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    Madirokely Drop-off (Komba) – Nosy Be & Surrounding Archipelagos Dive Site

    30m Max
    15-30m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Madirokely Drop-off (Komba) is a advanced-level dive site in the Nosy Be & Surrounding Archipelagos region of Madagascar, reached by a moderate boat ride from the nearest departure point. The site features a wall system spanning depths from 6 to 30 meters with an average depth of 18 meters, offering an immersive underwater experience that showcases the very best of Malagasy diving. Renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, Madirokely Drop-off (Komba) attracts divers seeking encounters with Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, Moray Eel, Blue-spotted Ray, Wahoo, Lionfish and other remarkable marine species throughout the year. The moderate currents create a dynamic environment supporting rich pelagic and reef-dwelling organisms, while the varied depth profile provides distinct habitat zones from shallow sunlit platforms to deeper twilight areas where different communities thrive. The coral formations feature hard and soft corals creating a kaleidoscope of color and texture across every surface, with massive bommies rising from sandy channels. Visibility typically ranges between fifteen and thirty meters with clearest conditions during the dry season months when nutrient-rich waters attract large schools of pelagic fish. Water temperatures range from twenty-four to twenty-nine degrees Celsius depending on season, making appropriate thermal protection essential for comfort. Madirokely Drop-off (Komba) consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Nosy Be & Surrounding Archipelagos region, drawing repeat visitors who return to observe seasonal changes in marine life activity and coral spawning events.

    Dive Briefing

    "A typical dive at Madirokely Drop-off (Komba) begins with a controlled descent from the dive boat to the main wall system at approximately 18 meters, taking a moment to orient yourself and equalize before beginning your exploration of the site. Once established on the main formation, divers should swim along the primary reef structure exploring diverse habitats, moving between bommies and channels while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile reef ecosystem below. The most productive depth zone is between 7 and 25 meters where the highest concentration of marine life occurs and photographic opportunities are truly abundant. Navigate along the reef edge watching for pelagics in the blue, and check cleaning stations where larger fish pause for service from smaller cleaner wrasse. The moderate currents require careful buoyancy management and constant awareness of your position relative to the reef structure. Monitor depth and NDL particularly near 30 meters, and always maintain a conservative approach to dive planning with regular buddy checks throughout the dive. Scan the sand channels between reef sections for resting sharks, rays, and interesting macro life hiding among the rubble. Conclude the dive with a slow ascent and a three-minute safety stop at 5 meters, deploying your DSMB if drifting and performing a controlled ascent with your buddy."

    Signature Marine Life

    Giant Trevally

    high

    Caranx ignobilis

    Napoleon Wrasse

    high

    Cheilinus undulatus

    Moray Eel

    high

    Gymnothorax javanicus

    Blue-spotted Ray

    high

    Taeniura lymma

    Wahoo

    medium

    Acanthocybium solandri

    Lionfish

    high

    Pterois volitans

    Safety & Hazards

    • Variable currents possible in the Mozambique Channel
    • Depth exceeding 24m requires careful NDL management at deeper sections
    • Remote location with limited emergency medical facilities
    • Marine life stings possible in tropical Indian Ocean waters
    • Variable visibility during rainy season December to March
    Nearest Chamber
    Nosy Be Hyperbaric Chamber
    5km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Madirokely Drop-off (Komba) is best suited for experienced divers with Advanced Open Water certification and at least thirty logged dives who are comfortable with strong currents, deeper profiles, and challenging conditions found in the Mozambique Channel's more exposed reef systems. The site rewards advanced skills with encounters with large pelagic species, dramatic wall formations, and pristine deep reef ecosystems rarely visited by recreational divers. Photographers will find extraordinary wide-angle opportunities with sharks, rays, and schooling fish against the backdrop of dramatic underwater topography. The challenging conditions and rewarding marine life encounters make this a highlight for experienced divers seeking adventure on Madagascar's remote reefs.

    wall
    advanced
    nosy-be
    madagascar

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyadvanced
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentstrong
    Water Temp24-29°C
    Best TimeApril - November

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Madagascar Dive Nosy Be
    • Ocean Quest Expeditions
    • Abyss Dive Center
    Pricing Guide
    $35 - $75
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    fisheye

    Best for: wide_angle

    Nearby Stay

    Lokobe Lodge

    Nosy Be15km away

    Check Availability

    Vanilla Hotel

    Nosy Be15km away

    Check Availability