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Why Dive in Mauritius?

Mauritius is surrounded by one of the world’s largest coral reef systems, with crystal-clear waters, volcanic drop-offs, and a variety of marine life. Whether you're new to diving or a seasoned PADI pro, the island offers versatile diving experiences, from shallow coral gardens to deep shipwreck explorations.

Top 5 Dive Sites in Mauritius

1. Cathedrale (West Coast, Flic-en-Flac)

  • One of the island’s most famous dive spots.

  • A dramatic underwater cavern with light shafts filtering through—home to batfish, barracuda, and groupers.

  • Recommended for intermediate to advanced divers.

2. Coin de Mire (North Coast)

  • Shallow coral gardens teeming with reef fish, eels, and colorful sponges.

  • Ideal for beginners and underwater photographers.

3. Stella Maru Wreck (Trou aux Biches)

  • A Japanese fishing boat intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.

  • Covered in corals and swarming with lionfish, nudibranchs, and moray eels.

4. Snake Reef (East Coast)

  • No snakes here! Just long ribbon eels and a vibrant reef system.

  • Less crowded and great visibility—perfect for relaxed drift diving.

5. Blue Bay Marine Park (South-East)

  • A protected zone with stunning coral gardens and calm conditions.

  • A great option for beginners and snorkeling/diving combo days.

What You’ll See Underwater

  • Turtles

  • Moray eels

  • Eagle rays

  • Reef sharks

  • Octopuses and nudibranchs

  • Vibrant coral species and tropical fish galore

 

Cultural and Travel Insights for Divers

  • Best time to dive: November to May for warm waters and best visibility.

  • Dive culture: Mauritius is known for relaxed, safety-conscious dive centers, often locally owned.

  • Languages spoken: English and French are widely used at dive schools.

  • Marine conservation: Respect protected areas like Blue Bay and avoid touching coral.

Recommended Dive Shops & Locations

North Coast:

  • Ocean Spirit Dive Center (Pereybere): Good for beginner PADI courses.

  • Sun Divers (Grand Baie): Daily boat dives and wreck options.

West Coast:

  • Tamarin Ocean Pro Divers: Known for access to Cathedrale and Dolphin Point.

  • Flic en Flac Dive Center: Friendly local guides and good equipment.

South & East:

  • Blue World Explorer: Great for Blue Bay Marine Park tours.

  • DiveSail Travel (Belle Mare): Full-day diving safaris available.

Book Your Dive Trip

  • Trip.com – Find and compare diving packages, accommodations near dive schools, and island tours.

  • Kiwi.com – Great for flexible travel into Mauritius, including gear-friendly baggage options.

Summary

Scuba diving in Mauritius offers everything from dramatic caves to colorful coral gardens, peaceful marine parks to historic wrecks. Whether you’re chasing turtles or photographing nudibranchs, Mauritius gives you easy access to unforgettable underwater adventures, all set in a laid-back island vibe.

FAQs

Q: Do I need certification to dive in Mauritius?
A: Many dive centers offer beginner “Discover Scuba” sessions without certification. For open water dives, PADI/SSI certification is required.

Q: What’s the best season for diving in Mauritius?
A: November–May has the best visibility and calmest sea conditions. June–October is cooler but still diveable.

Q: Are the dive sites suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, sites like Blue Bay, Coin de Mire, and Snake Reef are perfect for first-timers.

Q: Can I see sharks in Mauritius?
A: Reef sharks are occasionally seen, especially on deep dives, but they are not aggressive and sightings are rare.