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'''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 kicthen cupboard motorcycle - no not a problem!'''
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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 until as soon as the weather is goodgets better. The complete voyage can take between 7 and 15 hours depending on the direction of the windand waves. Ideally, it will be calm and beautiful and the entire voyage will be an incredibly scenic cruise where dolphins can easily be spotted.
[[File:Big Samy 055.jpg|600px]]
The boat goes cruises a few kilometres off the coastline and a . A few nautical miles after passing [[Nosy Ankao]] (pictured above) and when coming from [[Diego Suarez]] to [[Vohemar]], just before a rocky cape shortly ahead of Bay of Adravina [https://goo.gl/maps/zrbVASZX6iv 12°53'43.9"S 49°51'22.6"E], passengers are will be asked to be remain silent and all women are to wear their hair down.
[[File:Samy Express 067.jpg|600px]]
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 passing the cape in the opposite direction.
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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 [http://www.midi-madagasikara.mg/culture/2018/10/23/ceremonie-culturelle-ambavaniharana-lieu-de-consolidation 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 darkexpected the end of the day.
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Luggage can be loaded on the evening before and passengers are also welcome to stay onboard overnight on the boat. Alternatively, turn up at the harbor no not 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 will likely to offer hungry passengers some rice and fish to hungry passangersalong the way. In any case, bring enough food and drink for the entire trip.
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