Big Samy

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 space, even if you want to bring a kitchen sink or motorcycle - no problem!

The exact departure times depend on weather and tide. In case the weather is too bad, the departure will be delayed until the next day or as soon as the weather is good. The voyage can take between 7 and 15 hours depending on wind. Ideally, it will be calm and beautiful and the entire voyage will be an incredibly scenic cruise where dolphins can easily be spotted.

The boat goes a few kilometres off the coastline and a few nautical miles after passing Nosy Ankao (above) when coming from Diego to Vohemar, just before a rocky cape shortly ahead of Bay of Adravina 12°53'43.9"S 49°51'22.6"E, passengers are asked to be silent and all women are to wear their hair down.

Some passengers will appear fearful 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 drowned at this spot. For some reason, the same fady does not apply when travelling the opposite direction.

If the fady is broken, perhaps a maritime accident or other trouble is believed to follow. Every four years, members of the surrounding Sakalava-Anjoaty tribe meet up near the cape to sacrifice zebu as part of the Famangiana tany manintsy ceremonies at Ambavan'Iharana.

Usually, departure time from either Vohemar or Diego is at 3am so that arrival can be sure before dark.

Luggage can be loaded on the evening before and passengers are also welcome to stay overnight on the boat. Alternatively, turn up at the harbor no later than 30 minutes before departure.

There is no catering service onboard and the kitchen is mainly intended for members of the crew but who are likely to offer some rice and fish to hungry passangers. In any case, bring enough food and drink for the entire trip.