Every season has its secrets
Miavana has two distinct seasons, split into warm months spanning from mid-November to April (summer) and cooler months from May to mid-November (winter). During the summer months, the days are warm, with the potential for light rain, which falls mainly overnight. This season is the best season for scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling and watching sea turtles nest. During the winter months, the temperatures are very comfortable, and the seasonal south-easterly winds set in, making this the season to take to the waters for a thrilling kitesurfing experience or a leisurely surf ski around the island. Our friendly visitors from Antarctica grace us with their presence during this time too, making it an extra special time on the island. Enjoy reading on as we dive beneath the waters and explore the shores surrounding our private island sanctuary, sharing the wild and marine life secrets of the Indian Ocean.
Sea turtles
Miavana is one of the rare places where several species of sea turtles nest in safety, including the critically-endangered Hawksbill turtle, Green Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle.
The nesting season for Green Turtles is year-round whereas Hawksbill Turtles’ nesting season tends to be higher from November to March. Guests visiting during March and April have the chance of encountering hundreds of baby turtles flip-flopping their way down the beach, a truly spectacular and memorable sight.
The Time + Tide Foundation conservation team monitor the beaches for sea turtles on a daily basis, and guests have the opportunity in joining them too. Sunlight influences the survival and gender of the hatchlings so the rangers assess the characteristics of the environment surrounding the nests to better assess the factors influencing the success of the nests. The hatchling process is entirely natural with no interference by the rangers as hatchlings must undertake the journey from nest to sea on their own.
Humpback whales
Every year from July to October, thousands of Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warmer tropical waters on the coast of Madagascar to give birth. Despite the region being relatively low in the food these giant creatures need, the warm waters are perfect for raising their newborn calves. The thick blubber stores that the mothers’ have built up over a summer of tireless feeding in Antarctica will sustain both her and her calf’s rich milk supply, comprised of 50% pure fat.
In the seas surrounding Miavana, humpback whales flock together, the mothers and calves revelling in the easy living and the males singing and dancing their hearts out in hopes of winning mating rights. Though they’re just the size of their mother’s head when born, they grow strong quickly due to this calorie-dense diet and their daily exercise regimen of swimming and frolicking. Guests visiting Miavana during this season can witness these majestic creatures in 3 ways: From the comfort of a boat or an exhilarating helicopter ride to a chance underwater sighting when scuba diving.
Did you know?
— Whale mothers and their calves communicate by emitting sounds – a calf can even ‘whisper’ to its mother.
— Whales can emit songs for multiple other reasons, such as reproduction, for which they can sing for long hours.
— The dorsal fins of whales are unique to each individual, the equivalent of fingerprints to humans.
— Female Humpback whales are bigger than male Humpback whales.
Fish
Madagascar is a true sport fishing paradise. Giant Trevally, Grouper, Jobfish, Sailfish, Dogtooth tuna, Marlin and Mahi Mahi are just a few exciting species you can find in our waters. For an incredible fishing experience, the most favourable time of year for fishing is from November to April every year. Guests visiting are invited to try their hand at jigging, popping, trolling or fly-fishing on the reef flats.
Coral reefs
The waters around Miavana are a marine paradise perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling all year round. Diverse underwater terrain and a confluence of currents support outstanding biodiversity. Many of the reefs we dive at are virtually unseen by other humans. Sea turtles, manta rays and spinner dolphins thrive in these waters alongside a wide variety of fish. Colourful coral reefs fringe Miavana, so guests have the option of snorkelling right from the beach in front of the villa too.
Every year in April and November, the conservation team of Time + Tide Foundation conduct marine surveys to better understand and anticipate environmental changes. Recently, the team installed a pilot coral restoration project within the Loky Manambato protected area. After two months, the coral fragments look healthy and are growing.
Take to the waters
Unlike anywhere else in the world, Miavana’s marine-protected waters transport guests to the ends of the Earth to experience the ultimate sea adventure in the Indian Ocean. With no set itinerary or time slots, our activities team tailors unique, adventure-filled itineraries to best suit your activity desires, according to the season you’re visiting, allowing you to explore these magnificent waters. As part of the experience, guests are welcome to learn from our activity center and Foundation team first-hand on diving and snorkelling trips and more in-depth talks that take place in the Cabinet des Curiosities on the island. To explore our water adventures on Miavana, follow this link.
Come let us show you…
Book your own island adventure with us
travel@timeandtideafrica.com
or contact your current Time + Tide travel designer
