Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
you won't see anywhere else in Mauritius, and the density of fish life is astounding. The
underwater scenery is another pull, with a smorgasbord of canyons, arches and caves.
»
La Passe St François
Rodrigues' signature dive, La Passe St François is a kilometre-long channel teeming with tuna,
unicorn fish, groupers, turtles, rays and jacks (of the
Caranx ignobilis
variety) the size of a small car.
»
Le Canyon
This is a truly atmospheric dive site - you'll dive in a canyon that runs under the reef, with openings that
allow beams of sunlight to pass through.
»
La Basilique
If surreal scenery is what makes you tick, don't miss this dive - it is like exploring an underwater medi-
eval castle carved into the reef, full of galleries, faults and archways (but no coral).
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Karlanne
Another hot favourite, offering dense marine life and healthy coral formations, especially those of the
Acropora
and
Porites
genuses.
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La Grande Passe
Many dive instructors consider La Grande Passe to be one of the very best medium-depth reefs in
this area. To say it's fishy is an understatement, and you don't need to go below 20m to admire the full gamut of reef
species.
THE FIRST TIME
You've always fancied venturing underwater on scuba? Now's your chance. Mauritius, Réunion and the
Seychelles are perfect starting points for new divers, as the warm waters and shallow reefs are a forgiving training
environment. Most dive centres offer courses for beginners and employ experienced instructors.
Just about anyone in reasonably good health can sign up for an introductory dive (from €45), including chil-
dren aged eight and over. It typically takes place in shallow (3m to 5m) water and lasts about 30 minutes, escorted
by a divemaster.
If you choose to enrol in an open-water course, count on it taking about four days, including a few classroom
lectures and open-water training. Once you're certified, your C-card is valid permanently and recognised all over
the world.
Practicalities
Diving Conditions
Although Mauritius is diveable year-round, the most favourable periods are October to
December, March and April (January and February are peak months for cyclone activity).
During July and August, when the southeast trade winds are at their strongest, the seas are
too rough and murky for diving all along the east coast and around Rodrigues. Visibility is
heavily weather-dependent and thus varies a lot - from a low of 10m at certain sites at
certain periods of the year to 40m at others.
Current conditions vary a lot, from imperceptible to powerful. Water temperatures
range from a low of 22°C in August to a high of 28°C between December and February.