welcome to stay onboard overnight. Alternatively, they are required to turn up at the harbor no later than 30 minutes before the announced departure time.
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There is no catering service onboard and the kitchen is mainly intended for crew members but who may offer hungry passengers rice and fish along the way. In any case, bring enough food and drink for the entire trip.
When arriving in Vohemar, passengers travelling further to Sambava and Antalaha can pre-book a taxi-brousse connecting directly with the boat on arrival in Vohemar. Otherwise, an overnight stay at Paradisia or another hotel in Vohemar is recommended.
The price for the boat between Diego and Vohemar is 100,000 Ariary or 110,000 Ar with an onward taxi-brousse transport to Sambava.
For further information and reservations, contact the ticket offices in Sambava (Head Office), Vohemar or Diego Suarez.
Diego Suarez office
Opposite Galana petrol station on RN6 en route Arrachart Airport
Lot. A109AMH
Diego Suarez
Contact: Patricia
Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 / +261 (0)32 40 169 09
Vohemar office
Next to Hôtel Côcô Plage
Vohemar
Contact: Beandalana
Tel: +261 (0)32 27 889 57 / +261 (0)32 62 075 08
Sambava office
Samy Express Head Office
Antanifotsy
Sambava
Contact: Hortensia
Tel: +261 (0)32 40 169 08
