Scuba diving in Seychelles: what you need to know

Voyage aux Seychelles

The Seychelles is a perfect destination for scuba diving, both for beginners and experts. With a wide variety of sites around its many islands, you will have so much to discover in the waters of the archipelago. Below you will find the information you will need to consider when it comes to diving in Seychelles.

The best time for scuba diving in Seychelles

The proximity to the equator makes the warm waters of the Seychelles Islands an ideal destination for diving all year round. Different seasons offer different experiences for divers who do a trip to Seychelles. During the months of June, July and August, the archipelago experiences the monsoon which drops the temperature to 25°C. The colder water is then filled with plankton which reduces underwater visibility for divers. However, plankton attracts certain species, particularly whales. These months represent the best time to admire these large sea monsters.

The period from November to May is considered by many vacationers to be the best for diving. Indeed, the climate is hot and humid and the water is very clear, which allows you to benefit from visibility of up to thirty meters. The months of December, January and February are marked by heavy rains, but the sea remains calm. Opt for Marco Vasco Seychelles to live a great travel experience in this fabulous destination.

General overview of the diving experience in the Seychelles archipelago

The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands which seduce visitors, among other things, with their turquoise waters. Around forty granite islands make up the Inner Islands. While the Outer Islands are made up of 74 coral atolls as well as magnificent cays. Which offers divers virtually unlimited exploration experiences.

Since the archipelago lies mainly outside the cyclone zone, the Seychelles does not experience extreme climate changes. The sea is quite calm from November to May. June to October is the coolest period, characterized by stronger winds making the sea rougher and therefore more difficult for diving. Furthermore, the water temperature varies between 25°C and 29°C, with July being the coolest.

The best sites for divers

The best sites for diving are generally located near the three main inland islands which are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. These sites are easily accessible by boat. Here are two examples of the most popular places in the archipelago for divers:

  • The small island

Small granite islet off the coast of Mahé, the Ilot offers a maximum depth of nearly thirty meters. The underwater world is home to rich flora and fauna. The granite walls are covered with corals. You will frequently encounter reef sharks and rays. In the numerous caves and crevices which line the coasts of the island, you will see moray eels and octopuses.

  • La Baie Ternay Marine National Park

Accessible by boat from Beau Vallon (Mahé), this marine park offers warm waters all year round with a depth of around twenty meters. This site is marked by a beautiful underwater topography as well as a fauna of unequaled richness.