Scuba Diving in Seychelles
Seychelles Diving Highlights
Seychelles offers some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. The Outer Islands consist of 74 coral atolls and reef islands. The three inner islands of Mah, Praslin and La Digue are where most of the tourism and scuba diving industry is located. Wreck dives are available in some areas, while wall dives, drop-off dives and drift diving opportunities might only be found on the islands to the south.
Intro to Seychelles
Seychelles is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa, northeast of Madagascar. The archipelago consists of 115 islands where you can find tropical, white sands, clear cerulean water, and great scuba diving. People have dubbed Seychelles as the honeymoon islands and the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. You'll definitely find something special when you visit Seychelles.
Diving Information
Seychelles Marine Life
Corals are abundant on the islands, atolls and coral islets of this marine protected area, and they attract marine life large and small. Around the inner reefs, you can expect to see angelfish, butterflyfish, octopus, lionfish, nudibranchs and mantis shrimp. Napoleon and humphead wrasses, schools of humphead parrotfish, stingrays, reef sharks and green and hawksbill turtles are common slightly further out. Around the outer islands, the more common creatures are sailfish, silvertip, oceanic whitetip and nurse sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. With some luck, you may even be able to see the occasional hammerhead shark!
Diving Conditions
- Water Temperature: Averages from a low of 28 C/83 F to a high of 30 C/86 F
- Visibility: Excellent, often over 30 metres/100 feet
- Depth Range: 8m to 30m (26 to 98 feet)
Dive Sites
Here are some of the best diving spots in Seychelles:
1. One Tree Island This is especially for divers focused on finding fish. The shallow site with generally good visibility, sits on a granite substrate, which is popular with moray eels and stingrays. Myriad reef fish and huge hump-head parrotfish are also a common sight. If youre observant, you might find the elusive ghost pipefish hanging upside down.
2. Trois Bancs When divers reach these three granite-based reefs, they drift over steep drop-offs, along vertical walls, under massive ledges and through small caves. The currents here can be strong, and they attract big pelagics, turtles and reef sharks. Whale sharks can also be found when they're in season.
3. North Island Its known for its fantastic coral reefs. Multiple pinnacles reach to the surface from a sandy bottom. The full cast of reef fish is fond of the site too, and divers regularly encounter whitetip reef sharks, stingrays and nurse sharks.
4. Napoleon This is one of the best dives off Alphonse Island. It is covered in beautiful soft corals and an incredible amount of fish life. You can also find great macro and manta rays here.
How To Get There
The only international gateway to Seychelles is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, near Victoria. Airlines including Air Seychelles, Condor, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, and Qatar Airways all fly into SEZ. Island-hopping flights between Mahé and Praslin are often offered by Air Seychelles.
How To Dive Seychelles
Both liveaboards and land-based diving can give you excellent options and offer diving that fit all skill levels of divers. Modern dive equipment rental and service facilities can be found at most dive centers in the Seychelles, but repair facilities for divers own gear may be limited.
Best Time To Dive
Diving is possible all year round but the best conditions are in April-May and October-November, when the seas are very calm. The water temperature can rise to 29C and offers excellent (up to 30 meters) visibility.
Topside & Non-Diving Activities
- Great beaches
- Watersports: windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing
- Land Sports: Golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, biking and hiking
- Excellent nightlife
- Visiting local markets, art galleries, shops, colonial Creole-style plantation houses, museums and botanical garden
Practical Information
- Currency: The local currency is Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
- Language: The three official languages in Seychelles are Creole, English and French. Many people also speak fluent Italian or German.
- Main Airport Code: SEZ
- Time Zone: UTC+4
- Electricity: 220-240 volts AC 50 Hz
