Mitsio Archipelago

Uninhabited except by a few small fishing hamlets and one tourist resort, Mitsio is a collection of small islands 40 nautical miles north east of Nosy Be affording excellent diving and snorkelling on vibrant fringing coral reefs. Each island has a unique character. La Grande Mitsio is known for its huge basalt columns (the Organ Pipes). A climb up the highest hill on Nosy Ankarea (219m), passing many interesting succulents en route, reveals spectacular views over the entire archipelago. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit Les Quatre Frères (the Four Brothers), islands of silver basalt containing huge caves with impressive overhangs and nesting seabirds such as northern gannets, white-tailed tropicbirds, and frigatebirds.

Tsarabanjina Island Resort

The only island in the Mitsio archipelago where it is possible to stay, beautiful Tsarabanjina was the setting for Joanna Lumley’s Castaway television programme. Now there is one excellent boutique resort set within its 22 hectares of naturally wooded hills edged by white-sand beaches and fringing reefs. The surrounding water is crystal clear, offering excellent snorkelling and scuba diving directly from the beach or at various sites in the archipelago. Activities include sailing, canoeing, water skiing, aqua gym, beach volleyball and scuba diving (currents can be strong so recommended for experienced divers only).