Things to Do in Chomoni Beach, Comores Komori جزر القمر

Chomoni Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline located on Grande Comore (Ngazidja), the largest island of the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean. This secluded paradise offers visitors crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes that create a truly unique tropical experience. The beach is situated near the island's northern coast and provides an intimate setting away from crowds, making it perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The area around Chomoni Beach showcases the authentic Comorian way of life, with traditional fishing villages, coconut groves, and friendly locals who maintain their cultural heritage. Visitors can experience the blend of African, Arab, and French influences that define the Comoros, while enjoying some of the most unspoiled marine environments in the Indian Ocean. The beach serves as an excellent base for exploring the island's volcanic interior, including the active Mount Karthala volcano, and offers world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities in the surrounding coral reefs.

Top Things to Do in Chomoni Beach

Snorkeling and Diving

Explore the pristine coral reefs surrounding Chomoni Beach, home to diverse marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced divers to discover the underwater wonders of the Indian Ocean.

Booking Tip: Local dive operators charge $40-60 for guided snorkeling trips and $80-120 for diving excursions. Book directly with operators in Moroni or ask your accommodation for recommendations, as advance booking ensures equipment availability.

Mount Karthala Volcano Hiking

Trek to the summit of Mount Karthala, one of the world's largest active volcanic craters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean. The challenging hike takes you through diverse ecosystems from tropical forests to lunar-like volcanic landscapes.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $100-150 per person and require good fitness levels. Book with certified local guides through tour operators in Moroni, and plan for early morning starts to avoid afternoon heat and clouds.

Traditional Village Tours

Visit authentic Comorian villages near Chomoni Beach to experience local culture, traditional architecture, and daily life. Interact with friendly locals, learn about traditional crafts, and witness the unique blend of African, Arab, and French influences that shape Comorian society.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost $30-50 per person and are best arranged through local guides who can facilitate cultural exchanges. Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people.

Whale Watching

During migration season (July to November), observe humpback whales and other marine mammals from the waters near Chomoni Beach. The deep channels between the Comoros islands provide excellent opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Whale watching excursions cost $60-100 per person and are weather dependent. Book with experienced boat operators who know the best viewing spots, and bring seasickness medication as waters can be choppy.

Ylang-Ylang Plantation Visits

Tour the famous ylang-ylang plantations that make the Comoros one of the world's largest producers of this precious essential oil. Learn about the traditional distillation process and the importance of this fragrant flower to the local economy and culture.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours cost $25-40 per person and include guided walks and distillation demonstrations. Visit during flowering season (October to June) for the best experience, and book through local tour operators in Moroni.

Getting There

The only way to reach Chomoni Beach is by flying into Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) in Moroni, the capital of Grande Comore. International flights connect through Nairobi (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), or Paris (France) with airlines like Kenya Airways, Air Austral, or Inter Iles Air. From Moroni airport, Chomoni Beach is approximately a 45-minute drive north along the coastal road. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport, though it's recommended to arrange transportation in advance through your accommodation due to limited options.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Chomoni Beach area and Grande Comore island is primarily by taxi, rental car, or local buses called 'taxi-brousse.' Rental cars cost $40-60 per day and provide the most flexibility for exploring, though roads can be challenging and fuel is expensive. Taxis are readily available for shorter trips and day excursions, with rates negotiable but expect to pay $20-40 for longer journeys. Local buses are the cheapest option at $1-3 per trip but run on irregular schedules and can be crowded.

Where to Stay

Chomoni Beach area

Mitsamiouli village

Moroni city center

Itsandra Beach

Maloudja village

Iconi coastal area

Food & Dining

Dining options near Chomoni Beach are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Comorian cuisine influenced by African, Arab, and French flavors. Local specialties include grilled fish with coconut rice, langouste (lobster), and tropical fruit juices. Small beachside restaurants and local families often prepare meals for visitors, offering an intimate dining experience with prices ranging from $10-25 per meal. For more dining variety, the capital Moroni offers additional restaurants serving international cuisine, though most visitors enjoy the simple, fresh preparations available locally.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Chomoni Beach is during the dry season from May to October, when temperatures are cooler (24-28°C), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. This period offers the most comfortable conditions for beach activities, hiking, and exploring. The wet season (November to April) brings higher temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent tropical storms, though it's also when ylang-ylang flowers bloom. For whale watching, visit between July and November when humpback whales migrate through Comorian waters.

Insider Tips

Bring cash (Comorian francs or euros) as ATMs are scarce and credit cards are rarely accepted outside Moroni

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, as these items are expensive and difficult to find locally

Learn basic French phrases as it's widely spoken alongside Comorian, and English is limited outside tourist areas

Things to Do in Chomoni Beach