The Bay of Russians is a small island located between Nosy Iranja and Nosy-Be, formerly called Bay of Ambavatoby. This is not a simple holiday resort for vacationers in search of change of scenery. This place is also a witness of the Russian fleet's journey in Madagascar in 1905 during the moment of the Russo-Japanese war.
In 1905, Russia and Japan, in their endeavor to conquer new territories, disputed the territory of Manchuria (in northeastern China). The Russian fleetlet by Admiral Rojdestvensky, pushed by the Japanese ships, took refuge in the Bay of Ambavatoby. When the Russian squadron was to leave, part of the soldiers did not want to leave the island. The ruins of the Bay of Russians are the witnesses of the historical past of this piece of paradise.
Your overnight anchorage in this area will offer some original views. If you come during the August to mid- October period, you will most likely encounter some colonies of dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays active in their natural environment. You can also watch humpback whales which have become used to swimming in the warm waters of Nosy-Be.