Rolland

About this dive site

This dive site, Rolland, in Madagascar, is characterized by a dramatic drop-off leading to a deep plateau, the most interesting features starting at 35 meters. Navigation involves descending along the drop-off to reach the plateau, which stretches from 30 to 45 meters. The site's history and origin are unknown, but the exceptional scenery makes it a worthwhile destination for experienced divers.

The marine life is diverse, though the site is more celebrated for its scenery than abundant fish. Divers can expect to see jackfish, wahoo, barracuda, white tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, mobula rays, and giant humpback parrotfish. The plateau is particularly notable for its large gorgonian sea fans creating a stunning underwater landscape.

The best time to visit is likely during the dry season (April-November) when visibility is typically better and the seas are calmer. Divers should be very experienced to tackle depths of 35+ meters. Strong currents are possible, so proper planning, buoyancy control, and experience with deep diving are essential. This site is not suitable for snorkeling or freediving due to its depth and potentially strong currents.