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'''Big Samy is a the only passenger ship operating directly between Diego Suarez and Vohemar. The service began in 2020 and can carry up to 150 passengers with plenty of luggage, even those who wish to bring a motorcycle - not a problem! The service operates during the rainy season from the beginning of December until middle of June while the road between Ambilobe and Vohemar is virtually often complicated and at times even impassable. During this timestime, the boat is always the faster option.'''
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The complete 88 nautical miles boat trip is can take between 7 12 and 15 hours depending on the direction of wind and waves. The departure times can vary depending on weather and in case the weather is too bad, departures will be delayed until the next day or as soon as the weather conditions improve. Ideally, it will be calm and sunny and the voyage will be a scenic cruise where dolphins and other marine life can be spotted.
[[File:Big Samy 055Big_Samy_055.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_055.jpg]]
The 19m fiberglass vessel was built in 2019 on [[Sainte Marie|Sainte Marie Island]] and has two engines with a cruise speed of seven knots. The boat cruises between Diego and Vohemar a few kilometres off the coastline. When coming from [[Diego Suarez]] to [[Vohemar]], not long after [[Nosy Ankao]] (above)], shortly before passing a rocky cape ahead of Bay of Adravina [https://goo.gl/maps/zrbVASZX6iv 12°53'43.9"S 49°51'22.6"Erocky cape ahead of Bay of Adravina], passengers will be asked to remain silent and women to wear their hair down.
[[File:Samy Express 067Samy_Express_067.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_067.jpg]]
Some passengers will appear frightened during the approximately 20-minute eerie passage. The use of mobile phones and other electronics are prohibited, presumably to avoid disturbing the spirits of sailors who may have drowned at this spot. For some reason, the same fady does not apply when passing the cape in the opposite direction.
<HTML5video type="youtube" width="600" height="338">u5HOFGK0T7I</HTML5video>
If the [[fady]] is broken, a maritime accident or other trouble is believed to follow. Every four years, members of the surrounding [[Sakalava]]-Anjoaty tribe meet up near the sacred cape to sacrifice zebu zebus as part of the [http://www.midi-madagasikara.mg/culture/2018/10/23/ceremonie-culturelle-ambavaniharana-lieu-de-consolidation Famangiana tany manintsy] ceremonies at Ambavan'Iharana.
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Usually, departures from Vohemar and Diego is are at 3am so that arrivals can be sure before the end of the day. Luggage can be loaded the evening before and passengers are welcome to stay onboard overnight. Alternatively, they are required to turn up at the harbor harbour no later than 30 minutes before the announced departure time.
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There is no catering service onboard and the kitchen is mainly intended for crew members but who may offer hungry passengers share some rice and fish along the waywith hungry passengers. In any case, bring Bring enough food and drink for the entire tripjourney.
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When arriving in [[File:Samy Express 101Vohemar]], passengers travelling further to [[Sambava]] and [[Antalaha]] can pre-book a taxi-brousse connecting directly with the boat.jpgOtherwise, an overnight stay at [[Paradisia]] or another hotel in [[Vohemar#Accommodation|600pxVohemar]]is recommended.
The price for the boat transfer between Diego and Vohemar is 100,000 Ariary or 110,000 Ar with including an onward taxi-brousse transport to Sambavawhich will wait directly at the harbour. For further information Scheduled departures by Big Samy from Vohemar harbour to Diego are on Fridays and reservations, contact the ticket offices in [[Sambava]] (Head Office), [[Vohemar]] or [[returning from Diego Suarez]]harbour on Tuesdays.
[[File:Big_Samy_112.jpg|600px|link== Diego Suarez office ==https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_112.jpg]]
Alternatively, [[Samy Express]] operates smaller boats between [[Ambolobozobe]] and Vohemar on Mondays returning from Vohemar on Tuesdays. During July and August Big Samy operates between [https://goo.gl/maps/zyit9FazuCRPHawK7 Mananara] and [[Maroantsetra]]. For further information and reservations, contact the ticket office in [[Sambava]] (Head Office), [[Vohemar]] or [[Diego Suarez]]. [[File:Samy Express 001Big_Samy_087.jpg|200px|left|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_087.jpg]]'''Samy Express Diego Suarez'''<br>
Opposite Galana petrol station on RN6 en route Arrachart Airport<br>
Lot. A109AMH<br>
Contact: Patricia<br>
Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 / +261 (0)32 40 169 09<br clear="all"><br>
Next to Hôtel Côcô Plage<br>
Vohemar
Contact: Beandalana<br>
Tel: +261 (0)32 27 889 57 / +261 (0)32 62 075 08<br clear="all"> == Sambava office ==<br>
[[File:Samy Express 103Samy_Express_103.jpg|200px|left|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_103.jpg]]
'''Samy Express Head Office'''<br>
Chez Rostand<br>
Antanifotsy<br>
Sambava
