Madagascar
Discovering the Eighth Continent
Day 6 - Iles Mitsio
Itinerary - 7 Nights North of Nosy Be Day 1 - Nosy Be / Tanikely
Embarkation from 9-12 am at Hellville, Nosy Be. After the captain's welcome briefing, the Maya’s Dugong makes the quick hop from Nosy Be to the Tanikely marine reserve, an ideal place to unwind during the first day onboard. Disembark for a visit of the island's abandoned lighthouse and spectacular white beaches in the afternoon, and a first glimpse at Madagascar’s most famous furry creature friendly brown lemurs inhabit the island. You can also take advantage of the beautiful diving and snorkelling opportunities here. Before first light the next day, the vessel sails north toward the group of islands known as Iles Mitsio.
Day 2 - Grande Mitsio After breakfast, we keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as the Maya’s Dugong completes its journey to Grande Mitsio and its surrounding isles. There are seemingly limitless options for snorkelling and diving in this archipelago, which are famed for its remarkable basalt rock formations. From the bay of Grande Mitsio one can also visit the white-sand beaches of the majestic islet of Nosy Ankarea and its natural forest which has long been safeguarded for fear of local fadys (taboos), for a hike up to its spectacular viewpoint across the neighbouring islands of the archipelago.
Day 3 - Cap Saint Sebastien The Maya’s Dugong heads further north toward Cap Saint Sebastien, surveying the seascape along the way for whalewatching opportunities during the morning. The islands off this peninsula, which include Nosy Valiha and Nosy Mandazona, offer great diving and snorkelling opportunities to discover an array of marine life, from sea turtles and rays to colourful tropical fish. Above the water, take in the sights of the various sea birds which call these islands home, as the vessel anchors overnight in one of the sheltered bays of Cap Saint Sebastien.
A return to the Mitsio archipelago for another day in these unique islands, with an opportunity to visit the island of Nosy Lava, as well as near the tiny islets of the Four Brothers, a series of basalt islands which serve as nesting sites for frigatebirds and other seabirds. Consistent with the rest of this archipelago, the snorkelling and diving in these areas are some of the best to be found in all of Northern Madagascar. Enjoy the tropical sunset as the vessel drops anchor for a final night amidst the scenic isles of Mitsio.
Day 7 - Nosy Komba
The vessel departs from the Mitsio archipelago in the morning, a perfect opportunity for whale and dolphin watching and a closer inspection of any sightings during the cruise southward. In the afternoon, guests may visit the volcanic island of Nosy Komba, a nature reserve for black lemurs, considered sacred by Malagasies. Various other flora and fauna can be seen here, including colourful chameleons and turtles, and the craft village is not to be missed for that treasured Madagascar keepsake to bring home. Back onboard the Maya’s Dugong, enjoy a farewell BBQ dinner, before Before first light the vessel cruises past Cap Saint Sebastien cruising into Hellville for overnight anchorage. and across Befotaka Bay, offering morning opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, before reaching one of the most beautiful locations in all Madagascar: Nosy Hara and its surrounding islands, which recently were granted protected After a final breakfast onboard, disembarkation at Hellville, status on account of the unique ecosystems here. Visit the Nosy Be at 9 a.m. main island of Nosy Hara to enjoy the beaches, discover the red tsingy formations and to visit the local fishing community. Excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities also await at reefs around islets such as Nosy Lakandava and Nosy Anjombavola. These islands play host to nesting sea turtles, a variety of sea birds and endemic reptiles and plant life, new species of which are still being discovered.
Day 4 - Nosy Hara
Day 8 - Nosy Be
Day 5 - Nosy Vaha & Nosy Fasy The Maya’s Dugong cruises a short distance to the north of Nosy Hara, near the drop-off of the continental shelf and the idyllic islands of Nosy Vaha and Nosy Fasy. These tiny islets, with steep-sided cliffs and fringed by turquoise seas and coral reefs, combine to form a dramatic backdrop for the exploration of these islands. After dinner, we begin our journey back towards the south, bidding farewell to these isolated isles off Madagascar's northernmost tip.
Madagascar
Discovering the Eighth Continent
Day 7 - Baramahamay
Itinerary - 7 Nights South of Nosy Be Day 1 - Nosy Be / Kisimany
Embarkation from 9-12 at Hellville, Nosy Be. After the captain's welcome briefing, the Maya's Dugong cruises to the nearby Bay of Kisimany to explore the inlets of this area by paddling, using traditional Malagasy pirogues or modern kayaks. Diving and snorkelling are also possible off this area's beautiful fringing reefs. After a welcome BBQ onboard, the vessel departs overnight for the archipelago known as Iles Radames.
