Mauritius is a top destination for scuba diving, offering warm waters (70°F–86°F), over 430 marine species, and 200 coral types. Key highlights include:
- Best Dive Times: October–December and March–April for clear waters and vibrant marine life.
- Top Dive Spots:
- Blue Bay Marine Park: Ideal for beginners with shallow depths and great visibility.
- Cathedral: Advanced divers can explore caves and arches up to 98 feet deep.
- Shipwrecks: Historic wrecks like Stella Maru and KT Mawar attract diverse marine life.
- Marine Life: Spot angelfish, lionfish, reef sharks, and rare species like Zebra Barred Tang.
- Diving Costs:
- Single dives: ~$38–$47
- Equipment rentals: ~$7/day
- PADI courses: ~$410–$645
- Dive Centers: Certified options like Bigorno Diving Center and Pro Dive Mauritius cater to all skill levels.
Plan your trip with safety in mind, stay near dive centers, and explore Mauritius’s underwater beauty year-round.
Best Dive Sites
Blue Bay Marine Park
Blue Bay Marine Park, established in 1997, covers 353 hectares along Mauritius’s southeast coast. Its crystal-clear waters host over 50 coral species and more than 70 types of fish, making it a dream for underwater photographers [5]. With lagoon depths ranging from 3 to 16 feet, it’s ideal for beginners and snorkelers. Visibility often exceeds 130 feet, offering incredible views of parrotfish, angelfish, and even the occasional sea turtle [1].
Cathedral
Cathedral, located off the coast of Flic en Flac, is one of the most dramatic diving spots in Mauritius. Designed for advanced divers, it features caves and arches that extend to a maximum depth of around 98 feet [7]. Most dives here start at about 65 feet, where the main cavern system begins. Divers need certification, experience with deep dives, and comfort navigating moderate currents to explore this site safely.
More Popular Sites
Mauritius offers a variety of other dive locations, each with its own unique appeal:
| Site Name | Location | Depth (ft) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquarium | Trou aux Biches | 16–65 | Tropical fish, soft corals [6] |
| Stenopus Reef | Trou aux Biches | 49–82 | Rock formations, diverse coral [6] |
| The Caravelle | Trou aux Biches | 65–98 | Historic shipwreck [6] |
In the north and northwest, wreck dives reveal sunken ships transformed into thriving artificial reefs [4]. The west and southwest coasts are known for dolphin encounters and colorful coral gardens [4]. For a real challenge, advanced divers can head to Round Island’s Blinders, where the Blanc Rouge wall plunges to 210 feet. This dive requires certification and specialized gear [4].
Pro Tip: Many dive centers operate within specific regions to cut down on travel time and fuel expenses [2]. Staying close to your chosen dive sites can help you spend more time underwater and less time commuting.
Sea Life and Underwater Features
Coral Reefs and Fish Species
The waters around Mauritius are teeming with marine life, showcasing vibrant coral reefs that are home to a wide variety of fish. These reefs are a colorful spectacle and shelter many species found only in this region. Some commonly spotted fish include:
| Fish Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Reef Dwellers | Angelfish, Butterfly Fish, Parrotfish |
| Predators | Lionfish, Scorpionfish, Gray Reef Sharks |
| Unique Species | Peacock Flounder, Mantis Shrimp, Striped Eel Catfish |
| Large Pelagics | Marlin, Trevally |
In addition to natural reefs, Mauritius’s waters are dotted with historic shipwrecks that have become thriving marine habitats.
Diving Shipwrecks
While the coral reefs are captivating, the shipwrecks around Mauritius offer a different kind of underwater adventure. Over 480 shipwrecks from the past four centuries [11] lie in these waters, creating new ecosystems and providing unforgettable diving experiences [9]. Some of the standout wrecks include:
KT Mawar: Sunk in 2018 near Trou-aux-Biches, this wreck lies at depths of 46 to 82 feet [9]. It is now covered in pink soft corals and inhabited by Candy Crabs [10].
Stella Maru: A Japanese trawler intentionally sunk in 1987 by the Mauritius Conservation Society [11], this wreck sits upright at 85 feet [10]. It’s a hotspot for large schools of blue-banded snappers and giant morays [11].
"The best of all dive worlds collide in Mauritius, where wrecks adorned in corals host macro and pelagic life in a riotous party." – Michelle Attard [9]
Special Marine Life Sightings
Mauritius’s underwater world also offers a chance to see rare marine creatures. Divers might spot the Zebra Barred Tang, one of the rarest surgeonfish species, alongside Jewelled Wrasse and the endemic Pelicieri Wrasse [12]. At Coin de Mire, encounters with octopuses, scorpionfish, and stonefish are common, while barracudas, dolphins, and stingrays make occasional appearances [8]. Thanks to a coral barrier that protects coastal waters, shark attacks are rare, though smaller reef sharks can still be spotted [13].
Diving in Mauritius – Cathedral Dive
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Dive Schools and Tours
Take your diving experience to the next level with expert-guided instruction and organized tours that showcase Mauritius’s stunning underwater world.
