The coastal areas surrounding Oé-Cusse offer fantastic snorkelling and swimming opportunities, just waiting to be discovered. Explore the abundant marine life in the coral reefs of Pante Macassar by snorkelling. In this aquatic oasis, you will see numerous species of fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays. Oé-Cusse’s seagrass meadows are also home to a group of dugongs, cousins of the manatee. The other uncrowded beaches of Pante Macassar mean that these coral reefs will be yours to explore.

• Snorkelling gear can be hired at Oé-Cusse Amasat (Mahata beach area). +670 7723 2351

Pantai Mahata (Aosnak Beach) – This beach 2 km east of Pante Macassar, has a long stretch of coral just off the shoreline. Perfect for snorkelling, swimmers can see colourful varieties of fish and coral.

The palm tree-lined main beach of Pante Macassar is an excellent place to bask away on sunny days. Underwater, although mostly sandy, there is a small coral refuge near the main beach.  Located near the anchored boats, the coral there is home to many varieties of fish and is approximately 15 meters from shore.

A small town 40 km from Pante Macassar, Citrana has some of the most magnificent unspoiled beaches anywhere in Oé-Cusse. Known for its traditional fishermen, Citrana is a beautiful place to spend the day lazing on a deserted beach.

Possibly hosting the best coral formations and marine life in Oé-Cusse, Sakato Beach is approximately 15 minutes east by car or motorbike from Pante Macassar town. Situated near to the border with Indonesia, this popular beach has a large coral formation 50 meters straight offshore. A little further offshore are other coral formations, and intrepid swimmers are rewarded with kaleidoscopic reefs with hundreds of fish species.

If you fancy a day at the beach, kayaking or paddle boarding is a recommended activity. Paddle Boarding and Kayaking equipment can can be rented from the Oé-Cusse Amasat Bar/Cafe in Mahata Beach Area in Pante Macassar +670 7723 2351

Oé-Cusse is regarded as a global hotspot for whales and dolphins, which can be spotted year-round, but especially during the migration season, which runs from October to December. November is the perfect time to see Pilot and Baleen whales as they migrate past the Oé-Cusse shoreline.  Other whale species sighted include blue, orca, sperm, beaked, and melon-headed. Dolphins seen include common, bottle-nosed, spinners, spotted, Risso’s, rough-toothed and striped. Most mornings between 8-10 am pods of dolphins can also be seen playing in the shallows near the main beach of Pante Macassar.