Diving & Snorkeling

Diving and Snorkelling in the Seychelles

Perhaps one of the most alluring characteristics of the Seychelles is the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean which surround the islands. The stunning topography of expansive reefs, walls, drop offs, wrecks and canyons make for one of the most diverse marine environments around, teeming with both fish and coral life.

Coral bleaching

In 1998, the coral reefs of the Seychelles were affected by the El Nino Southern Oscillation. El Niño is one of the most important weather-producing phenomena on Earth. The changing ocean conditions disrupt weather patterns resulting in significant consequences for the surrounding coral and marine life.

The exact cause for this event is unknown. The warmer waters caused the coral to repel the bright algae from their tissues, thus causing them to take on a pale and white appearance (hence the commonly used term “coral bleaching”). The inner reefs around Seychelles were hit harder than the outer reefs, however the granitic nature of the reefs meant they were not as badly affected as first feared, and 11 years on from the event there has been a remarkable recovery and the diving generally remains excellent.

When to go scuba-diving in the Seychelles

With dive sites ranging in depth from 8m to 30m there are options for both beginners and experienced divers to enjoy. It is possible to dive and snorkel throughout the year in the Seychelles – however waters are calmest during the months of March, April and May and September, October and November. During these months visibility can reach a staggering 30m and with water temperatures reaching 29oc it makes for a very pleasant and relaxed diving experience. Months June, July and August, local dive Centers offer specific whale shark programmes, so the chance to snorkel or even dive with these magnificent creatures is very high.

Dive Sites

There are dozens of unique dive sites around each island and atoll and expert certified dive operators will take care of all the details. The crystal-clear waters of The Seychelles Island are home to more than 1,000 species of fish with an unmatched variety of color, size and shape. The smallest fish are often the most colorful and prefer the coral gardens and shallow depths of lagoons while larger species enjoy the bustle of life in the inlets and reef complexes and out in the open sea.