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See unique marine life when diving in Madagascar

The tropical waters surrounding Madagascar’s ecologically unique island country make it a diver’s paradise. Year-round, divers flock to this island, the fourth largest in the world, to discover marine life not seen anywhere else. The northwest coast is home to the best diving in Madagascar, where rich coral formations compose a spectacular fringing reef. You can find Madagascar’s best dive sites around Nosy Be, Tanikely, and other small surrounding islands. The south of Madagascar has excellent wreck diving where mythical shipwrecks welcome you like the Winterton, a ship of the India Company that left England and sank on August 20, 1792, and the Nossa Senhora do Carmo, a vessel of the Royal Portuguese Navy that sunk in 1774. Check out the dive site map to see where you can dive in Madagascar today.

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Discover the World’s Most Fascinating Aquatic Life

Aquatic life under our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams is amazing! From microscopic zooplankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, underwater life comes in all possible shapes and sizes. With 71% of the earth being covered with water, it is no wonder we are so fascinated with what lies beneath the surface. In fact, scientists estimate that there are nearly 1 million different species of aquatic animals. Freshwater ecosystems are home mainly to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, whereas the ocean contains a wide array of marine life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees.

Whale Shark

The whale shark is not only the largest of all sharks, but also the biggest fish in the world. It can grow up to 20 meters long, weigh 34 tons, and live for over 100 years. Its back can appear gray, brown, or blue in color and is covered with bright white stripes and spots arranged in transverse lines.

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Grey Reef Shark

The grey reef shark is one of the most common reef sharks in the Indo-Pacific and is frequently seen cruising shallow coral reefs, especially near steep drop-offs. These animals may have a slightly white-tipped first dorsal fin, however, they are clearly distinguishable from other shark species because they lack the distinct black or white markings on the tips of their fins and are a more uniform grey color. These agile predators are fast swimmers and feed mostly on bony fish and cephalopods that they hunt along the reef.

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Reef Manta Ray

The reef manta ray is the second largest ray species in the world next to its close relative, the giant oceanic manta, growing up to 3.5 m (12 feet) wide, or more. In fact, these two types were considered a single species until 2009 when they were officially split into two distinct species. Reef mantas can be found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Unlike the deeper dwelling giant oceanic manta, they prefer shallower waters and are typically found cruising over coral reefs and other coastal habitats.

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Electric Ray

Electric rays, also known as torpedo rays (or torpedo fish), are a cartilaginous fish in the ray family named for their unique ability to generate an electrical shock. Found worldwide in warm and temperate ocean waters, they use this electric ability for defense and capturing prey, so take caution when diving with electric rays because, although they are very docile, they can be harmful if accidentally touched or stepped on.

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Check Out the Incredible Moments Water Enthusiasts Like You Experience Every Day with SSI

Did you just complete an SSI certification? Proudly post it! Want to support your favorite SSI Training Center and promote it to the world? Post it! Did you just have an unforgettable dive experience with your SSI Professional? Post it!

We love to see the SSI family growing day by day: so upload your photo to Instagram with #wearessi or #divessi or mention @ssi_international, and it will automatically appear in the SSI Hall of Fame. We can’t wait to see your adventures today!

Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog

Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.