Difference between revisions of "Big Samy"

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'''Big Samy is a passenger operating between Diego Suarez and Vohemar. The service began operating in 2020 and can carry up to 150 passengers with plenty of luggage space.'''
+
'''Big Samy is 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 often complicated and at times even impassable. During this time, the boat is always the faster option.'''
 
 
[[File:Big Samy 093.jpg|600px]]
 
  
 
{| class="imageTable"
 
{| class="imageTable"
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Big Samy 035.jpg|600px]]
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|-
 
|-
|[[File:Big Samy 079.jpg|196px]]
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|[[File:Big_Samy_109.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_109.jpg]]
|align="center"|[[File:Big Samy 075.jpg|196px]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big Samy 035.jpg|196px]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_081.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_081.jpg]]
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Big Samy 081.jpg|196px]]
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|[[File:Big_Samy_105.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_105.jpg]]
|align="center"|[[File:Big Samy 057.jpg|196px]]
+
|align="center"|[[File:Big_Samy_034.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_034.jpg]]
|align="right"|[[File:Big Samy 024.jpg|196px]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_108.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_108.jpg]]
 
|}
 
|}
  
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The complete 88 nautical miles boat trip can take between 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_055.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_055.jpg]]
  
The exact departure times depend on weather and tide. For further information, contact [[Samy Express]] in [[Sambava]] (Head Office), [[Vohemar]] or [[Diego Suarez]].
+
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 [https://goo.gl/maps/zrbVASZX6iv rocky cape ahead of Bay of Adravina], passengers will be asked to remain silent and women to wear their hair down.
  
 +
[[File:Samy_Express_067.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_067.jpg]]
  
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-12.398614" lon="49.41725" type="satellite" height="500" controls="large" zoom="11" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;background:#f5f5f5;background-image:url(images/madagascar/Big_Samy_map_001.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center;border:solid #cccccc 1px;">
+
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.
  
-12.3085297644, 49.2943768948
+
<HTML5video type="youtube" width="600" height="338">u5HOFGK0T7I</HTML5video>
[[Samy Express]] office Diego Suarez
 
  
-12.5023389794, 49.5436896477
+
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 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.
[[Ambolobozobe]]
 
  
</googlemap>
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{| class="imageTable"
 
+
|-
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|colspan="3" | [[File:Big_Samy_090.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_090.jpg]]
 
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[[File:Big Samy 089.jpg|600px]]
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|[[File:Big_Samy_070.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_070.jpg]]
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|align="center"|[[File:Big_Samy_078.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_078.jpg]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_033.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_033.jpg]]
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|-
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|[[File:Big_Samy_057.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_057.jpg]]
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|align="center"|[[File:Big_Samy_042.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_042.jpg]]
 +
|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_073.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_073.jpg]]
 +
|}
  
[[File:Big Samy 093.jpg|600px]]
+
Usually, departures from Vohemar and Diego 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 harbour no later than 30 minutes before the announced departure time.
  
 
{| class="imageTable"
 
{| class="imageTable"
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Big Samy 017.jpg|600px]]
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|colspan="3" | [[File:Big_Samy_009.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_009.jpg]]
|-
 
|[[File:Big Samy 001.jpg|196px]]
 
|align="center"|[[File:Big Samy 008.jpg|196px]]
 
|align="right"|[[File:Big Samy 020.jpg|196px]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Big Samy 030.jpg|196px]]
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|[[File:Big_Samy_030.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_030.jpg]]
|align="center"|[[File:Big Samy 007.jpg|196px]]
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|align="center"|[[File:Big_Samy_031.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_031.jpg]]
|align="right"|[[File:Big Samy 014.jpg|196px]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_020.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_020.jpg]]
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Big Samy 038.jpg|196px]]
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|[[File:Big_Samy_071.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_071.jpg]]
|align="center"|[[File:Big Samy 059.jpg|196px]]
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|align="center"|[[File:Big_Samy_065.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_065.jpg]]
|align="right"|[[File:Big Samy 067.jpg|196px]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_072.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_072.jpg]]
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Big Samy 064.jpg|196px]]
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|[[File:Big_Samy_028.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_028.jpg]]
|align="center"|[[File:Big Samy 065.jpg|196px]]
+
|align="center"|[[File:Big_Samy_027.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_027.jpg]]
|align="right"|[[File:Big Samy 068.jpg|196px]]
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|align="right"|[[File:Big_Samy_036.jpg|196px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Big_Samy_036.jpg]]
 
|}
 
|}
  
-->
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There is no catering service onboard and the kitchen is mainly intended for crew members but who may share some rice and fish with hungry passengers. Bring enough food and drink for the entire journey.
 +
 
