Port of Antsiranana cruise port guide

Port of Antsiranana — Antsiranana, Madagascar.

Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez), at the northern tip of Madagascar, sits on one of the world's largest bays. It's a gateway to Amber Mountain National Park, the red Tsingy rock formations and the Emerald Sea.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Antsiranana?

Ships at Antsiranana either tie up at the working commercial port or, quite often, anchor in the bay and run tenders to a quay near the centre, so check your ship's daily programme for the day's arrangement.

How do I get from the cruise port to town?

The town's central streets are roughly 1.5 km from the port, a walk of about 15–25 minutes in strong heat with little shade. Taxis and tuk-tuks (bajaj) are the usual way to cover short hops; agree the total fare, route and return time before setting off, and carry small ariary notes, as cash is more dependable than cards. For sights outside town, arrange transport in advance rather than relying on finding it on the day.

Getting around

Tours are the best way to explore.

Don't miss

• Amber Mountain National Park — lemurs, waterfalls and rainforest.
• Tsingy Rouge — red eroded pinnacles.
• Emerald Sea — turquoise lagoon reached by boat.
• Colonial architecture in town.

Planning your day

Take a tour to Amber Mountain or the Tsingy Rouge.

Food & drink

Malagasy and French cuisine.

Must try

• Seafood — Fresh from the bay.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — Malagasy and French.
• 📋Documents — Visa rules vary; follow your cruise line's instructions.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — Currency is the ariary (MGA).
• 🌤️Weather — Warm and windy.
• 📶Connectivity — Limited.
• ♿Accessibility — Tendering (if used) and trails may be difficult.
• ⏱️Getting back — If your ship tenders, operations depend on weather and sea conditions.

Sources: madagascar-tourisme.com; wikivoyage.org/wiki/Antsiranana