Feeling the urge to dive? In this new edition of « Cast Off », we present a selection of breathtaking dive destinations. In our previous issues, we explored fascinating cruises. Today, get ready to dive in Madagascar, discover Saba and Saint Kitts, and explore the captivating waters of Komodo.
The lesser-known: Itineraries away from the crowds in Madagascar
Madagascar is often synonymous with Nosy Be, famous for encounters with whales, manta rays, and sharks. While Nosy Be remains a must-see destination, a cruise departing from this mythical island will allow you to discover lesser-known yet equally magnificent archipelagos.
Radames and Mitsio Archipelago
The itineraries notably include the Radames and Mitsio archipelagos. In the heart of the Radames islands, you will dive into the Mozambique Channel. The coral reefs and deep drop-offs harbor spectacular wildlife: mantas, groupers, bumphead parrotfish, and mackerels.
The Mitsio archipelago is isolated and preserved, with turquoise waters of exceptional visibility. You will encounter a vibrant biodiversity: immense gorgonians, schools of barracudas, tuna, and various sharks. Underwater exploration also reveals interesting formations like tunnels and caves, not to mention snorkeling sites, located at less than 15 meters deep.
On the surface
Discover the unique nature of Madagascar with its iconic lemurs and baobabs forming extraordinary forests. Enjoy the hospitality of the inhabitants in the Radames islands and explore the many volcanic islands, of which only one is inhabited.
Practical
- Time difference: +2 hours in winter, +1 hour in summer.
- Water temperature: 28°C (December to May), 25°C (June to November).
- Ideal season: July to November.
- Equipment: 3 to 5 mm wetsuit.
- Diving level: beginner to advanced.
- Budget: 7-night cruise with flights, full board, and 10 dives, starting from €2,083.
- Organizers: Aquarev, SeaCruch, H2O Voyage, C6Bo, Spots d’Évasion, Nature Plongée, Abyssworld, Ultramarina.
The Caribbean: The winning duo, Saba and Saint Kitts
Head to the Caribbean for a cruise departing from the Dutch island of Saba towards Saint Kitts. Saba is distinguished by its marine park protected since 1987, surrounded by pinnacles teeming with life. Saint Kitts, with its magnificent reefs and diverse landscapes, offers intriguing wrecks to explore.
Diving around Saba
Dives near Saba will allow you to observe eagle rays, green and hawksbill turtles, as well as schools of jacks and barracudas. The seabed also hosts crustaceans, frogfish, lionfish, and seahorses.
Behind Saba, pinnacles covered with corals and sponges offer drift dives. In Saint Kitts, visibility is excellent, and you can dive on coral atolls inhabited by turtles and tropical fish. Green morays, stingrays, and nurse sharks are common, as are wrecks like the River Taw, rich in marine life.
On the surface
Saba and Saint Kitts offer landscapes of lush tropical forests. Don’t miss visiting its picturesque villages. If you’re adventurous, climb to the summit of Mount Scenery for a spectacular view over this volcanic island.
Practical
- Time difference: -5 hours in winter, -6 hours in summer.
- Water temperature: 25°C (January to June), 28°C (July to December).
- Ideal season: November to July.
- Equipment: 3 to 5 mm wetsuit.
- Diving level: beginner to advanced.
- Budget: 7-night cruise including flights, full board, and 3 to 5 dives per day starting from €3,460.
- Organizers: Aquarev, Ultramarina, C6Bo.
The mysterious: At the heart of the Komodo Biosphere Reserve
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Komodo is famous for its giant lizards, often called Komodo dragons. Besides being a destination for nature enthusiasts, it is highly sought after by divers.
Diving in Komodo
Komodo National Park is best explored via a cruise, allowing access to more remote sites and optimizing your water time. Departing from Bali or Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, these cruises allow for the exploration of waters rich in biodiversity.
Strong currents attract many species, making the dives sporty. Therefore, a confirmed diving level is recommended. The seafloor is a true festival of life: tuna, eagle rays, schools of barracudas, and manta rays coexist here, not to mention cetaceans.
On the surface
The cruises often propose excursions on the island of Komodo. There, you will encounter the largest lizard in the world and discover typical Indonesian landscapes, with coasts dotted with bays and spectacular beaches.
Practical
- Time difference: +6 hours in summer, +7 hours in winter.
- Water temperature: 20-25°C in the south, 25-28°C in the north.
- Ideal season: April to August.
- Equipment: 3 to 5 mm wetsuit.
- Diving level: confirmed due to currents.
- Budget: 7-night cruise with flights, full board, and 20 dives starting from €2,655.
- Organizers: majority of tour operators.
The pros’ choice
A Sardine Run in Mexico
Natacha from Dune proposes a cruise to Bahia Magdalena.
Why this destination?
From mid-October to late November, sardines and mackerels move along the coasts. It’s the perfect time to observe marlins and sea lions in a frenetic hunt, to admire while snorkeling.
What else to see?
The waters are full of surprises: humpback whales, dolphins, silky and blue sharks.
Find out more: cruise from October 24 to November 4, 2024, including full board, flights, and 3 to 4 dives per day. Starting from €4,970. www.dune-world.com
A cruise in Cuba
Gaël from Subocea proposes cruises to the Gardens of the Queen.
Why this destination?
This marine park offers exceptional underwater encounters: grey, silky, nurse sharks, and groupers over 100 kg!
What’s the little extra of this cruise?
Accessible only by cruise, the number of divers is limited for unparalleled tranquility in the crystal-clear waters.
Find out more: cruise including flights, full board, and several dives per day starting from €4,050, from November 22 to December 2, 2024. www.subocea.com
GPS coordinates
- Madagascar: 12°49′52″S – 048°37′08″E
- Saba: 17°37’06” N – 063°13’49”W
- Komodo: 08°35’21”S – 119°27’44”E
- Mexico: 24°37’29”N – 111°58’24”W
- Cuba: 20°40’07”N – 078°57’45”W
This article, originally written by Margot Harty for the print edition of PLONGEZ!, has been adapted for the web.