 +
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-12.808714" lon="49.488661" type="satellite" height="500" controls="large" zoom="9" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;background:#f5f5f5;background-image:url(images/madagascar/Big_Samy_map_001.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center;border:solid #cccccc 1px;">
 +
 
 +
-12.280821, 49.284479
 +
Diego port
 +
 
 +
-13.35675, 50.004256
 +
Vohemar harbour
 +
 
 +
</googlemap>
 +
 
 +
When arriving in [[Vohemar]], passengers travelling further to [[Sambava]] and [[Antalaha]] can pre-book a taxi-brousse connecting directly with the boat. Otherwise, an overnight stay at [[Paradisia]] or another hotel in [[Vohemar#Accommodation|Vohemar]] is recommended.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Samy_Express_101.jpg|600px|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_101.jpg]]
 +
 
 +
The price for the transfer between Diego and Vohemar is 100,000 Ariary or 110,000 Ar including an onward taxi-brousse transport to Sambava which will wait directly at the harbour. Scheduled departures by Big Samy from Vohemar harbour to Diego are on Fridays and returning from Diego harbour on Tuesdays. Children up to five years of age travel for free.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Big_Samy_112.jpg|600px|link=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:Big_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>
 +
Diego Suarez<br>
 +
 
 +
Contact: Patricia<br>
 +
Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 / +261 (0)32 40 169 09<br clear="all"><br>
 +
 
 +
[[File:Samy_Express_095.jpg|200px|left|link=https://www.madacamp.com/photo.cgi?Samy_Express_095.jpg]]
 +
'''Samy Express Vohemar'''<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"><br>
 +
 
 +
[[File:Samy_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
 +
 
 +
Contact: Hortensia<br>
 +
Tel: +261 (0)32 40 169 08<br>
 +
Facebook/Messenger: https://web.facebook.com/hortensia.waidim
 +
<br clear="all">

Revision as of 18:17, 15 March 2020

Big Samy is 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 often complicated and at times even impassable. During this time, the boat is always the faster option.

Big Samy 093.jpg
Big Samy 109.jpg Big Samy 017.jpg Big Samy 081.jpg
Big Samy 105.jpg Big Samy 034.jpg Big Samy 108.jpg

The complete 88 nautical miles boat trip can take between 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.

Big Samy 055.jpg

The 19m fiberglass vessel was built in 2019 on 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, passengers will be asked to remain silent and women to wear their hair down.

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.

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 zebus as part of the Famangiana tany manintsy ceremonies at Ambavan'Iharana.

Big Samy 090.jpg
Big Samy 070.jpg Big Samy 078.jpg Big Samy 033.jpg
Big Samy 057.jpg Big Samy 042.jpg Big Samy 073.jpg

Usually, departures from Vohemar and Diego 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 harbour no later than 30 minutes before the announced departure time.

Big Samy 009.jpg
Big Samy 030.jpg Big Samy 031.jpg Big Samy 020.jpg
Big Samy 071.jpg Big Samy 065.jpg Big Samy 072.jpg
Big Samy 028.jpg Big Samy 027.jpg Big Samy 036.jpg

There is no catering service onboard and the kitchen is mainly intended for crew members but who may share some rice and fish with hungry passengers. Bring enough food and drink for the entire journey.

When arriving in Vohemar, passengers travelling further to Sambava and Antalaha can pre-book a taxi-brousse connecting directly with the boat. Otherwise, an overnight stay at Paradisia or another hotel in Vohemar is recommended.

Samy Express 101.jpg

The price for the transfer between Diego and Vohemar is 100,000 Ariary or 110,000 Ar including an onward taxi-brousse transport to Sambava which will wait directly at the harbour. Scheduled departures by Big Samy from Vohemar harbour to Diego are on Fridays and returning from Diego harbour on Tuesdays. Children up to five years of age travel for free.

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 Mananara and Maroantsetra.

For further information and reservations, contact the ticket office in Sambava (Head Office), Vohemar or Diego Suarez.

Big Samy 087.jpg

Samy Express Diego Suarez
Opposite Galana petrol station on RN6 en route Arrachart Airport
Lot. A109AMH
Diego Suarez

Contact: Patricia
Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 / +261 (0)32 40 169 09

Samy Express 095.jpg

Samy Express Vohemar
Next to Hôtel Côcô Plage
Vohemar

Contact: Beandalana
Tel: +261 (0)32 27 889 57 / +261 (0)32 62 075 08

Samy Express 103.jpg

Samy Express Head Office
Chez Rostand
Antanifotsy
Sambava

Contact: Hortensia
Tel: +261 (0)32 40 169 08
Facebook/Messenger: https://web.facebook.com/hortensia.waidim