Day 2 - Iles Radames The archipelago of Iles Radames features a handful of beautiful isles that we will explore on this expedition, many of which are important nesting sites for sea turtles. First we visit the deserted white-sand beaches of the untouched and uninhabited island of Kalakajoro. There are opportunities to dive near the reef to the north and snorkel along the coast of the island. After dinner, the Maya's Dugong cruises southward, past the Bay of Narendry, toward the Baie de Mourambe (Moramba Bay).
Day 3 & 4 - Baie de Mourambe
The Maya’s Dugong continues north, anchoring for the day off the mouth of Baramahamay, otherwise known as the “honey river” on account of the fresh honey produced by the villagers along the river. Embark on a Malagasy adventure by paddling in pirogues or kayaks down the river and its various creeks, enjoying the exotic scenery and the charm of the locals, as well as to explore the dense mangroves and appreciate the ecology of the area. In the evening, enjoy a final sunset onboard as the vessel sets out for Nosy Be.
Day 8 - Nosy Be
Prepare to step backwards in time, as the vessel arrives in the remote Baie de Mourambe, a seldom-visited area of unspoilt nature and incredibly unique beauty. Massive Baobab trees After a final breakfast onboard, disembarkation at Hellville, line the coasts here, creating an incredibly surreal and Nosy Be at 9 a.m. primeval atmosphere. This area is home to a range of endemic species including various species of lemurs, which can commonly be seen in the wild along the coast, as well as the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle. Dive or snorkel along the reefs, paddle into the many creeks and mangroves and visit tiny traditional settlements along the coast, where life seems to stand still. After two magical days spent in this bay, we ready for our departure northward before first light of the next day.
Day 5 - Nosy Lava & Nosy Saba As we sail to the north in the morning, we keep an eye open for humpback whales and dolphins, allocating time for a closer view of any encounters. We next pass the former prison island of Nosy Lava, and toward the small resort isle of Nosy Saba, for an afternoon visit of the beaches or some diving and snorkelling along the reefs. The vessel sails further north in the evening, reaching the southern isles of the Radames archipelago for overnight anchorage.
Day 6 - Iles Radames A full day to explore more of the Radames archipelago, with the Dugong visiting both Nosy Valiha and Antanimora, with their charming local villages, beautiful beaches and seabird colonies, as well as reefs teeming with underwater life, ideal for snorkelling or diving.
Expedition Overview
Expedition Cruising with Maya’s Dugong
Madagascar
Discovering the Eighth Continent
Lectures & Presentations
Throughout the cruise there will be several lectures and film presentations on a variety of subjects relating to the expedition. Timings may vary depending on the arrivals to various islands and destinations, but will often be held onboard in the evenings, prior to dinner. Attendance of these presentations is highly encouraged in order for guests to gain a better appreciation and understanding of their surrounding environment and the species they may encounter, but they remain Dr Michel Vely, a professional veterinarian specialised completely voluntary for guests. in marine mammals, is scheduled to be the naturalist leader of the 2010 expeditions. He has 15 years of experience in the Indian Ocean, having worked in diverse locales such as Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar Humpback whales and dolphins may be seen at various and, for the past four years, in the islands of Seychelles. points throughout the cruise, and the vessel may divert from a plotted course in order to allow for better Michel is the chairman of Megaptera, a France-based viewing of these amazing creatures. As such, please association for the study, observation and conservation allow for the possibility that timings to destinations of marine mammals and whale sharks (for more may be delayed depending on potential whale and information visit www.megaptera.org). He also plays dolphin encounters. an integral role with the French delegation to the scientific committee of the International Whaling Commission.
Naturalist Profile - Michel Vely
Expedition cruising is an incredibly rewarding way to experience a country like Madagascar. The sheer size of the destination, and the distances travelled in between, allow for a wide variety of possibilities on each voyage, meaning each version of the expedition takes on its own unique character. Thus our Madagascar expeditions aboard Maya’s Dugong offer travellers a unique hybrid experience that provides contemporary comforts and amenities, without sacrificing a true sense of adventure and the thrill of the unknown.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Michel speaks fluent French and English and is able to conduct tours and presentations in both languages. *Should Michel be unavailable, a suitable replacement with a similar background will take on the role of naturalist leader.
Expedition Overview
Madagascar
Discovering the Eighth Continent
Diving
Travel Tips
Maya’s Dugong is a certified PADI dive resort, with a full range of equipment onboard as well as a dedicated dive instructor with vast Indian Ocean experience. A variety of interesting dive sites will be accessible throughout the expedition, and may vary on each voyage depending on sea conditions, visibility and itinerary timings.
