Referred to as a ‘natural aquarium’, the National Marine Reserve of Nosy Tanikely is one of the protected areas managed by Madagascar National Parks. A paradise for those who love the sea. Just a 20 minute boat ride from Nosy Be, it harbours an extraordinary wealth of marine fauna. Multicoloured fish, live corals tinted with a range of colours thanks to the presence of anemones, clownfish, butterflyfish, giant flatheads, platax, moray eels, kingfish, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, bluespotted ribbontail stingrays … an extraordinary wealth of biodiversity enhancing the turquoise waters of this little corner of paradise. The green turtle and the hawksbill turtle can also be added to this already stunning list.

 

From January to May and from November to December the tracks, as well as the eggs, of these two species of turtle can be observed along the beaches of the National Marine Reserve. On average, a female turtle can lay up to 190 eggs. These will hatch after a period of 90 days, with a success rate close to 95 percent. Watching the baby turtles shuffling down the beach towards the sea is a sight that is both moving and fascinating. Visitors practising snorkelling may also be lucky enough to be able to swim among these beautiful turtles.

 

 

This article was featured in Prime Magazine April 2019