Nosy Komba vs Tanikely: which to choose?
Nosy Komba charms visitors with artisan villages and friendly lemurs, while Tanikely is a protected marine park. Use the group’s priorities and the day’s conditions to choose between them.
Komba and Tanikely compared
Nosy Komba is an inhabited volcanic island reached after a 30-minute sail from Ambatoloaka. The day alternates between Antamontamo village, the craft market, encounters with black lemurs and a home-cooked lunch. Seas can be choppier but the reefs are perfect for beginner snorkellers.
Nosy Tanikely is a protected marine reserve 25 minutes away. The island is uninhabited: you come for snorkelling in 28 °C water, swimming with green turtles, parrotfish and plate corals. Climb the old lighthouse for a 360° view over Nosy Be and Lokobe.
How to combine them? Families with children usually snorkel in Tanikely in the morning and explore Komba in the afternoon. Experienced swimmers can spend longer at Tanikely to freedive near the northern tip, while culture lovers enjoy Komba’s embroidery workshops and Robusta coffee tasting.
Mind the tide: in Tanikely the shore gets rocky at high tide, so start at 7:30 a.m. In Komba the sea often builds up after 2 p.m.; plan the return accordingly. Ginot adapts the schedule. The boat can be shared with other travellers or private, depending on the selected price.
FAQ
Best season
April to December offers the calmest seas. From June to September the swell can make docking at Komba more difficult; start with Tanikely in the morning and adjust the afternoon stop to the conditions.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Basic swimming ability is recommended. Before booking, confirm whether a life vest, assistance buoy or in-water support is available.
What’s included?
From €60 per person. The boat can be shared with other travellers or private, depending on the selected price. Snorkeling gear and towels are not included. Any other inclusions are confirmed before departure.