Are there any boat connections between Mananara and Sambava?

Hi

Are there any boat connections between Mananara and Sambava in September 2026?

Thanks for your replies

hi Yes, there are a few boats between these two cities, but not on a regular basis (no regular passenger service). This is something you’ll need to check on a case-by-case basis, with better chances departing from Antalaha to Mananara Nord. Of course, you’ll need to have time—we’ve got our watches, they’ve got time! good luck

hi

thanks for your reply—I’ll give this Mananara/Sambava crossing a try. For timing, I’ve also got a Malagasy watch.

Veloma

I think you’ll find it easier in Antalaha—after that, the road between Antalaha and Sambava is good. Happy Sunday!

are there any maritime connections between Mananara and Sambava

Hi! Sambava doesn’t have a port. However, here’s a flyer from the local office of the Big Samy shuttle boat, one of the passenger and freight boats at the small port of Antalaha. The "small port" is the local name for the spot where the coastal vessels depart. It was once called the "port aux boutres" (dhow port) until 2017 and Cyclone Enavoo, which destroyed all the boats under construction or repair. It was called the port aux boutres because wooden boats used to be built and/or repaired there, but now only steel boats are built or repaired at this spot. These coastal vessels make the circuit along the coast with a few stops (Cap Est, Vinanivao, Maroantsetra, etc.) as far as Mananara and back. The boats from the "big" port mainly do the Antalaha/Toamasina route. Photos from Nov 2025: Big Samy, the "big" port, and the "small" port.

hi actually, I was thinking more of Mananara to Antalaha.

thanks for your reply

Hi there, yeah, but you’ll find it easier to go from Mananara to Antalaha—the main coastal trading port is Antalaha, not Sambava, so there aren’t many connections to Sambava. Plus, the road from Antalaha to Sambava (about 80 km) is in good shape.