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 Rêve"), for a long sailing passage 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, learn how they live on these islands. The swimming is often very good and snorkelling is superb, there will be the possibility, 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. Snorkelling, swimming and walks 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 2 hours, snorkelling and a walk on this very 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 proceed towards Maintirano.

Weather and sea conditions permitting, a short stop in Maintirano to stock up on fruit and vegetables.

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

Entering the estuary of the Manongosa river to begin, as soon as the tide permits, the 25km journey upriver in 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 in Besalampy, a small landlocked town with vibrant 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 dry land for a night.

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

Arrival in Vilamatsa, visit of this village to the east of the cape closest to Africa. Walk along an endless white sandy beach with its wrecked container carcasses leading to the lighthouse, with its breathtaking view of the meeting of the turquoise waters of the north with the red waters of the south.

Return on board for night sailing.

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

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