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, even those who wish to bring a motorcycle - it's not a problem!

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.

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.

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.

For further information, contact Samy Express in Sambava (Head Office), Vohemar or Diego Suarez.