If Miavana is our home, with the swaying palm trees as our ceiling and soft, white sands as our floor, then the coral reefs are our resplendent garden. Alive with a variety of marine life, these magical underwater worlds are a colourful sanctuary — a treasure trove that rewards both the curious spirit and the wide-eyed explorer.
Madagascar has been called the land in a forgotten sea, and indeed, the underwater wonders here often feel untouched by time.
Here you will find some of the world’s most breathtaking coral reefs, seemingly unscathed by man. The clear, warm waters reveal these undersea tapestries that they support so richly. Divers here are treated to sprawling gardens of both hard and soft corals, humming with marine life. Schools of fish dart among the formations, turtles glide with timeless grace, and on rare occasions, manta rays make an appearance, a reminder of the vast ocean beyond.
Right here in the marine-protected waters of Miavana, our own reefs teem with life — a delicate, bustling world just steps from our shores. For snorkelers, the calm, shallow waters offer a perfect window into this vibrant world. Shimmering shoals of trevally flash through the water, elusive octopuses reveal themselves in quiet moments, and new wonders appear every day. Recently, a playful pod of dolphins graced us with their presence, weaving through the reefs as if discovering their own hidden paradise within our shores.
Further afield lies the enchanting Nosy Manambiby, a nearby island with must-see dive sites. Here, beneath crystalline waters, divers discover a kaleidoscopic world. Turtles meander through coral canyons, peculiar nudibranchs dazzle with their colours and clownfish dance in and out of their anemone homes. The pristine health of the reef, so rarely seen elsewhere, serves as a poignant reminder of the ocean’s beauty and fragility.
At Miavana, our commitment to these delicate ecosystems runs deep. In partnership with the Time + Tide Foundation, we actively engage in conservation efforts; supporting sustainable fishing practices among local fishermen, monitoring endangered sea turtles and their nests, and conducting regular health assessments of the reefs. Protecting these fragile ecosystems is our way of ensuring that future generations can also delight in these tropical worlds. This work is made possible by our guests who, simply by visiting, help us give back to the future of this rare part of the world.
As the festive season approaches, we feel a special joy in welcoming guests to our island home and sharing these magnificent underwater gardens. Our shores and waters constantly come alive with fresh wonders. This time of the year, turtles start emerging on our protected beaches to lay their eggs and in time babies hatch along the coast, finding their way to the sea, while the calm, clear waters invite you into an underwater wonderland. It’s a season of awe, joy, and beauty — and Miavana is perfectly suited to those seeking the enchantment and deep connection that this time of year brings.
Whether you come to our shores as a family, a couple, or an individual looking to reconnect with nature, Miavana offers a retreat into barefoot luxury and a celebration of nature’s inexplicable wonders. On our island and on our shores, you can step back, breathe deeply, and find yourself believing in magic once again.
Come let us show you…
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