Explore the shallows of the Baie de Ranobe. The top two
snorkeling sites, a short boat ride from shore, are Rose Garden (Massif de
Roses) and the south pass.
Rose Garden is a patch reef in the middle of the lagoon
situated near the south pass. It is 6 meters to a sandy bottom and just 2
meters to the top of the reef. Rose Garden takes its name after the colony of Montipora or Rose shaped coral that
primarily inhabits the patch reef. Other prominent coral colonies present
include Fungia or mushroom shaped
coral and Acropora or table corals
and branching corals. If the fish life is of more of an interest to you than,
not to worry Rose Garden boasts over one hundred and fifty species of fish as well as
lobsters, shrimps, rays, and octopus.
The local NGO Reef Doctor is currently undertaking a coral plantation project that you may see whilst snorkeling there. Also the local fishermen's association FI.MI.HA.RA has installed anti-fishing devices to deter illegal fishing and shell collecting within the reserve.
For the skin diver, scuba diver or adventurous snorkeler,
the south pass is the site to see. The
south pass is located 5 kilometers from Mangily’s shore. There is a natural
break in the barrier reef or the Grand Recif de Tulear. In the middle of the
interior of the pass one can reach a maximum depth of 16 meters to a sandy
bottom. Running perpendicular to the barrier are large coral bommies starting
at 4meters on the top down to the sandy bottom. Large pelagic fish such as
trevally, barracuda, and the occasional shark are often spotted at the south
pass.
For the less adventurous snorkelers, the south pass also
boasts a slowly sloping barrier wall from 1.5 meters to 10 meters in depth. So
for those who prefer to stay on top of the water as opposed to duck diving
below, there is still a plethora of coral and fish to be seen!
Price Guide:
includes all reserve entrance fees and equipment
Minimum 2
persons
Rose Garden: 100,000Ariary
Rose Garden &
the South Pass: 150,000 Ariary
*Prices include: equipment rental, reserve fees, and motor boat transfer
** Prices do not include computer or camera rental
***No Price reduction for having your own equipment
**** Ariary prices subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuation
