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There are dive sites surrounding the
island however the most diveable areas lie along the west coast due to
consistently good sea and weather conditions. Diving off the south east
corner is also possible although over winter (May to September) sea
conditions may not allow divers to leave the shallow reefs for more exciting
sites. Currently the only marine park is situated in Blue Bay in the south
east. With over 100 dive sites there is plenty of choice for beginner and
advanced levels, ranging in depth from 7m to over 45m and covering reefs,
walls and wrecks.
Blue Bay Marine Park, south
east:
Although this is a protected marine park, small scale fishing is still done
by locals around the fringes. However the designation has allowed this area
to thrive with many varieties of corals, including huge Brain corals,
Staghorn corals and Cabbage corals. There is also a wide range of fish
species including Damselfish, Butterfly fish, Surgeonfish and juvenile
Sailfin tangs. Large Trumpet fish are also found as well as tiny pipefish.
This is a peaceful dive, more about relaxing rather than adventure.
Pass St. Jacques, south west (Depth: 15 to 25 metres): A
drift dive beginning at 15 metres and descending down a wall to 25 metres.
The main attraction here is the chance of seeing pelagic game fish such as
Kingfish or Tuna, Eagle rays and Black tip sharks.
Cathedral, west (Depth: 22 to 27 metres):
This dive takes place on the drop off, beginning at 18m at the top of a rock
formation that drops steeply along two connecting cliffs to a depth of 27m.
The bottom is sandy and barren however the walls of the chamber is teeming
with life, inhabiting the many cracks and crevices in the rock face. The
dive follows a chute into a higher chamber with large quantities of crayfish
and shrimps, and culminates in a huge cave which is open at the rear. A huge
Giant moray lives at the back of one of the overhangs. Due to the filtering
light entering through a crack in the ceiling, it feels like you are in a
high-vaulted cathedral. Generally the water in the cavern is calm although
you may feel a sucking surge as you travel up the chute.
L'Eveille, west (Depth: 27 to 30 metres):
Descending over a wall, there are two distinguishing feature of this site:
one is the stepped terraces making up the reef and the second is a
concentration of anemones and Mauritian anemone fish. Shoals of Lunar and
Blue and gold fusiliers decorate the site.
Rempart Serpent, west (Depth: 25 metres):
This site resembles a large snake moving across the sand, hence the name! It
is home to a comprehensive range of tropical fish however it is the number
and varieties of stonefish, scorpion fish, lionfish and moray eels that make
it special. These include: Humpbacked or Devil scorpion fish, Bearded and
Weedy scorpion fish, Decoy scorpion fish, Mauritius scorpion fish, Indian
lionfish, Clearfin lionfish, Ocellated dwarf lionfish, Leaf fish, Indian
waspish, Common stonefish, Yellow-mouth and Yellow-edged moray eels to name
but a few.
Stella Maru, north west (Depth: 26 metres):
Many of the wrecks around Mauritius are deliberately sunk artificial reefs -
but don't that put you off! Just because these vessels did not sink through
more 'natural' causes does not negate their diving enjoyment. The Stella
Maru was sunk in December 1987 and lies upright on a sand bottom, next to a
rocky reef. There is remarkably little sea growth on the wreck apart from
algae, small soft corals and other marine organisms such as anemones and sea
urchins. The real attraction lies in the spectacular sight of the ship lying
virtually intact on the ocean floor - few can deny the sense of drama felt
when seeing a wreck looming ahead as you descend into the depths! Angler
fish and large stonefish are relatively common on the wreck and a large
green moray has made its home here.
Water Lily and Emily, north west (Depth: 26 metres):
Two barges, Water Lily and Emily, lie about 30 metres apart, both scuttled
to make artificial reefs. A wide variety of fish life can be seen on both
and a number of eels have made their homes in different corners of the
wrecks, including a rather friendly Yellow-mouthed moray in the tyres lying
in the sand nearby who likes to be stroked under the chin (please note that
whilst touching marine life is not advisable, follow the lead from the dive
guide: do not attempt to touch wildlife on your own!). One feature of this
site is the number of Raggy and Tasselled scorpion fish present.
Lost Anchor and Holt's Rock, north west (Depth: 18 to 31 metres):
These dive sites can be explored separately or (as we did them), starting at
Lost Anchor and drifting over to the shallower Holt's Rock for some off-gassing.
Lost Anchor comprises a small reef patch with a hole containing a 17th
Century anchor, the origin of which remains a mystery. The dive site has
many hard and soft corals, and gorgonians including picturesque sea fans.
Holt's Rock (also known as Boulders) is made up of huge basalt rocks of
volcanic origin. Between the rocks marine life thrives in the cracks, caves,
tunnels and crevices. Crayfish are a common resident as well as a wide
variety of Porcupine fish and Bigeye emperor fish. Giant moray eels are seen
on most dives.
Seasonal Visitors
There is a migratory Humpback whale route along the west coast and the
season is April and May for sightings. The diving off Mauritius may not be
world-class but it is enjoyable nonetheless, and certainly makes for a
complete contrast to the big current diving off South Africa and Mozambique.
It is especially suitable for mixed-abilities groups and beginners, divers
travelling with non-divers, or if you simply want to chill out in beautiful
surroundings and get a few dives in.
In 2007 the 11th CMAS World
Underwater Photography Competition was held in Mauritius, testament to the
marine diversity and consistent conditions found here (featured in August
2007 Diver magazine).
WATER CONDITIONS: Visibility averages
20+ metres. Water temperature ranges from 22oC - 29oC.
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