SCUBA DIVING SEYCHELLES
This article is meant to be all the information you will need for scuba diving Seychelles! There’s a myriad of countries that are worth at least one visit, but the Seychelles are worthy of dozens.
SEYCHELLES DIVING
Everything about this tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean just screams delight – from the climate, barely touched nature, flora and fauna, unique and interesting culture, to the fascinating depths of the ocean.
Its warm waters are host to remarkable types of marine life, underwater sights that aren’t easily forgotten – like peculiar coral reefs – and even sunken ships from a bygone era.
Going to the Seychelles is one things but getting to the scuba diving locations is another. Thankfully, scuba diving Seychelles locations are easily reached from the many islands, and a good number of them are near the three main inner islands.
There are several dive schools that organize dive trips throughout the whole year, and there are plenty of places to dive.
DIVE LOCATIONS
| Around Mahé |
L’ilot
To the north-eastern end of the Beau Vallon bay is the tiny islet of L’ilot. It’s an incredibly small granite island which has two coconut trees on top of it, and hosts a wealth of marine life in the surrounding waters.
Its maximum depth is 30m, and is an ideal night dive if the weather conditions are right. Its walls are covered in coral and it’s possible to find crayfish in them. The islet is teeming with all kinds of flora and fauna and is a popular choice for divers.
Wrecks around Mahé
Sunken ships are a popular diving attraction, and there are four such fantastic sites around Mahé – all equally interesting. The four are The Twin Barges, the Dredger, and the Aldebaran. The ships were sunk for diving purposes and that’s why the three wrecks are quickly reached by a boat ride – fifteen minutes with a boat from Beau Vallon.
Marine life is teeming is every place, and the Aldebaran is considered the most intact. However, its maximum depth is 40m and is considered a dive for more advanced divers.
Brissare rocks
Another tiny site, Brissare rocks is a pure delight to dive in, because the marine life there is unmatched. There are lots of rays to see, alongside many types of turtles, and even nurse sharks. Brissare rocks is a must-see site, but it’s an isolated spot for strong currents.
Make sure to avoid touching the fire coral in the area, that while beautiful, can sting if not careful. It’s 5k north of Mahé and is reachable by boat.
Baie Ternay Marine Park
A spectacular site located near the island, this site offers an option for divers of all experience levels. It’s available throughout the whole year, and it’s easily reached by boat from Beau Vallon. It has warm temperatures and a depth of 23m, and it features a reef with corals of outstanding quality, and plenty of colorful fish alongside seahorses, morays, octopi, and hawksbill turtles.
In the deeper areas you can sometimes find groupers, sharks, and the seasonal whale sharks, so to say that Baie Ternay Marine Park is a must-see is an understatement.
Chuckles Rocks
Located on the northern end of Beau Vallon Bay, this site is considered among the best on Mahé. Boasting warm waters all year round, the best months for diving here is April – May, and October – November.
Chuckles Rocks features a single granite massif deeply cut with gullies with an adjacent granite boulder field, and the rocks are heavily encrusted with soft and fan corals. All kinds of fauna populate this site, like scorpion fish, the Seychelle clownfish, eels, morays, lobsters, and even the seasonal whale sharks from August to October.
Thérèse Island
Located off the west coast of Mahé, this site is recommended for advanced divers only. It has a depth of 20m but currents are always present, making it difficult for beginners to dive. Generally considered a challenge, this site consists of granite reef and coral formations, and a warm temperature of around 29°C (84°F).
Occasionally, the current picks up schooling pelagic, stingrays, and reef sharks, making this site a peculiar diving choice.
| Around Praslin |
St. Pierre
The perfect beginner’s spot, because this is the most likely location you’ll be taken to if you want to learn scuba diving. The two diving schools Octopus and White Tip organize diving trips to this location by boat, and it’s just a couple of minutes ride.
It has a maximum depth of 10m, and while it is beginner friendly, experienced divers might want to visit, because the spot is beautiful nonetheless. As everywhere with the Seychelles, marine life is everywhere, and turtles and reef sharks make a regular appearance.
South Marianne Island
Without a doubt the most beautiful diving spot from Praslin, South Marianne Island is an advanced dive site that has a maximum depth of around 25m, and is not that easy to navigate in. The underwater topography is extraordinary – with underground pinnacles to swim through and huge rock foundations adorning the spot, it makes for a wonderful diving experience.
White Bank
An interesting diving spot near Praslin, White Bank is well suited for beginners. It’s reachable for several locations by boat, such as Baie Sante Anne, La Digue, and Anse Volbert, White Bank offers a calm diving experience with warm waters and high visibility – up to 30m – while it’s average depth is 20m.
Divers can explore some impressive granite rocks and coral covered reefs that just teem with marine life. A plethora of colorful fish can be found here, like the bat fish, parrotfish, napoleon wrasses, as well as turtles, reef sharks, and stings.
Aldabra
One of the most important sites in the Seychelles in general, Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected natural reserve. It’s the world largest raised coral that’s been described as ‘one of the wonders of the world’ by Sir David Attenborough.
Because of its remoteness, it’s been largely untouched by man, and it sports a practically unmatched amount of marine life. From endangered green turtles and Hawksbill, to the now-returning Dugongs, Aldabra has plenty to offer in underwater fauna.
SEYCHELLES TRAVEL INFO
The Seychelles are among the top 10 diving destinations in the world and offer a true year round diving opportunity. The waters are warm and clear, visibility is excellent, and is perfect spot for many photo and video opportunities.
All kinds of people from various parts of the world embark on diving adventures on this tiny, but wondrous island nation, and few have returned unsatisfied.
It may not be the honeymoon destination its neighbor the Maldives is, but any and every chance to visit the Seychelles guarantees a time well spent, especially for diving and snorkeling.
GEOGRAPHY INFO
Seychelles is simply paradise with 115 granite and coral islands scattered in the Indian Ocean. With the total area of 459 km (177 sq mi) and roughly 94,228 in population, it has a larger population than Saint Helena, one of the British overseas territories.
Diving and Snorkeling is very popular here. White-sand beaches, spectacular coral reefs, and wildlife. This place will literally leave you speechless.
Capital city of Seychelles: Victoria
Closest neighbors to Seychelles: Its closest neighbors include the Islands of Zanzibar, Madagascar, Mayotte, Comoros, Mauritius, and Maldives.
Best times to visit Seychelles: April to May is the best time to travel because you’ll experience warm and mild weather and lower hotel rates. June to September crowds is beginning to arrive and December to March humidity level goes up.
How to get to Seychelles: There’s a flight from New York, Houston, and Los Angeles to Mahe. No direct flights from Europe, one has to route to Doha or Abu Dhabi.
Visa requirements for Seychelles: No visa required, a passport and a return ticket is needed and at least 150 USD per day to show them.
Currency of Seychelles: The currency is Seychellois Rupee.
Official Language of Seychelles: The official languages are English, French, and Creole.
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Seychelles
There are 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seychelles and 2 on their tentative list.
