Madagascar
Whales & Whale Sharks – 5-Day Extension
2024
$1,998 Group Departures
6 person minimum
$2,398 Go On Your Own
2 person minimum
Domestic flights required ~$798/person, subject to change until issued.
Prices based on an exchange rate of .95 USD/EUR as of Fall 2023, subject to change without notice. Please see terms and conditions.
A Little More Info
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.
SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.
New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our "Community" page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.
Questions? Chat with a Regional Specialist
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Singles: Find a Share
Madagascar
Whales & Whale Sharks – 5-Day Extension
Destinations
- Nosy Be
Highlights
- Mozambique Channel -
- Thrilling encounters with Humpback whales (July-Sept) at their breeding and calving grounds.
- Snorkel with Whale Sharks (Sept-Dec) – These gentle giants are the world's largest fish, and can reach up to 45 feet long!
- Explore Nosy Be Island in the Mozambique Channel - One of the richest aquatic biological zones on the planet.
- Extreme Marine Biodiversity – The waters of Nosy Be are known for Omura's whales, Bryde's whales, Spinner dolphins, Thursiop dolphines, green turtles, vast Coral reefs and more.
Itinerary at a Glance
- DAY 1 Tana
- DAY 2-4 Nosy Be - Humpback whale birthing grounds (July to Sept) or Snorkel with whale sharks (Sept - Dec)
- DAY 5 Return to Tana
Whales & Whale Sharks – 5-Day Extension
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Antananarivo (L,D)
Arrive in Antananarivo from Andasibe or elsewhere, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Colbert Hotel.
Day 2 Antananarivo/Nosy Be (B,L,D)
Fly from Antananarivo to Nosy Be, known as the ‘Ile aux Parfums’ (the scented island) for its vanilla and ylang-ylang infused air, Nosy Be has developed into one of the world’s top island paradises, located in the midst of the Mozambique Channel with its incredible profusion of marine life and colorful corals.
Here, in the calm protected waters, Humpback whales breed and give birth to their calves from July to November, with peak numbers sighted July-Sept. Mothers rest in the calm waters of the bay with their curious and playful calves, while males fight to seduce females in a spectacular display.
Then from September to December whale sharks—the world’s largest fish—come to eat in the rich waters of the region. You can don snorkeling gear, slip into the water and swim with these totally harmless giants, who can reach up to 45 feet long! Also in the region throughout the year are Bryde's whales, Omura’s whales, spinner dolphins, Thursiop dolphins, green turtles and a variety of marine wildlife amongst the forest of coral reefs and brilliant white sand beaches.
Overnight at Manga Soa Lodge.
Day 3 & Day 4 Nosy Be/Whale (B,L,D)
Enjoy 2 full days to discover the exceptional marine life of Nosy Be. Embark on excursions to meet humpback whales (July to September) and participate in collecting observational data for scientific research. From Sept-Dec, snorkel with whale sharks, dolphins and turtles who live in the waters of this tropical paradise. We will snorkel from the boat accompanied by a specialist, to observe the whales and assist in collecting scientific data (identifying specific individuals, behavioral studies, etc.)
Overnight at Manga Soa Lodge.
Day 5 Nosy Be/Antananarivo (B)
Transfer to Nosy Be airport, fly back to Antananarivo with Air Madagascar regular flight. Connecting flight back to your country.
Madagascar Lodging
TANA (ANTANANARIVO)
Colbert Hotel
Rooms of the Hotel Colbert welcome you in a comfortable and bright atmosphere, offer the perfect combination of simplicity and cordiality. With stunning views stretching from the prominent Queen’s Palace to the Sports Center of the city, all ensures you a pleasant and restful stay.
- Queen size bed or twin (according to your requests)
- Reversible air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
Free access to the relaxation area (swimming pool, sauna, hammam, gym) during your stay.
