Diego Suarez - Ramena

Hi, can't help with the Panorama, but if you get to Ramena have a look at Hotel Chez Bruno, well run, excellent food, very friendly, two swimming pools and simple, comfortable, rooms. In late 2010 we paid about 35,000 ariary a night. If it's still around the owner can point you in the direction of a dive operation, I guess they'd take you snorkelling if you wanted?. The water "inside" the natural harbour was a little murky while we were there but outside the visibility was very good.

Hi, I also do not know your chosen hotel but I can offer some information about snorkelling in ramena - above all, its quality is very much dependent if you will be there in trade winds season.

I have been to Madagascar in June/July 2010 and put a very detailed trip report on the internet where you may find details about snorkelling in and near Ramena - if interested check it out at.. my site .

Have a nice trip.

Vaclav--
Your detailed blog is extremely helpful--thank you very much for sharing the information.
We will be there at end June/early July, so it sounds like the trade winds will not make for good snorkelling, except perhaps for the north beach at Ramena. How cold would the water be at that time?

Too bad, you will be there in the same time as myself and so snorkelling outside of the bay will be likely impossible. But you may still want to take a walk to the Three Bays - it is a nice trip. Water in the bay was reasonably warm, not as good as say Thailand but OK - yet, the coral garden next the Ramena beach is so small that you will see it all before getting cold.

Have fun.

I know this is a few days late but I'd also go with Chez Bruno in Ramena - great pizzas and a nice pool. Best stay in the town, its small and transport isn't the best. Dainel at Madascaph dive centre is also very helpful and knows all the good dive sites around. The beach immediately in from of Ramena isn't great for snorkeling its mainly seagrass beds, there are some good sites not far out.

When at the beach you'll notice a lighthouse type building out in the bay, weather permitting the snorkeling can be great around there. there is a half sunk wreck wish is great in the right light. hire a local boatman to take you there or talk to the dive centre.