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The clear, lukewarm water around Mauritius and its intact exotic marine fauna and flora make the island one of the best destinations in the Indian Ocean for scuba diving. Compared to the Maldives or Seychelles, the marine ecosystem of Mauritius has not suffered from ocean warming and is thus thriving healthily. Read on to find about the best months to indulge in diving, the greatest spots around the island and what to expect.
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When to go diving?
The months of March, April, October, November and December are the best to dive. Warmer climate would mean seeing more aquatic animals.
North
The Stella Maru is a man-made reef found in the lagoon of Trou aux Biches. Originally a Japanese fishing boat of the same name, it was sunk in 1987 in order to allow marine life to thrive. Indeed, a variety of aquatic creatures can be found there: Nudibranchs, Giant Moray Eels, squids, sea anemones, urchins and Rippled Triggerfish.
Along with its extraordinary landscape, Coin de Mire, or Gunner’s Quoin is an island 8 kilometers from the North of Mauritius. It alone offers 11 amazing diving spots: Confetty Bay, Small Valley, Lost Anchor, The Wall, Three Caves, The Channel, Big Rocks, The Carpenters, The River, Stingray Bed and Djabeda – a Japanese fishing boat which sunk in 1998. About 34 meters below the surface, triggerfish, moray eels, leaf fish and lion-fish have claimed it as their home.
A spot often outside people’s comfort zone, the Shark’s Pit’s name speaks of itself. It is found in the surroundings of the Flat Island, about 11 kilometers from Cap Malheureux. This dive requires a lot of experience. 57 species of harmless sharks have been seen there, as well as shoals of tuna and mackerels.
Other noteworthy diving destinations are the Whale Rock, the Tube (especially for beginners, who can go for their first dive in Mauritius without being too scared), the Coral Garden, Lost City, Stenopus Reef, Holt’s Rock, Sleepers’ Cave and Waterlily.
South
A historical diving site, the HMS Sirius is a British battleship that sank in 1810 around Mahebourg. Stingrays, Eagle Rays and Blowfish are known to visit the wreck. Other great spots around Mahebourg are the Blue Bay Marine Park, the Roche Zozo, and the Colorado. The pass of St Jacques, in the south-west of Mauritius, deserves a visit as well.
East
La Passe du Puits at Belle Mare is a site experienced divers will love; the strong current provides an adventurous dive. Keep an eye out for Trevallies, Mahi Mahi, Fusiliers, Tuna, White-tip reef sharks, Elkhorn Coral, blue, yellow and red Gorgonian Fan, red algae and encrusting algae.
West
Located in the Le Morne lagoon (south-western coast), at about 28 meters from the surface of the sea, the Hoi Siong No. 6 is another fishing boat that was sunk in 2003. It is until today swarmed by Tang fish, Goatfish, Butterflyfish, Tuna and Barracudas. This place does not require any particular level of diving skill.
The Cathedral is an outstanding area in the vicinity of the lagoon of Flic en Flac. Advanced divers will thoroughly enjoy the underwater caves, home to lobsters, stonefish and even hammerhead sharks. One spot around Flic en Flac for divers of all levels is the Snake Reef, reference made to its oceanic floor covered in seaweed.
Two shipwrecks – Tug II and Kei Sei 113 – in the waters of Ile aux Bénitiers, in the south-west are equally great diving areas.
Whether you are looking for submarine fauna and flora to observe or a dive site of historical significance, Mauritius is bound to provide you with the best diving experiences you will ever live, with no less than 30 sites to explore. Also, be assured that all the scuba diving centers in Mauritius are members of the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).