Nosy Hara National Park

Nosy Hara protects an archipelago of some dozen limestone islands and the reef between them, off the northwestern tip of Madagascar, and the water here is exceptionally clear with coral in better condition than in much of the country. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches, dolphins are seen on crossings, and the islands themselves are jagged eroded limestone with dry scrub on top. The park's odd celebrity is Brookesia micra, one of the smallest known reptiles, described from Nosy Hara and small enough to sit on a match head. Visits are day trips or camping expeditions by boat with a permit, since there is no accommodation in the park. Snorkelling and beach landings are the main activity, and the islands are empty of any development.

What you actually see

• Clear reef water - coral in better shape than most Malagasy sites.
• Limestone islets - eroded jagged islands with dry scrub.
• Turtles - green and hawksbill on the nesting beaches.
• Brookesia micra - the near-microscopic chameleon described from here.

When to go

April to November for calm seas and reliable crossings. December to March brings cyclone weather and boats do not run. Sea conditions matter more than rainfall for planning here.

Honest expectations

Everything depends on the boat and the sea; trips cancel in wind. There is no accommodation, so this is a day trip or camping with everything carried. The tiny chameleon is genuinely hard to find and not a reason to come. Permits must be arranged before travelling.

Nearby

Diego Suarez lies east; the Emerald Sea is on the same coast.