The Masoala peninsular is one of the largest and most diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar and probably contains the largest number of unclassified species. Masoala also includes three marine reserves, designed to protect the peninsula's coral reef systems. Humpback whales use the nearby Bay of Antongil for calving and can be seen from the park's coastline. The park forests abound with chameleons and geckos, as well as several previously undiscovered species of butterfly and fish.