The water around the Banana Islands is warm, clear, and largely undisturbed by commercial activity. Visibility is best during the dry season (November to April), when there is little river runoff to cloud the sea. The coral and marine life around the islands' rocky flanks and shallow reefs make for rewarding snorkelling — you might encounter small reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional rays. Equipment is not available on the islands; bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins from Freetown. The pirogue operators who ferry visitors from Kent village are often willing to take snorkellers to the better spots around the island's uninhabited southern flanks.