Madagascar—Organ Island

Madagascar—Organ Island

Organ Island, hidden among the 20 islands of the Nosy Be Archipelago, was formed 1.25 million years ago when it separated from the African mainland. Although it is a secluded haven, its extraordinary beauty keeps divers coming back for more.

Organ Island, located in the Nosy Be Archipelago not far from Madagascar’s northern coast, features unique geological landscapes and rich marine life. The basalt formations on the island resemble a giant’s causeway, formed during ancient volcanic eruptions. After millions of years of erosion, these rocks now display a colorful and diverse scenery.

The waters surrounding Organ Island are a vibrant marine paradise. Beneath the island lies a rich array of coral and fish species, including eels, barracudas, rock cods, and tuna. The relatively untouched and pristine ecosystem of this area attracts numerous shark species, such as grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, silver-tip sharks, leopard sharks, hammerhead sharks, and nurse sharks, offering divers the chance to interact closely with these fascinating creatures.

In addition to its marine life, Organ Island also draws adventurers with its unique geological features. The island’s basalt columns rise dramatically from the shoreline, forming hundreds of glistening, copper-colored pillars, some reaching up to 20 meters in height. These columns were formed by lava cooling after a volcanic eruption millions of years ago and have become one of the island’s iconic landmarks.

In addition, Organ Island is a treasure trove of fossils. While deep diving, visitors might come across ancient fish fossils preserved in sedimentary rock, dating back 40 million years. These fossils record Earth’s evolutionary history and offer insights into the origins of life. The island’s mystery and beauty attract countless tourists and divers eager to explore. In this tranquil and majestic marine realm, one can immerse themselves in nature, encountering rich marine life and ancient geological features, and experience the wonder and grandeur of the natural world.

This uninhabited island, measuring 12 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, is home to large populations of migratory seabirds, including brown boobies, northern gannets, and white-tailed tropicbirds. These birds thrive here, drinking pure rainwater filtered through cracks in the rocks. For many frigatebirds, this archipelago serves as their only breeding ground, with the largest colonies numbering up to 100 pairs.

Birdwatchers visiting the island may catch a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest birds: the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle, also known by its majestic nickname—the King of the Sky. The massive rocks here are streaked with white from the droppings of numerous frigatebirds.

The only inhabited island in the area is Grande Mitsio, located 20 kilometers to the southwest, with around 1,500 residents. These locals lead an unrestrained life of self-sustaining agriculture. Elegant traditional dugout canoes dot the shimmering horizon, where the sky and sea converge. Fishermen paddle across miles of misty water under the blazing sun, catching squid, swordfish, and African red snapper with their bare hands.

To the northeast of the Organ Pipes Island, about 37 kilometers away, lies Les Quatres Frères (The Four Brothers), four massive basalt rocks steeped in mythology. Legend has it that God sent five brothers to the newly formed Mitsio Islands, but the youngest, Pain de Sucre, quarreled with his siblings and stormed off. Like his brothers, he too turned into stone, located near the northern coast of Madagascar, close to Nosy Be. One of the remaining four brothers is said to long for Pain de Sucre, so much so that even birds avoid nesting on his rock, and the surrounding seabed has become barren.

The only accommodation within the archipelago is at Constance Tsarabanjina, a private island 30 kilometers south of Organ Pipes Island. The island features lush vegetation, volcanic rock formations, and olive trees. Surrounding reefs provide habitat for green turtles and bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales visit from July to August each year.

With no light pollution, the sunsets here are breathtaking. As the sun sinks into the Mozambique Channel, nature offers an unparalleled spectacle. The glowing remnants of daylight paint the sky in fiery gold, setting a majestic backdrop for the striking silhouette of Organ Pipes Island. If you find yourself captivated by the ancient, mysterious beauty of these Indian Ocean islands, not exploring them in this lifetime would be a great regret.