During your stopover in Toliara, be sure not to miss a visit to the Rabesandratana Museum, an essential spot for marine life and flora enthusiasts. Located on Avenue de France, near the port, this maritime museum, founded by Professor Rabesandratana in the 1960s, offers a different perspective on your journey by immersing you in the underwater world of the Mozambique Channel. With its whale skeleton in the courtyard, the museum itself might appear a bit outdated. However, the explanations about the maritime heritage of the region, from Fort Dauphin to Morombe, can be fascinating if you happen to meet the right guide.
The museum houses an impressive collection, with over 600 animal species and around 60 plant species, including prehistoric specimens such as the famous coelacanth. You will also discover local marine algae, including spirulina with its many health benefits, alongside fascinating marine life like corals, rare molluscs, and a variety of fish. Among its treasures, you’ll find remnants of the largest bird in the world, the Vorombe Titan, along with exhibits on local wildlife, including endemic species. A highlight is the Conus milneedwardsii, an extremely rare shell (only about ten specimens collected worldwide), highly sought after by collectors.
The museum also showcases various species of sponges, corals, deep-sea molluscs and shells, aphrodisiac sea cucumbers, and even the guitarfish.
Open to the public Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 5 pm, the museum is a true haven of knowledge, guided by passionate experts who will share the story behind each specimen. It’s an enriching visit that helps you better understand Madagascar’s biodiversity while supporting its conservation.