] Be sure to bring plenty of sun-screen, a cap or hat
and sunglasses - Madagascar is generally warm and sunny throughout the year and the sun's rays can be especially impactful onboard the vessel, due to the reflection from the sea. ] Bring suitable footwear for walking on deck and on
the beach, as well as in shallow water (some island visits require embarking/disembarking from dinghies in shallow water)
Maya’s Dugong features a convenient rear deck platform allowing divers to easily access the water directly from the vessel. Other dives will utilise the vessel’s tender boat for dives sites which are further afield or inaccessible by Maya’s Dugong.
] Your safety and comfort are our highest priority. In
the event of adverse conditions, all itineraries are subject to change at the captain's discretion.
Given the great size and remoteness of the region and the expeditionary nature of the journey, it is also possible to explore new, lesser known and seldomvisited sites on underwater expeditions led by the dive instructor, for more experienced divers. Available onboard: 18 dive tanks, 7 full diving sets for rent and 2 dive compressors.
] The northwest coast of Madagascar is much less
Other Activities Snorkelling equipment, fishing tackle and the use of two 2-seater kayaks and two traditional Malagasy pirogues are included in the cost of the cruise.
Beverages Cold water and fruit juice are available throughout the day as part of the cruise cost. A full range of beverages are also available onboard at extra charge, including mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits and champagne. Price list available on request.
humid than most of the other regions in the country, and combined with the fact that much of the expedition will be spent at sea, travellers will be much less prone to malaria than in other areas of the country. Nevertheless, we strongly urge all of our clients to consult their health care professional and take all necessary precautions against the risk of contracting malaria. Due to the remote nature of the cruise and the lack of health care infrastructure, we also require all clients to secure suitable travel insurance for the trip.
Aboard Maya’s Dugong
The M.V. Maya’s Dugong is an oceanographic vessel with the space and comfort of a modern yacht, combined with the durability and functionality required for scientific and longdistance expeditions.
Originally built as a research vessel by the Canadian Government in 1966, the Maya’s Dugong was completely retro-fitted as a private yacht in the ‘90s before being overhauled once again to accommodate cabin cruise voyages. It now serves as an oceanographic and expedition cruising vessel throughout the Indian Ocean. M.V. Maya’s Dugong Oceanographic Expedition Vessel
Accommodation
Facilities Large public areas and facilities allow for maximum enjoyment of guests’ time onboard Maya’s Dugong. A spacious dining salon and lounge hosts guests in air conditioned comfort for meals and entertainment, and the outdoor leisure deck provides opportunities for al fresco dining and also serves as a comfortable observation deck. There is also plenty of open deck space onboard for sun bathing and relaxing, and the spacious bridge allows for one to take in the adventure with a captain’s eye view of all the surroundings. Outdoor leisure/dining deck
EXPLORER CABINS x4
Maya’s Dugong provides a rare blend of size, freedom and Classic and comfortable, these cabins are situated below the open space across its cabins and public areas, with the main public-area decks. Complete with en-suite stylistic finishings, ambience and personalised service of a bathrooms/showers, there is one Explorer Cabin offering a double-bed plus a single bed, and three Explorer Cabins with private yacht. two single beds and an extra fold-out bunk. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, reading lights and a storage cupboard. Accommodation is offered across MARINER CABINS x2 Maya’s Dugong also offers smaller cabins, typically reserved three categories: for scientists and naturalists, with 3 single bunks per cabin, with shared bathroom facilities between the two cabins. COMMANDER CABINS x3 These well-appointed cabins are the largest and most comfortable that Maya’s Dugong has to offer. Situated on the top two decks of the vessel, these cabins boast en-suite bathrooms/showers as well as windows from which to view Maya’s Dugong boasts a high staff-to-guest ratio to ensure all the beautiful coastal surrounds. Two of the Commander of our passengers are well looked-after throughout the Cabins feature a double-bed plus an extra single bed, while expedition. In addition to the captain, engineer, and two deckhands, all expedition cruises are staffed with two one Commander Cabin offers two single beds in the cabin. stewardesses, a dive instructor and a dedicated chef, as well as the naturalist tour leader.
Crew
Dining & Cuisine
Commander Cabin
Madagascar
Discovering the Eighth Continent
Explorer Cabin
Cruises aboard Maya’s Dugong are full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and also include afternoon tea/coffee and cake. A dedicated chef prepares an enticing blend of authentic Indian Ocean cuisine and traditional European fare.
Lounge & dining salon
Amenities Onboard Maya’s Dugong is not merely a mode of transportation - it’s a floating platform to enjoy a range of activities based from the boat. This cruise includes: ? All Dives including dive guide, tanks and belts ? Snorkelling Equipment ? Fishing Tackle ? Two 2-seater kayaks ? Two traditional Malagasy pirogues Also available onboard: ? Flat-screen TV in the Dining Salon/Lounge ? DVD player & Stereo ? Games, cards, small library ? Ice Machine ? Laundry Service (extra charge)