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The Bay of the Russians or Bay of Ambavatory is a stunning place, where the marine life is exceptionally rich, often a playground for dolphins, and its coral reef is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
The bay is filled with white sandy beaches and small fishing villages, and there is an old, dilapidated pier once used by Russian sailors. Just for your information (this is not part of the tour unless specifically requested), a dirt road leads to a hotel that remained in the planning phase, and after a long walk, you reach the village of Angodroga.
Furthermore, in this bay, during the season from October to December, it is easy to encounter whales, and it is also one of the best places to meet the rare whale shark.
A bit of history and curiosity:
This bay got its name (Russian Bay) because in 1905 it served as a refuge for over two months for the Russian fleet from St. Petersburg, commanded by Admiral Zinovij Petrovic Rozestvenskij, before facing and being destroyed in Japan during the Battle of Tsushima (May 27-28, 1905) by the Japanese fleet commanded by Admiral Heinachiro Togo.
At the end of December 1904 and in the first days of January 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War for control of Korea and Manchuria, more than forty ships from the “Baltic Fleet” landed in Madagascar under the orders of Admiral Rozestvenskij.
The intention was to stop at Sainte Marie to resupply with coal, then go to Diego Suarez
for repairs (needed after more than three months of uninterrupted navigation), and finally head towards Port Arthur in Manchuria to support the Russian ships, which were unable to counter the Japanese fleet in the area.
However, the French made it difficult for the Russian fleet, which had hoped for assistance. As France held a neutral position in the Russo-Japanese conflict, the permits were denied, and the Russian fleet was forced to stay in the bay of Ambavatoby, Nosy Be.
However, there is also another reason why this bay is called 'of the Russians'... legend or history?
In 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War, a Russian warship, the Vloiny, anchored here. The ship's orders were to attack any passing Japanese vessel, but the crew, having settled so well in Madagascar, mutinied, deciding not to wage war anymore and never to return to Russia. They had just begun to organize a mutiny when even the officers surrendered, captivated by the beautiful Malagasy women. The ship was hidden in the Russian Bay, from where it went out a couple of times to trade with passing pirates in the Mozambique Channel before running out of fuel.
However, the Russians were later decimated by malaria, but the few survivors quickly adapted to their new life, living off fishing and whatever could be salvaged from the ship.
The last of these former soldiers died in 1936.
With low tide, the skeleton of this warship can occasionally be seen.
Prices for this tour
The departure time from your hotel is at 08:00 and the return at 16:00.
Less than 4 persons:
€150 per person, including lunch and drinks
€160 with the addition of lobster.
For 4 persons or more :
€65 per person, including lunch and drinks
€75 with the addition of lobster.
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