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 those who wish to bring a kitchen cupboard or motorcycle - it's not a problem!

The complete voyage can take between 7 and 15 hours depending on the direction of the wind and waves. The departure times will depend on weather and tide. In case the weather is too bad, the departure will be delayed until the next day or until as soon as the weather conditions improve. Ideally, it will be calm and the entire voyage will be an incredibly scenic cruise where dolphins and other marine life be spotted.

The boat cruises a few kilometres off the coastline and a few nautical miles after Nosy Ankao (above) when coming from Diego Suarez to Vohemar, just before a rocky cape shortly 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 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 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, 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 sacred cape to sacrifice zebu as part of the Famangiana tany manintsy ceremonies at Ambavan'Iharana.

Usually, departure from either Vohemar or Diego is at 3am so that arrival can be expected the end of the day. Luggage can be loaded the evening before and passengers are welcome to stay onboard overnight. Alternatively, turn up at the harbor no later than 30 minutes before the announced departure time.

There is no catering service onboard and the kitchen is mainly intended for crew but who will likely to offer a few hungry passengers rice and fish along the way. In any case, bring enough food and drink for the entire trip.