NOSY BE
Manga Soa Lodge
The Manga Soa Lodge is the luxury and authenticity destination in Nosy Be. Serenity facing the sea, five prestigious lodges, suites, villas, and individual accommodations are surrounded by nature and the long pristine beach of Befefika. The lodge boasts a private, white sand beach with a large coral sand tongue lined with beautiful black rocks, where seat turtles come to lay eggs during the rainy season.
Rooms come with a breath-taking view of the Bay of Befefika and custom shutters designed to allow you to open completely to let the beauty enter your room. Decorated to reflect the cultural mix of Madagascar, the furniture is carved in local sakalavas workshops of Dzamanjary, the second city of Nosy Be. Protected by elegant mosquito netting you will sleep soundly in the queen-size beds as you let the waves rock you to sleep. Each room comes with an adjoining bathroom to respect your privacy and are designed to provide ecologically friendly lighting.
Madagascar Wildlife
Bizarre and Beautiful Sightings
Wild Planet's wildlife Eco-tours are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours.
Our expert naturalist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Unlike many wildlife destinations, Madagascar is a veritable treasure trove of rare, unique species - many of which are endemic even to specific National Parks. Each destination you visit will possess it's own collection of endemic species not found anywhere else on Earth! Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness. A partial list of some of the animals you rarest animals you may encounter is below:
Rare and Endemic Sighting
- 23 Species of Sharks: Whale Shark
- Mammals: Madagascar Dugongs, Humpback Whales, and Omura's Whale
- Reptiles Green Sea Turtle, and Haksbill Sea Turtle
- Birds Madagascar Fish Eagle
Madagascar Guides
Razafimahefa Lahiniriko Tojosoa "Lytah"
Meet Lyta, an expert on Madagascar’s flora and fauna, with over a decade of travel experience. His expertise extends beyond just nature to the history and culture of Madagascar, with a particular emphasis on local populations. Lytah’s previous work includes operating tours for organizations such as World Wildlife Fund while also working as a nature instructor for local schools.
His unique combination of flora, fauna, historical, and cultural knowledge makes Lytah the perfect guide to unlock Madagascar’s secrets..
Madagascar FAQ
Madagascar Facts for Visitors
Location
The island lies mostly between latitudes 12°S and 26°S, and longitudes 43°E and 51°E, with neighboring islands including the French territory of Réunion and the island nation of Mauritius to the east, as well as the state of Comoros and the French territory of Mayotte to the north west. The nearest mainland state is Mozambique, located to the west on the African mainland.
Size
At 592,800 square kilometers (228,900 sq mi), Madagascar is the world's 47th largest country and the fourth-largest island.
Language
Today, Madagascar has two official languages: Malagasy and French. French is spoken more or less across the island. Few people speak English or German, however, we have guides who speak English, German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian.
Religion
85% of the population practices Christianity, while just 4.5% of Madagascans practiced folk religions; among Christians, practitioners of Protestantism outnumbered adherents of Roman Catholicism.
Currency
The currency is the ARIARY. For travel expenses, we recommend you bring cash (Euros or dollars) as credit cards are accepted in very few hotels and only in the major cities’ banks. We recommend you change money at the airport upon arrival.
Entry Requirements
To enter Madagascar, your passport must be valid for at least six months. A touristic visa is necessary for any foreigner of any nationality to enter and stay in Madagascar. You can obtain a visa either at the Malagasy Embassy / consulate in your country, or directly at the airport when you arrive.
Best Season for Wildlife Overall
May - Early December
Season For Humpback Whales
July - September
Season For Whale Sharks
September - December
This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:
- Wildlife expert-led encounters with whales (July-Sept)
- Snorkel with whale sharks (Sept-Dec)
- Join biologists or wildlife experts in collecting observational data for scientific research
- Wildlife expert-led encounters with whales (July-Sept)
- Snorkel with whale sharks (Sept-Dec)
- Join biologists or wildlife experts in collecting observational data for scientific research
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