A magnificent fringing reef, Sauwandarek is a diving spot accessible from the shore. A white sand beach separates the village from the turquoise waters. Children play in the waves of small waves. A traditional wooden pontoon that serves as a landing stage for tourists and villagers becomes a refuge for all kinds of aquatic animals. Below the surface, it’s an explosion of biodiversity, color and abundance that is only a few meters from the beach.

Whether in schools or alone, the pontoon shelters a multitude of fish. Tabular and soft corals colonized the piles of the landing stage. In perfect harmony, wildlife gently reclaims its rights over human constructs. The extremely diverse fringing reef is the perfect example of a very healthy, thriving coral biotope. Corals of all kinds are home to dense clouds of glass- fish.

Some green turtles (Chélonia mydas) graze peacefully on the tiny algae growing in the middle of coral colonies. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) attack sponges and jellyfish that wander in these fishy waters. A few meters away, escorted by its loyal bright yellow jackfish, a giant cod (Eupinéfreus lancerais) around two meters in length rests in one of the many crevices of the reef. A few tens of meters further north, a giant clam, whose lips are adorned with a coat of magnificent colors, commands respect by its mere presence