Migratory cruise from Morondava to Majunga

In the afternoon, meet at the pontoon of the Club House Nofy Be, in Morondava. At high tide, we set sail aboard the magnificent Goélette Nofy Be ("Grand Dream"), for a first long navigation towards the Barren archipelago, north of Morondava. (105 nautical miles +/- 24h).

Two days of sailing in the Barren Archipelago, starting with the southernmost island: Nosy Mangily. These islands are inhabited seasonally by nomadic Vezo people who migrate there for fishing. We will stay in contact with this population for a few hours, and learn how they live on these islands. The swimming is often excellent and the snorkeling superb, there will be an opportunity, for those interested, to practice underwater hunting. Fishing is abundant there…on the menu fish and more fish.

The next day, departure in the morning for Nosy Andrano then Nosy Dondosy, where we will anchor for the night. Snorkeling, swimming and strolls on these islets, one of which was a former guano extraction mine, a fertilizing substance composed of droppings from seabirds and bats, used as fertilizer.

Early departure for a short navigation of 1h30 to 2h, snorkeling and a walk on this beautiful island to discover sea turtle nesting sites.

Navigation towards Nosy Maroantaly, the closest to Maintirano. Depending on the tides, we will anchor there for the night or continue towards Maintirano.

If the tide and sea conditions permit, a short stop in Maintirano to stock up on some fruits and vegetables.

We will then embark on a long navigation of about twenty hours.

Entering the Manongosa River estuary to begin, as soon as the tide allows, the 25km journey up this stunning red river. There on our route we will be able to observe in more detail this part of Madagascar isolated from the world. In this river a few crocodiles, but also many fishermen, scenes of life from another time. Arrival at Besalampy, a small landlocked town with bright colors, only accessible by sea and these 25km of river during the rainy season.

Dinner at the "Port" on board the boat followed by a few drinks in the lively bars of the town. Night on board or in one of the basic bungalows at the Bellevue hotel, the only one in town, for those who want to return to solid ground for a night.

The next day, free day on land. Departure in late afternoon or as soon as the tide allows.

Arrival at Vilamatsa, visit this village to the east of the cape closest to Africa. Walk along an endless white sandy beach with its stranded container wrecks to the lighthouse, with its breathtaking view of where the turquoise waters of the north meet the red waters of the south.

Return on board for night navigation.

Weather permitting, we enter the Bay and sail down to Soalala for a brief village visit and formalities to access Baly Bay National Park. Boat crossing to visit the National Park, which is the unique habitat of the endemic Angonoka tortoise, a tortoise that does not leave the borders of Soalala, also called Astrochelys yniphora or Horned Tortoise, a threatened species with high protection value classified as "rare". Among other rare animals, you will also find the freshwater tortoise with high protection value, classified as "endangered" (Erymnochelys madagascariensis), as well as the marine mammal Dugong.

Departure in late afternoon for a long voyage to Nosy Makamby.