3rd - 18th APRIL 2026
Madagascar
overhead and cave decompression - 14 days
Are you looking for a unique and challenging diving experience?
Come and join our cave diving expedition in Madagascar. Situated off the south eastern coast of Africa, it is a unique and wonderful country. A true biodiversity hotspot, the island is home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity and in its more recent history some exceptional cave diving.
Explore some of the most breath taking caves you will ever feast your eyes on! You will have the Opportunity to dive the caves of the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, as well as Africa’s longest flooded cave Anajanamba, located in the Mike Forest region. Expect long but rewarding diving days!
REQUIREMENTS
- Valid passport 6 months after setting foot on the territory
- Visa if needed
- Full cave sidemount certification & cave decompression
2 seats remaining
Fixed price :
8 000 USD
p/pers
Include :
Internal flights
14 Nights Hotels
Car hire with driver
National Park fees
Tanks, Nitrox 32
Weights
All transfers
All meals
Program
- Day 1
Arriving in Antananarivo airport, in the capital of Madagascar, you will be greeted by our team and we will be escorted via private transfer to San Cristobal Hotel, a short 10 minutes away. Here you will meet the rest of the team including Ryan, one of the founder of the Madagascar Cave Diving Association who will be accompanying us on our two week long expedition. We will spend the night in the capital before heading further into Madagascar the following day, towards our first cave diving destination.
- Day 2
We start the day with a short internal flight to Tulear, the capital city of the Atsimo-Andrefana region, located 936km Southwest of Antananarivo. Here will will spend the night at La Batisse hotel, before the final leg of our journey to reach the caves!
- Day 3
This day is dedicated to travelling to Anakao Ocean Lodge, our accommodation whilst we dive the caves of the Tsimanampetsotsa national park. After an approximately 1.5 hour boat journey we will arrive Anakao and take time to settle into this luxury property and prepare our equipment.
Enjoy amazing fresh seafood for dinner before an early night ready for cave diving tomorrow!
- Day 4
Diving what may be Madagascar’s largest fossil graveyard; Aven (Vitany) Cave. The caves of Anakao are located a 1.5 hour drive from our basecamp, through tribal villages and breaking scenery, giving you a real feel for off the beaten path diving! In Aven we will have the chance to see fossilised giant lemur remains, elephant birds and crocodiles amongst many more species. Here we will plan for a “shake down” for the team in the cavern zone, where all these remains can be found, before heading for a short cave dive beyond the daylight zone.
- Day 5
Bikini Barbecue
With our gear set up and travel behind us, it’s time for the real adventure to begin.
Our first destination is Mitoho, a cave located just a short distance from Aven. Mitoho is a culturally significant site, historically used for offerings and sacrifices to the spirits believed to reside within its walls. The cave features an average depth of around 20 meters, with a maximum depth of 45 meters, and offers a variety of passages to explore.
To maximize the experience and manage logistics efficiently, we will divide the group into two teams: one will dive Mitoho, while the other explores Malazamanga. Malazamanga also has an average depth of 20 meters and reaches a maximum depth of 50 meters, though descending to that depth is entirely optional.
We plan for one extended cave dive per day, typically using a single stage, and occasionally a double stage configuration. Please note that some cave entrances can be challenging, with narrow and restricted access points, so careful preparation and planning will be essential.
We usually take a break on the 6th day where we’ll only do one dive in the morning and enjoy a nice and easy afternoon relaxing and discovering Bikini Island where our chef will cook us a nice meal on the island, barbecue style.
- Days 6 & 7
- Day 8
Early morning we will say goodbye to Anakoa and start our journey towards the next diving region; the Mikea Forest. A boat ride back to Tulear followed by a long 7h drive through the countryside to our base (Olobe hotel) for the next several days diving the caves of this region.
- Day 9
Welcome to Anjanamba, the longest known flooded cave in Africa. All divers will explore this remarkable site on single-stage dives.
Access to these sacred caves requires special permission from the local tribal chief, as well as participation in a traditional pre-dive purification ritual led by the village elders. This cultural exchange is a unique and respectful part of the experience.
In the days ahead, we’ll also explore the caves of the Mikea Forest and have the opportunity to visit indigenous communities and local villages, offering a deeper connection to the land, its people, and their traditions.
- Day 10 & 11
We will divide into two groups for the days dives. One group will conduct a double-stage dive in Anjanamba, with an average depth of 20 meters (70 feet). The second group will head to Andakatamivola, reached via a longer hike through the forest.
Andakatamivola offers a shorter, non-stage dive but is renowned for its exceptional cave formations, widely regarded as the most decorated cave in Madagascar. Both sites offer unique experiences and stunning geological features, ensuring an unforgettable day of exploration.
- Days 12
Everyone goes back to Anjanamba for an amazing last day diving in this gorgeous cave.
- Day 13
All good things must come to an end! We begin our journey home, with our first stop Tulear where we will spend the night in La Batisse.
- Day 14
We will take an internal flight back to Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. The day will be spent exploring the area and immersing ourselves in Malagasy culture. Optional activities include a visit to the Lemur Park, the Crocodile Farm, or a guided city tour showcasing the rich history and local life of the capital.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at one of Antananarivo’s finest French restaurants, a perfect setting to reflect on the incredible experiences we’ve shared and celebrate the journey together.
DAY 15 : Good bye for now!
We will depart for our home destinations from Antananarivo airport.
Hotels
- SAN CRISTOBAL HOTEL
Just 10 minutes from Ivato International Airport and 30 minutes from the Ankorondrano business center, San Cristobal is a boutique hotel offering 44 stylish rooms, including 6 suites. Blending Malagasy craftsmanship with contemporary design, the hotel features permanent exhibitions of local artwork.
- LA BATISSE HOTEL
Located in the center of Tulear, La Batisse Hotel offers a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The spacious rooms are impeccably clean and feature large bathrooms and air conditioning for maximum comfort. Guests are greeted with warm and genuine hospitality, ensuring a pleasant stay. The hotel’s restaurant, set in a quiet garden, provides an excellent dining experience in a serene outdoor setting.
- ANAKAO OCEAN LODGE
Nestled between sky and sea in one of Madagascar’s most beautiful bays, Anakao Ocean Lodge offers a serene retreat protected by a pristine lagoon and overlooking the picturesque island of Nosy Ve. Dedicated to providing outstanding hospitality, their team goes above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable experience for every guest.
- Olô Bé Lodge
Olô Bé Lodge offers a true escape in a remote, off-the-grid paradise with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Handcrafted by the local community using natural materials, the lodge blends art, nature, and comfort. Guests come to unwind in complete tranquillity, fishing, sailing, and exploring baobab forests and mangroves, or simply enjoying fresh seafood, cold drinks, and the rhythm of the ocean.
Include
- Internal flights
- Madagascara Underground Hostel
- La Batisse hotel
- Anakao Ocean Lodge
- OLÔ BÉ Lodge
- Car hire with driver
- National Park fees
- Tanks
- Nitrox 32
- Weights
- Tanks
- All meals
Not Included
- International Flight tickets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for locals
- O2 Fills
- Sofnolime
*Fees and Taxes are subject to change without notice
Recommandations
Airport
We recommend to arrive at least 3h in advance at the airport to avoid any inconvenience.
Legal Documentation
Valid passport, at least 6months after entering the country
Jetlag
Consider the time difference between Madagascar and where you come from.
Clothes
The weather is quite warm and humid out here all year long but the nights can be quite cold.
For good memories
Bring photo or video cameras and don’t forget to bring a lot of spare parts for your dive gear.
