Nosy Hara National Park

Island

Marine and island park off Madagascar's northwest coast featuring limestone islets, sea caves and coral reefs; visitors come for diving, snorkeling and coastal wildlife observation.

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In this guide

Nosy Hara National Park essentials

Website: parcs-madagascar.com
Admission: Park and guide fees vary; day-trip park/permit fees typically arranged through local operators-expect to pay boat charter fees of €50-€200 round-trip plus park fees (paid locally)
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About Nosy Hara National Park

Nosy Hara National Park is a protected island and surrounding marine area off the northwest coast of Madagascar in the Diana Region.

The site includes island terrain and nearshore waters that are used for snorkeling and diving and support coastal marine and seabird habitats. The park is managed as a protected area to conserve its natural marine and island resources.

The islands and waters have been recognized for their ecological value and are visited for nature-based activities rather than large-scale tourism infrastructure.

The park lies off the northwest Malagasy coast within the Diana administrative region, among the archipelagos and coastal waters that fringe Madagascar’s northern coastline.

  • Protected area type: Comprises a small island and adjacent marine area in Madagascar’s Diana Region and is noted locally for coastal and marine habitats.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Nosy Hara National Park

Best visited in the long dry season (April-November) when sea conditions are calm, visibility is high and inter-island hopping is safe.

Dry season (April-November)
Apr-Nov · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Clear seas, calm winds and optimal snorkeling conditions - the safest window for day trips and wildlife spotting.
Shoulder (March, December)
Mar, Dec · 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Transitional months with occasional rain; sea conditions can still be good but boats may be postponed.
Wet / cyclone season (January-February)
Jan-Feb · 26-33°C (79-91°F)
Higher rains and rough seas make boat access unreliable; many operators pause trips.

Weather & Climate near Nosy Hara National Park

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1166 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberOctoberMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 24° - 30° 27° 323 mm overcast 81% 3.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.6h
February Good 24° - 30° 27° 299 mm overcast 82% 2.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.4h
March Very Good 24° - 31° 30° 187 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
April Excellent 23° - 31° 30° 55 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
May Ideal 23° - 30° 26° 18 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
June Ideal 21° - 29° 25° 17 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
July Ideal 20° - 28° 24° 20 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
August Ideal 21° - 28° 24° 18 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.6 m/s 2.0 very high 11.6h
September Ideal 21° - 28° 25° 10 mm some cloud 76% 4.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
October Ideal 22° - 29° 26° 16 mm some cloud 77% 3.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
November Ideal 23° - 30° 27° 35 mm some cloud 78% 4.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
December Very Good 23° - 31° 30° 168 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Nosy Hara National Park

Most trips to Nosy Hara depart from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). Arrange a day trip with an operator in Antsiranana - journey time by motorboat typically ranges from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on sea conditions and departure point. Operators can arrange permits and a guide; independent landings are discouraged due to protection rules.

There is no regular public ferry service; travel is boat-based and weather-dependent. Visitors should plan transport and accommodation in Antsiranana in advance and carry cash for local fees and operator bookings.

Tips for Visiting Nosy Hara National Park

  • Book a boat and a licensed guide from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) at least a day in advance - independent landings are restricted
  • Bring a reef-safe sunscreen; the marine reserve has fragile coral and endemic species
  • Plan snorkel times at high tide for better visibility; low tide exposes sharp limestone and tidal pools
  • Pack hard cash (Ariary) - there are no services on the islets