Top Dive Centers in Mauritius
Mauritius is home to several internationally certified dive centers, strategically located across the island:
- Bigorno Diving Center: A PADI 5-Star facility in Trou aux Biches with over seven years of experience. They offer equipment rentals and specialized training for divers with disabilities [14].
- Blues Diving: Situated on the East Coast, this 5-Star PADI center prioritizes safe diving and promotes eco-conscious practices [15].
- Pro Dive Mauritius: Located near Trou aux Biches on the northwest coast, they provide both SSI and PADI certifications and offer convenient free pickup services from nearby areas [16].
These centers make it easy to get PADI-certified, catering to divers of all skill levels.
How to Get PADI Certified
Getting your PADI certification in Mauritius is straightforward. Many dive centers offer e-learning options, allowing you to complete the theory portion online before you arrive [18]. Here’s a breakdown of the current certification costs:
| Certification Level | Cost (MUR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Scuba Diver | 18,500 | ~$410 |
| Open Water | 29,000 | ~$645 |
| Advanced Open Water | 26,000 | ~$580 |
| Rescue Diver | 29,000 | ~$645 |
Crystal Divers Mauritius, recognized as a PADI 5* IDC Center in 2020, is also the only PADI Green Star Award center on the island. They are known for their high standards and eco-friendly dive instruction.
Types of Diving Trips
Mauritius boasts around 30 notable dive sites, with depths reaching up to 130 feet [17]. Dive tours cater to all levels of experience, including:
- Beginner Dives: Explore shallow reefs in calm, protected areas – ideal for first-timers.
- Advanced Dives: Take on deep-sea adventures or drift dives designed for certified divers [1].
- Specialty Dives: Experience the thrill of night diving or explore underwater wrecks [17].
To make the most of your trip, stay close to your chosen dive center. Most operators provide packages that include equipment, boat transfers, refreshments, and expert guidance.
Planning Your Dive
Now that you’ve looked into dive sites and marine life, it’s time to focus on the key details to make your Mauritius diving trip smooth and enjoyable.
Equipment and Prices
Certified dive centers in Mauritius offer affordable rental options. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Bluewater Diving Centre rents a full set of gear for about $7/day.
- Individual items like stabilizing jackets and regulators are roughly $3 each.
- Diving computers cost around $9/day, and action cameras are available for $22/day [20].
If you’re considering dive packages, here’s what you can expect:
| Package Type | Cost (USD) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Single Dive (Certified) | $38 | Equipment and guide |
| Single Dive (Beginner) | $47 | Training with equipment |
| Full Day Safari (2 dives) | $115 | Transport, lunch, and drinks |
| Private Boat (10 people) | $710 | Exclusive vessel use |
For better value, consider booking multi-dive packages. For example, Dodo Divers offers a 10-dive package for $465 (21,000 MUR), which saves you about 16% compared to booking single dives [19].
Once you’ve sorted your gear and chosen a package, remember to plan carefully and focus on safety to make the most of your underwater adventure.
Safety Rules
Staying safe is crucial when diving. Follow the MSDA guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience [3]:
- Complete a medical questionnaire before diving.
- Perform buddy checks before each dive.
- Stick to your certification depth limits.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before diving.
"Scuba diving is thrilling, but safety comes first – especially at MyBase Diving Mauritius, where we prioritize your well-being." [21]
Getting to Dive Spots
Top dive spots like Blue Bay Marine Park and Cathedral are accessible from hubs such as Grand-Baie and Flic en Flac. Here are some transportation options:
- Airport transfers start at $39 one-way for small groups.
- Daily taxi tours cost around $220 for eight hours.
- Dive centers like Dodo Divers often provide free pickups in northern coastal areas [19].
- For budget-friendly travel, public buses connect various dive sites [1].
With everything planned – from equipment to transportation – you’re all set to dive into the stunning waters of Mauritius!
Conclusion
Quick Planning Guide
Mauritius offers incredible diving opportunities year-round, but each season has its own perks and challenges:
| Season | Highlights | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Nov–Apr) | Clear waters and abundant marine life | Cyclone season and higher costs |
| Winter (May–Jul) | Calm seas | Cooler water and fewer marine species |
| Shoulder (Aug–Nov) | Lower prices | Weather can be unpredictable |
To make the most of your trip:
- Stay close to your preferred dive center for easy access.
- Consider renting a car to explore multiple dive sites.
- Pack a 3mm wetsuit for summer or a 5mm wetsuit for winter diving [8].
Get your gear ready and prepare for an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.
Start Your Diving Journey
Once your plans are set, it’s time to explore Mauritius’s stunning underwater world. The island offers a range of experiences for all divers, from beginners to pros.
Reserve your spot early with MSDA-affiliated dive centers to ensure availability. Whether it’s the colorful coral gardens at Blue Bay Marine Park or the dramatic underwater landscapes of Cathedral, Mauritius delivers a diving experience like no other – combining breathtaking marine life with top-notch diving facilities.
