Emerald Sea

The Emerald Sea is a shallow, turquoise lagoon near the mouth of Antsiranana Bay in northern Madagascar, protected from the open ocean by a reef and sandbanks. Its brilliant green waters, only a few metres deep, glow over pale coral sand and make it a favoured destination for snorkelling and day sailing. Small uninhabited islets fringed with mangroves scatter across the lagoon, offering picnic stops and calm swimming. Local fishermen ferry visitors out by traditional sailing pirogue, and the sheltered conditions make the crossing gentle.