Andavadoaka, full of natural beauty and heavenly beaches
Andavadoaka is a “large” Vezo village full of natural beauty and the heavenly beaches, counting about 1500 inhabitants and a big market that attracts Mikea farmers coming to sell some of their crops. Its setting on a really nice bay makes a large part of its attractive. The village lies on the edge of a shallow lagoon protected from the open ocean by a series of fringing and submerged barrier reefs that support substantial coral growth. Owing to the remoteness and isolation, these coral reefs are thought to possess a significantly higher abundance and diversity of species than other reefs in southwest Madagascar. A well-worth place to hang around a couple of days, explore some fabulous diving-sites and walk through a fantastic baobab forest, where these amazing trees grow in the most incredible shapes.
Andavadoaka is also the base place for the research activities conducted dedicated to the development of sustainable conservation programs for the unique reef ecosystem of the lagoon. The village won the Equator Prize, awarded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in 2007, for its innovative approach to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Biodiversity studies have identified many hundreds of marine species in the waters in the area. The reefs around Andavadoaka represent some of the most well-developed coral reef systems in the Indian Ocean.
This makes Andavadoaka an important dive center. Among other things, not far from there is the wreck of a Portuguese galleon to explore. The lovers of relaxing holidays will find small protected coves and other dream lagoons. In a 40-minute boat ride, you can take a deserted island and taste a fish you just caught! Andavadoaka indicates the "hollow rock" that can be seen offshore. Just off the beach, within swimming distance, are rocky islets, one with an arch.
ENJOY THESE... activities:
*Visit Baobab Forest - Just five minutes away, rises an enchanting forest corroborated by numerous Adansonia Madagascariensis, is the famous Baobabs of Madagascar. An adventurous journey through cactus, shrubs and tamarind will lead to the discovery of these gigantic trees. Your will be accompanied and guided to discover the qualities of medicinal plants and the rituals of Malagasy people. At the border of the forest, you will find a holy lake, a place of worship and meditation;
*Starfish Beach - With the low tide, you will be guided to spot a miracle beach of the area. You will find dozens of starfish coming up from the sea and enjoying some sun. This 40 minutes walk will give you the possibility to admire giant crabs, sea urchins, fishermen hunting octopus and you will be able to reach a natural swimming pool in Caribbean style where you will enjoy the lagoon from its center;
*Baobab at dawn - True nature lovers have the opportunity to visit the forest at dawn, to see the sun rise through these giants of the Earth. The excursion lasts 2 hours and includes the visit to the salt flats;
*Half or full day by Pirogue - Take a bottle of water, wine, fruit, sunblock, a towel and you're good to go. Our trusted sailors will cross the ocean for 30/60 minutes and you will reach Nosy - Hao, a desert island with nothing inside. You will be alone enjoying the silence, the white beach and the noise of the nature. If you like bird-watching, you can spot endemic birds staying in the island too;
*Snorkeling over the Reef - The reef can be easily reached swimming and snorkeling. The experience of being accompanied by local fishermen at the discovery of fish and corals is unique and unrepeatable. Although the Indian Ocean is characterized by tides with periodicity of about six hours, the area of Andavadoaka remains a paradise for divers, professional or amateurs. We proudly remind you that our reef can compete with the Australian great barrier reef;
*Speedboat with sailor - You can choose your destination and reach it with our speedboat. It doesn't matter if you want just go, if you're looking for a place to fish or if you want to reach desert beaches in a fast way, the boat is available just for you.We suggest you to reach the Bay of Assassins to enjoy the colours of the sea and the amazing panorama;
*Whalewatching - Book in advance your journey to watch the biggest animals of the world passing by the coast. You can choose between our speedboat or our pirogues and you can follow those mammals while they migrate;
*The Giant Baobab - Everything is big in Madagascar. Enjoy this full day excursions to see one of the biggest trees of the world. This baobab has a 31 meters of diameter!The excursion lasts 8 hours and includes a stop for the launch. The whole trip will be in a 4wd car with air-conditioning and all comforts.
Watch more photos about Andavadoaka here.