Practical Information - Madagascar - page 155

SOUTHEAST Composed of principally rocky shoreline with some isolated coral
reefs supporting Madagascar's largest lobster fishery. There are a few dive good sites
which benefit from both a diverse and picturesque coastline. Tourism is being deve-
loped, offering opportunities for diving.
Sites Coral and rocky reefs: between Lokara and St Luce. Offshore: migrating hump-
back whales.
EAST Composedoflongbeachesdividedbyriversrunningdownfromtherainforest.
There are some patches of coastal forest and a natural river network known as the
Pangalanes.Divingopportunitiesarelimitedalongthiscoast,whichiswellknownfor
its spices and rainforest.
Sites Islands: Nosy Fonga and Dombola, and Nosy Faho. Wetland: Pangalanes Canal
and coastal forest.
NORTHEAST Composed of a diverse range of habitats from rocky shores to long
sandy beaches and impressive coral reefs circling several small islands. This is an
important area for the breeding of humpback whales during Madagascar's winter
months. Equally, this area's coastline is located near some of Madagascar's most im-
pressive rainforests.
Sites Islands, wrecks and reef: Ile Ste Marie (coastal wrecks and reef), Nosy Atafana
(attached to Mananara-Nord National Park), Masoala Marine Reserve (three small is-
lands) and Cap Est reef. Offshore: breeding humpback whales (Ile Ste Marie and An-
tongil Bay).
TimHealyisanenvironmentalconsultant,regularradiobroadcasterfortheBBCand
a keen diver based in Madagascar for over 10 years. He is compiling information
for a dive and snorkelling guide with WWF. This is his overview of places where
you can definitely snorkel, whilst at other sites you have to either organise trips
with the nearest dive centre or take along your own kit. For more information:
e [e-mail] .
Beaches and Watersports Madagascar's best beaches are on the west coast, but some
people are disappointed because ofthe shallow water (it is often impossible toswim at low
tide). The beautiful beaches of the east coast offer better swimming but the weather is un-
certain and strong currents and sharks are occasionally a danger. The very best beaches are
in remote areas such as Anjajavy, the islands around Nosy Be, Ile Sainte Marie and south
of Toliara.