Today, we set out on a full-day adventure from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) to the breathtaking Les Trois Baies—Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay, and Dunes Bay—renowned for their turquoise waters, white sand, and wild, untouched landscapes.
The journey itself was part of the experience. We drove slowly along a scenic coastal route for about 19 kilometres, stopping along the way to take photos near Montagne des Français. With our 4×4, we navigated the sandy, unpaved tracks that link the bays. Even so, we managed to get stuck at one point—but thanks to some helpful locals (and a quick shovel-out for 20,000 MGA), we were soon back on the road.
Les Trois Baies is a stunning, relatively untouched coastal area comprising three distinct yet interconnected bays. Sakalava Bay is a top-tier destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to its strong, consistent winds. Pigeon Bay offers a quieter, more scenic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking calm and a closer connection to nature. Dunes Bay, on the other hand, feels especially secluded, with its soft white sands, calm waters, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Later in the afternoon, we continued driving around Cap Miné to visit the lighthouse and explore the abandoned French military ruins from the Second World War (🎟️ 10,000 MGA). These ruins formed part of the French defences during the 1942 Battle of Madagascar against British forces. Wandering through the site, we discovered abandoned gun batteries, bunkers, and concrete artillery emplacements set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.
