Emerald Sea

The Emerald Sea (Mer d'Emeraude) is located north of the entrance of Diego Suarez Bay, one of the most beautiful and largest natural bays in the world. Emerald Sea is one of three enclosed bays in Diego Suarez and about 20 kilometres in boundary.

A visit to the north of Madagascar should include a trip to the Emerald Sea. The ideal time is during the rainy season from November to March, when the water is clearer and warmer. Organised boat transfers leave from Ramena Beach (between 40,000 Ariary and 55,000 Ariary per person) or Port Jasmin (about 60,000 Ariary per person) in Diego Suarez. The boat ride takes about one hour. Usually organised tours provide beside the transfer also snorkelling equipment as well as lunch at a deserted island. Local fishermen at Ramena Beach are willing to take passengers for a much smaller price to the Emerald Sea.

Even from space the colours of the Emerald Sea are highly visible. The first meters of the bay are shallow turning the water emerald, thereafter the water gets a bit deeper turning the colour turquoise instead of blue black.

Several mainly deserted islands with great empty beaches frame the bay. Beside sunbathing and swimming, Emerald Sea is ideal for snorkelling, kite-surfing and windsurfing. It is also possible to stay overnight in one of the few hotels on the mainland next to the bay. Babaomby Island Lodge offers accommodation in African safari-style tents.

Islands framing the Emerald Sea are: Nosy Antaly Be, Nosy Antaly Kely, Nosy Lava, Nosy Diego, Nosy Toreky and Nosy Suarez.