BAIE D'AMPANIHY

Baie d'Ampanihy, nestled on the east coast of the island of Sainte-Marie, is a superb excursion site offering a gentle introduction to the mangroves and nature of the island. Here, you enter a semi-enclosed environment, favoring the accumulation of sediment and the formation of mudflats conducive to the development of a rich mangrove swamp. This coastal forest, vital to the local ecosystem, acts as a buffer zone protecting the coast from erosion and storms, while serving as a nursery for numerous marine species and a habitat for a diverse avifauna. The bay's calm waters, often shallow due to the presence of an offshore coral reef, create a lagoon with specific conditions, influencing the distribution of species. Marine biodiversity is remarkable, with a variety of reef fish, crustaceans and molluscs adapted to this particular environment. The preservation of this unique ecosystem is crucial in the face of potential anthropogenic pressures.

Ampanihy Bay is accessible from the sea by motorboat or rowing boat, followed for example by a 10-minute walk north from a certain point to reach "Clipper Bay". The bay offers superb blue-water lagoons and white-sand beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming. We recommend rowing a pirogue to enjoy the magical calm of the area. A wonderful day trip, to be combined with a crab lunch at Nono's or Samson's!